north-west cherries US

In the US, Northwest Cherry Growers has revealed its latest retailer forecast for this season's cherry crop, with the harvest now expected to come in at 16.9m 20lb-equivalent boxes, down from the 17.2m-box estimate made at the start of June.

According to the group, the crop is developing along the path 'expected all spring', although it noted that the late first picking – made almost three weeks later than average – continued to create 'challenging new scenarios'.

'Overall, the size and quality of the first cherries we've seen in the Northwest this season have been fantastic,' the group said. 'In fact, after such a long and slow ripening period, these are some of the best-tasting early cherries we've ever had.

'The trend should continue, which will be key to maintaining repeat sales of a higher-priced produce item this summer. The flavour is there and consumers are waiting.'