Shippers say California cherry crop prospects are bright for 2021 and no gap is expected between California and Northwest crops at the end of the deal.
The Packer is seeking insight and input from suppliers of California cherries for upcoming editorial coverage in the April 12 California cherry section.
Bing, brooks and coral champagne are a few of the most popular cherry varieties grown in California, and some growers toss in a few of their own favorites.
California cherry growers expect to harvest slightly more fruit this season than last year, assuming they don’t see a repeat of the heavy rainfall that devastated much of their fruit last May.
Hanford, Calif.-based Flavor Tree Fruit Co. LLC now is focusing on specialty items for the California summer fruit deal, and perhaps its biggest is its Verry Cherry plum – a high-brix fruit cross between various cherry and plum varieties, said Maurice Cameron, president.
Wenatchee, Wash.-based Stemilt Growers LLC is looking to grow its 5 River Islands program, which features cherries from the Delta region in California, communications manager Brianna Shales said.
Cherries are arguably the last seasonal produce item, and marketers say retailers can leverage the unique appeal of cherries to drive department sales all summer long.
As the cherry growing environment in California changes, Modesto, Calif.-based Zaiger Genetics has come up with a couple of alternatives to the ever-popular bing variety.
With cherry season coming on, Stemilt Growers plans to offer California fruit beginning in May and concluding with cherries from Washington orchards in early September.
