Chris Connell, SVP perishables North America at Commodity Forwarders, predicts a higher yield of larger fruit for export this year, with around 23 million 20lb boxes or 207,000 tonnes exported to Asia.
However, the quality of the crop was uneven, and foreign purchasers were less enthusiastic than expected. The dollar's strength and the escaping lockdowns in key Asian markets contributed to the price-sensitive nature of markets.
The Vietnamese market has continued to grow, while European retailers and importers have been buying more cherries from Turkey and Spain.
US cherry growers are now focusing more on the home market due to the more competitive international markets. Cathay Pacific raised the weekly freighter frequency to the Pacific northwest to meet extra loads, but there was no discernible increase in total freighter activity. Other US perishable exports, such as blueberry, also struggled this year due to quality issues.
Read the full article: The Load Star
Immagine: Good Fruit Growers
22 Jan 2026
At Hort Show 2026, experts and growers discussed the future of cherries through market insights, tech innovation and AI. From economic sustainability to mechanical harvesting, the second day focused on boosting profitability and resilience in U.S. cherry farming.
21 Jan 2025
Raúl Orellana highlights that “firmness and the green color of the stem are key attributes for Chinese consumers,” as a brown stem is perceived as a sign of loss of freshness.
06 Apr 2026
In Spain’s Ebro Valley, early cherry harvest will start on April 15. Covered crops show resilience despite unstable weather, while uncertainty remains for mid and late varieties due to rain and wind during flowering.
06 Apr 2026
The new Cheery Glow cherry developed in Chile combines early harvest, high quality and low chill requirements. Earlier than Santina and with strong postharvest performance, it opens new commercial opportunities and supports market diversification worldwide.
