The first Californian cherries of the season were shipped last week from the Bakersfield area, and prices for fruit shipped to Japan were US$120-130 FOB per 18lb (8kg) carton.
According to reports, it has been a slow start to the season, with only 25,000 cartons of cherries picked in the state so far due to cool spring temperatures, but volume is expected to pick up this week.
There are expectations of a significant overlap between the Californian and Northwest cherry deals this year, but the first variety to be harvested from the Northwest is Chelan, of which production is expected to be light this year due to poor pollination.
The Bing crop in California is predicted to be quite heavy this year, but is set to begin winding down after 15 June.
Meanwhile, Northwest production should be in full swing between 15 and 20 June, which could make the transition a smooth one.
Early reports from the Northwest Cherry Growers point to a yield of around 16m 20lb (9kg) cartons, and most trade sources in the region appear to concur with this. Estimates from shippers range from as low as 13-14m cartons to as high as 18m cartons.
Production should be spread out sufficiently across growing districts for the crop to be picked and packed in a fairly orderly manner, according to shippers. The season may run as long as two-and-a-half months from early June until mid-August. Large sizes are expected due to the relatively light crop, with strong prices expected after 4 July.
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