News about United-States

Northwest Cherries: a drop in production is expected due to the mild winter and spring frosts

Production

07 May 2026

The 2026 cherry season in the Pacific Northwest starts with forecasts between 19.5 and 21.5 million boxes. Lower output than the 2025 record, an early harvest and closer coordination with California define a key phase for the USA cherry market trends.

Freshshoring: Chilean cherries across China, Brazil, Asia and Europe

Markets

07 May 2026

Freshshoring is reshaping global fresh fruit: from Chilean cherries in China and Brazil to trade corridors linking Mexico, the United States, the Mediterranean, Europe and Asia, proximity becomes a lever to reduce logistics risks, protect margins and grow.

California cherry growers are assessing the damage caused by the storm

Production

05 May 2026

In Fresno County, California, this week’s storm affected cherry and almond orchards, forcing growers to act quickly. Helicopters were used to dry cherry trees, while hail, wind and fungal disease risks are raising concern over crop quality and harvests this spring.

Stemilt signs an agreement to grow the extra-late KIR varieties

Varieties

21 Apr 2026

Stemilt has signed an agreement with Brandt’s Fruit Trees and LFP to grow KIR cherries, late and ultra-late varieties bred in Germany, aiming to extend the commercial season through September and enhance the quality of premium cherry supply in the United States market.

What added value do new technologies offer cherry growers?

Tech management

09 Apr 2026

At the IFTA conference in California, new technologies for cherry and stone fruit orchards highlight benefits and limits. From automation and planar systems to growth regulators, growers assess costs, yields and sustainability to improve quality and market competitiveness.

A sweet success: the story behind the chocolate-covered cherries

Processed

02 Apr 2026

The story of Tibbenham Chocolates in West Virginia shows how a passion for chocolate-covered cherries became a thriving local business, driven by steady growth, WV SBDC support, and a strong economic impact in Barboursville and across the state, boosting local jobs and production

Low-cost yield mapping for sour cherry: a practical precision agriculture approach

Tech management

01 Apr 2026

A Utah State University study presents a low-cost system to estimate sour cherry yield. Using ultrasonic sensors and GNSS, it generates accurate yield maps, improving orchard management and making precision agriculture more accessible to smaller farms.

USDA proposes new rules for Washington sweet cherries: larger sizes and updated packaging

Quality

26 Mar 2026

USDA proposes new marketing rules for Washington sweet cherries: higher minimum size requirements, exceptions for Rainier and Royal Anne, updated packaging categories, and more aligned standards to support grower profitability and access to crop insurance.

The cherry industry in Door County, Wisconsin

Specialties

26 Mar 2026

Discover how Door County, Wisconsin became famous for cherries: from early farming struggles to the rise of orchards and Montmorency varieties. A story of agricultural innovation, ideal climate, and a thriving fruit industry today worldwide with lasting impact and economic growth

A new app developed for frost forecasting and dormancy control in cherry trees

Tech management

10 Mar 2026

The LTER–Sweet Cherry model uses temperature and solar radiation data to estimate floral dormancy progression, relative water content and cold hardiness. The web tool helps evaluate seasonal frost risk in sweet cherry orchards in Yakima, Washington using predictive climate data.