California: lots of quantity and quality but the challenge is not to overlap with Washington

24 May 2024
1028

California is witnessing a large harvest of cherries. “It’s one of the largest harvests we’ve had in the industry. It’s also a high-quality crop,” says Joe Cataldo of J&M Farms and Delta Packing Co. of Lodi, California. “The problem is that much of it is compressed.”

Although the season is delayed by a few days, California growers are aware that Washington, the next key region for cherry production on the West Coast, is ahead of schedule. “So there’s a rush to get into the market before Washington starts producing, which usually reduces the value of the crop,” he explains.

While some light harvests began at the end of April, the heavier harvests will start in the Lodi region at the end of this week and are expected to continue until around June 14.

As for demand, the environment is difficult right now, says Cataldo. “Cherries are still somewhat of a luxury item, and we’re in an economy where people are careful with their money,” he says. “The demand is there, and retailers are really aggressive and excited about cherries. The problem is that the prices are not fair for the growers. It’s getting to the point where it might not be sustainable for growers after Memorial Day.”

Memorial Day weekend is an important time for cherry production in the United States. However, growers continue to contend with the fact that prices have not increased, while labor costs have tripled. Growers are also producing better fruit.

Read the full article: FreshPlaza
Image: J&M Farms


Cherry Times - All rights reserved

What to read next

The role of yeasts in the life cycle of Drosophila suzukii

Crop protection

07 Oct 2024

Drosophila melanogaster is linked to Saccharomyces cerevisiae, the yeast commonly used in bread-making, and D. suzukii is linked to Pichia terricola, Pichia kluyveri and Hanseniaspora uvarum. Previous studies identified H. uvarum on both infested grape and raspberry fruits.

Increasing post-harvest quality and freshness with absorbent pads

Press review

21 Feb 2024

Karl Heggarty, Sirane Group's Global Sales Director, points out that the effectiveness can be seen as soon as freshly washed cherries come into contact with the Pads, significantly reducing the formation of mould and minimising waste during transport.

In evidenza

Chilean cherry pickers reshape UK harvest with San Clemente's global model

Production

25 Aug 2025

Agrícola San Clemente expands its footprint in the UK with 120 skilled Chilean cherry pickers. Their precision and technical expertise boost cherry harvest quality in Kent, combining local production with global know-how in a model praised by British growers.

Nostalgia effect drives sales: boom for fresh cherries on Ocado

Markets

25 Aug 2025

Cherry flavour conquers Ocado: sales up 150% and searches up 72%. The 'retro' trend is also driving fresh fruit, favoured by a hot summer that brought excellent harvests of cherries, apricots, strawberries and new varieties such as plums and greengages.

Tag Popolari