The cherry industry currently faces headwinds in every fruit crop, including increases in labour and other input costs, growing competition in the global market, supply chain disruptions, inflation, development pressures and an ageing grower population.
A particular case of uncertainty is evident in the cherry sector, where price inconsistency, import pressure and weather-related crop losses create significant challenges. Sour cherry losses due to climate change and the limited geographical extent of the sector have become more frequent.
Lake Michigan, which once offered protection from extreme weather conditions, is no longer as reliable as in the past. Spring frosts have compromised crucial harvests, including an alarming period in 2020 and 2021, marking the first time in Michigan history with two consecutive low harvests.
Since 2012, cherry growers have had access to crop insurance to manage losses. However, the fluctuating size of harvests worries business, with the chairman of the Cherry Industry Administrative Board fearing the loss of price stabilisation mechanisms, especially after the dissolution of the CherrCo cooperative in 2018.
The lack of price stability worries buyers, with the chairman of the Cherry Industry Administrative Board warning that constantly fluctuating prices are not conducive to sales. The CherrCo cooperative, previously responsible for stabilising the price of frozen cherries, was dissolved in 2018, adding further uncertainty to the industry.
The decline in the size of the cherry industry is evident, with Michigan experiencing a decline in acres under cultivation and in the number of growers and processors. The reduction in processors complicates the situation for independent growers, who complain of a lack of pricing power.
Low-priced imports of cherry products from other countries have further aggravated the sector's difficulties. However, a recent finding revealed that import estimates may have been overestimated, although competition remains a significant problem.
Read the full article: Good Fruit Grower
22 Jul 2026
From July 15 to August 15, Canadian Cherry Month encourages shoppers to check labels, bags and store signs before buying Canadian sweet cherries. The BC Cherry Association campaign supports local growers and promotes the Flip & Share contest with weekly prizes available.
03 Jul 2024
The Laimburg research institute has launched the INSTINCT project, a pioneering initiative in the field of precision agriculture. INSTINCT focuses on the use of advanced technologies to optimise crop management and improve agricultural practices.
31 Jul 2026
An open-source, low-cost dendrometer system tracks trunk growth, water stress and irrigation needs in apple, sour cherry and peach orchards. Built on Arduino, it supports precise, sustainable water management and makes plant monitoring more accessible at commercial scale.
31 Jul 2026
Poland’s cherry season is delivering barely 50% of the 2025 record crop. Frost, drought, extreme heat and heavy imports are squeezing prices and sales, while growers rely on cold storage, premium quality and pick-your-own events to protect margins in a brutal market.
