Although the 2026 Northwest cherry crop fell slightly short of expectations, growers say they still harvested excellent-quality fruit. Early frosts, wind and rain reduced the crop to 18.2 million boxes, slightly below preseason estimates of nearly 19 million.
Combined production in the Northwest and California totalled 23.2 million boxes, well below the three-year average of 28 million boxes.
Industry experts say the 2026 cherry season was anything but predictable. Crop estimates changed throughout the season due to adverse weather conditions.
But by the end of the season, with the final figures tallied, 2026 marked a significant shift in West Coast supply. The smaller crop created a “very different supply environment” for the industry.
More Northwest cherries were also shipped early, with over 2.4 million boxes moved during the first two weeks of the season. In addition, 28.5% of this year’s total crop was exported, the lowest share recorded since 2022.
According to industry representatives, retailers need to bring promotions forward, keep displays consistently fresh and set prices that encourage sales while supporting growers.
Looking ahead to 2027, Northwest Cherries says the goal is to better align crop expectations, promotions and pricing to increase profits for local cherry growers.
Source: PNWAG
24 May 2024
Water availability influences cherry tree growth, yield and quality. The application of biostimulants results in the activation/regulation of metabolic pathways that influence processes that can improve production in both quantity and quality.
Post-harvest Quality Press review
29 Jan 2024
Every year an average of 2,207 tonnes of Central Otago cherries are discarded or not harvested due to imperfections. Eden Orchards, known for its juices, has experimented with individual freezing of cherries in an attempt to develop a commercially viable process.
29 Oct 2026
A recent study conducted in Chile investigated the germination potential of seeds from six commercial sweet cherry cultivars following exposure to environmental conditions representative of the export supply chain and the subsequent disposal of fruit in China.
29 Oct 2026
With an industry capable of exporting over 130 million crates, orchards continuing to reach full production and a potential labour shortage, the question is how to adapt the current business strategy.
