The latest crop update from US-based Northwest Cherry Growers has shownthat cherry shipments (as of 14 July) have more than doubled on last year'sequivalent figure, with shipments climbing to just over 10.3m 20lbequivalent boxes, compared with 4.83m in 2008.
Average shipments for the week of 7-14 July stood at 398,916 boxes, up from 223,261 boxes through the same period of 2008 and 295,137 boxes in 2007.
According to the group, 62.06 per cent of the crop stood at 10.5 Row or larger, higher than the five-year average of 55.49 per cent but down on the 72.32 per cent seen during the corresponding period last year.
Rainier cherry shipments had hit 1.05m tonnes of 15lb equivalent boxes by 14 July, up from last season's 629,616 boxes but down on the 1.42m boxes seen in 2007.
Prior to the cherry campaign, leading industry players had told Fruitnet.com that bothquality and quantity of fruit is expected to be high this season.
“The quality of this year’s Bing crop is probably the best I’ve seen inthe 20 years I’ve been in the business,” said David Martin of StemiltGrowers. “The Rainiers are also outstanding. Everything is in place forthis to be one of the best industry seasons ever.'
No comments yet