News about Canada

The cherry breeding program at the Canadian Vineland station continues to yield excellent results

Breeding

15 Oct 2026

In Canada, Vineland's sweet cherry breeding program presents five selections, including Prism®. Fruit up to 30 mm in diameter, early ripening, self-fertility and resistance to rain cracking highlight the key traits of these new cherry varieties for Canadian growers.

Prism®: a new early-ripening Canadian cherry variety

Varieties

15 Oct 2026

Developed in Canada by the University of Guelph, Prism® is a new early-ripening, self-fertile cherry variety. Its fruit can reach 32 mm, harvesting starts 10 days before Bing, and it offers good rain-cracking tolerance and up to six weeks of modified-atmosphere storage.

The agreement on the Staccato variety brings new investment for the development of cherry cultivation in Canada

Varieties

18 Sep 2026

Canada and the US settle the dispute over Staccato® cherries. Monson Fruit Company will pay past and future royalties, stop propagating new Staccato® trees through 2029 and refrain from exporting fruit outside the US through 2032, ending a six-year long legal battle.

An interesting idea to diversify the markets for Canadian cherries abroad... and at home.

Markets

10 Aug 2026

British Columbia cherries are expanding across the United States, Asia and the Middle East through premium quality, late-season varieties and export strategies. Global Fruit is targeting greater diversification as Canadian growers face climate risks, competition and changing mark

Canadian Cherry Month is in full swing, from 15 July to 15 August

Consumption

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.

Thanks to the lack of weather-related problems, Canada is set for a bumper cherry harvest

Production

02 Jul 2026

British Columbia’s Canadian cherry growers expect one of their strongest 2026 harvests in recent years. Larger fruit, higher Brix levels, new varieties and solid export demand strengthen Canada’s position in premium cherry markets across Europe and Asia, too.

Red and blue LEDs during storage: effects on quality, color, and bioactive compounds in ‘Carmine Jewel’ sour cherries

Post-harvest​

18 Jun 2026

A Canadian study on Carmine Jewel sour cherries highlights how red and blue LEDs affect postharvest storage, increasing polyphenols, anthocyanins and vitamin C, improving fruit color and nutritional value for the fresh market, while weight loss remains a key factor to manage.

Star Produce will be offering Canadian cherries from June to September

Production

08 Jun 2026

Star Produce will bring Just Picked British Columbia cherries to North America, Asia and Europe from late June. Supported by spring crop recovery, the season is set to deliver larger sizes, premium quality, solid export demand and higher volumes than the past two years.

Irrigation and soil management in sweet cherry: towards more efficient and resilient systems

Tech management

31 Mar 2026

A Canadian study explores how drip and micro-sprinkler irrigation interact with compost and mulching in cherry orchards. Findings highlight impacts on soil moisture, tree growth and yield, providing guidance to manage water stress and improve productivity.

New genomic technologies serving the Canadian cherry breeding programme

Breeding

05 Mar 2026

British Columbia produces over 90% of Canada’s cherries and is investing in genomics to tackle extreme weather and global market pressures. New technologies aim to shorten breeding cycles, improve climate resilience, and strengthen competitiveness and the regional economy.