Key North American cherry-producing regions report optimistic outlook for the 2026 export season
Cherries are one of the most anticipated crops of the year, and the market can look forward to earlier volumes and high-quality fruit out of North America this season.
The 2026 season began earlier than the traditional start time, however production is expected to be slow to ramp up due to frosts. Overall, industry estimates put the Northwest crop in the range of 18.5-19.5m 20lb (9kg) carton equivalents,
Scott Agnew, senior director of international sales at CMI Orchards, says the season is shaping up well overall, with the company anticipating a strong programme with good quality and promotable volumes. “Compared to last season, the crop appears more balanced and we are optimistic about sizing and overall packouts if the weather continues to cooperate,” he adds.
Fruit quality, firmness and arrival condition are the major areas of focus throughout the industry, according to Agnew, who adds that execution continues to be one of the biggest challenges. “Labour, logistics, airfreight availability, and maintaining strong quality throughout long transit chains remains critical,” he explains. “Export markets in particular have very little margin for error, so cold chain management and consistency at destination are more important than ever.”
Keith Hu, director international operations for Northwest Cherry Growers (NWCG), describes the months ahead as very promising, and while the industry is anticipating a smaller crop compared to last year, excellent fruit quality is expected throughout the season. “Growing conditions have generally been favourable, although there was some minor damage to a few early varieties,” he says. “Despite the smaller crop size, the strong fruit quality this season is expected to support sustainable returns for hardworking cherry growers.”
Orchard View Cherries says it is gearing up for a “promising” 2026 season, following a favourable growing cycle. The Oregon-based company says it expects to pack approximately 1.2mn cartons of premium cherries this season. The season will begin with Chelans, Pearls and Santinas, followed by the Bing variety, the group confirmed.
In British Columbia, meanwhile, growers are reporting excellent bud development, healthy trees and favourable orchard conditions. Bloom timing is in line with historical norms, meaning BC cherries is expecting a reliable harvest window from mid-July through to August. “Growers are feeling positive about what’s ahead,” says Sukhpaul Bal, president of the BC Cherry Association. “The trees are in great shape and we’re looking forward to a season defined by the quality, flavour and timing BC cherries are known for.”
Beth Cavers, general manager of the BC Cherry Association, adds that after a huge crop last year, 2026 is looking more moderate and balanced. “We have less fruit, but it’s bigger,” she explains. “The nice thing about Canada is we get very long days, with more sugar development and flavour.”
The US is the biggest export market for BC cherries, but Cavers stresses there is also strong support in China, Korea, Japan and Thailand. “We are really interested in developing the Asian markets,” she adds. “We are also actively pursuing market access to Mexico right now.”
Overall, the mood among producers for the export season appears to be one of optimism. “CMI has built a very diversified export cherry programme over many years across both retail and wholesale channels,” says Agnew. “Korea continues to be a very important market for us and has historically been one of the more stable programmes from a quality execution standpoint. Taiwan, South-East Asia, Australia, and other Asian markets will also continue to be key destinations for Northwest cherries this season.”
Hu adds that while the strong US dollar and high airfreight costs could impact pricing and consumer demand, he remains cautiously optimistic about the Asia-Pacific markets. For NWCG, the primary export markets include Korea, Taiwan, China, South-East Asia and India.
Orchard View points out that it has cultivated strong export partnerships across numerous Asian markets over the years, describing it as “an essential component” of its business. “With beautiful cherries on the trees and positive growing conditions behind us, we’re incredibly excited about the season ahead,” president Brenda Thomas says.
