A picturesque cherry orchard in California, exemplifying the beauty of the cherry harvest season.
California’s cherry production in 2025 faces unexpected challenges, with erratic weather and lower yields predicted. Popular varieties like Coral and Bing are set to see significant decreases, potentially causing delays in harvest and impacting Memorial Day festivities. Retailers are urged to adjust plans amid strong consumer demand while export opportunities remain uncertain due to tariffs and currency issues. As new cherry varieties emerge, both producers and consumers navigate the complexities of this year’s crop conditions.
As we greet spring in California, cherry lovers across the region may need to prepare themselves for a surprisingly unexpected season. This year, erratic weather patterns and two consecutive years of heavy production are leading to a cherry crop that is anticipated to be a bit lighter than usual, with harvest delays possibly impacting the traditional Memorial Day festivities.
In 2025, cherry production in California is predicted to fall below the norm, which has been around 9.8 million cartons in recent years. Specifically, it seems that the popular Coral variety may see its yield reduced by about 20-30% in the central San Joaquin Valley. The reports indicate farmers can expect only around 3 tonnes of fruit per acre, significantly down from last year’s impressive 5 tonnes.
The iconic Bing cherries are not faring much better, either. Poor bloom conditions have raised alarms; expectations are set at around 1 million cartons shipped this season—down from 2 million cartons the previous year. With both the Coral and Bing varieties facing lower expected production, overall shipments might struggle to even reach 8 million cartons.
So, when can we expect to see these cherries hitting the shelves? Early variety picking is slated to kick off around the end of April, with the Tioga cherry leading the charge. The industry anticipates a larger volume of cherries will come into play around the second week of May. However, there are growing concerns that peak cherry volumes may be delayed until the third week of May. This timing could throw a wrench in the plans for Memorial Day promotions, particularly for markets in regions like the Eastern and Midwestern United States.
Despite the anticipated drop in cherry production, the demand for this beloved fruit remains strong. However, with the lighter crop comes the likelihood of necessary pricing adjustments to cope with increased production costs. Retailers are being urged to plan timely promotions to keep consumer interest alive throughout the cherry season. After all, no one wants to miss out on enjoying cherries fresh from California!
Export opportunities, particularly to Asia, might be limited this year. Concerns over tariffs and fluctuating exchange rates—combined with a strong US dollar affecting shipping expenses—pose challenges for traders looking to send cherries overseas.
In light of these challenges, some producers, such as King Fresh Produce LLC, are taking proactive steps to ensure efficiency. They are implementing advanced packing technology to enhance production and make the most out of the expected lighter supply. Meanwhile, J&M Farms has reported that early varieties are encountering issues due to inconsistent blooming weather, potentially pushing the overall cherry season start back by about a week.
As the cherry industry evolves, new early cherry varieties are starting to emerge. While this might sound exciting, it could also lead to a bit of consumer confusion, especially when it comes to repeat purchases and maintaining market stability. With the cherry season expected to wrap up by mid-June and minimal overlap with cherries from the Pacific Northwest projected, cherry fans should keep an eye on their favorite varieties as the season unfolds.
In summary, the 2025 cherry crop in California is shaping up to be a fascinating blend of challenges and opportunities. As we step into cherry season, all eyes will be on the skies and the trees as farmers and consumers alike hope for a fruitful harvest!
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