US NW Pacific Northwest Washington cherries in tub

The second round estimate for this year's Northwest cherry crop has pegged volumes 4.5 per cent lower than the round one forecast, with Rainier volumes down 10 per cent from the initial projection.

The round two projection, the second of four that the 22-person estimation team makes based onvolume dynamics across all Northwest growing districts, forecast a crop of 198,059 tonnes, or 19.8m 20lb-equivalent boxes.

'While the overall crop projection decreased slightly, optimism for this roundly-developing crop continues to increase,' the group noted.

'Most produce crops are reporting progress ahead of last year; and sweet cherries in the Northwest are no exception.'