When it comes to California cherries, Wenatchee, Wash.-based Stemilt Growers LLC operates as Chinchiolo Stemilt California and has a cherry-packing facility located in Stockton, Calif. The company’s cherries are grown in both new and established districts in California’s San Joaquin Valley.
The company is finishing a new packing line to pack organic and Rainier cherries this season. Neither makes up the majority volume of varieties in California, but the new line will feature optical sizing and sorting technology.
The company holds a unique position in the cherry industry, boasting the longest cherry season.
“One of the distinct things about Stemilt’s cherry program is that it gets its start in California,” said Brianna Shales, marketing director at Stemilt. “Between the California season and the long season in Washington State, we are able to offer sweet cherries longer than any other grower-shipper in the industry.”
Regarding the timing of this season’s crop, Shales expects to harvest cherries in late April, with good volume in early May. Promotional volumes should run for three consecutive weeks beginning around May 9 through Memorial Day.
The company is looking forward to the possibilities of more 5 River Islands cherries from the Delta region in California.
“They come from a great growing locale for cherries, thanks to the many islands and waterways that make up the area,” Shales said. “Only large-sized Lapin cherries are packed in the brand.”
Coral is the top variety for the company in California, and it may be for the industry this year, as well. This is a shift from just a few years ago, when Bings were the top variety.
Looking at the 2022 California crop in mid-March, there are still too many unknowns about how the season will compare to last year, according to Shales, although, the company is optimistic about a good crop volume.
To more effectively promote cherries, Shales said retailers need to stay in tune with the cherry crop and the changes that come along. Being connected to the market conditions is essential in cherries.
