Cherry production from the US Pacific Northwest continues to run behind seasonal estimates, according to industry sources.
The total packout may not exceed 12m cartons (20lb/9.1kg) and may end up as low as 10m cartons.
If that lower estimate proves correct, it would equate to a 50 per cent drop in yields from 2009.
As usual, weather is the culprit for the lower yields with the Pacific Northwest enduring one of the coolest spring and early summer periods in several years.
Temperatures have finally returned to relative normality in the last few days but are expected to jump above 38oC this weekend raising concerns among the growing community over fruit quality.
As of 5 July, the industry had reportedly packed 5.2m cartons compared to 7.8m to the same point last year.
Fruit sizing is reported to be excellent, peaking on 10.5 row, while fruit quality has been receiving positive reviews from receivers both domestically and overseas.
Export markets have been particularly active, in spite of prices being far greater on average than last season. Northwest cherries are expected to be limited in supply but still available through the first week of August.
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