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Global cherry production is forecast to reach a record 5.44 million metric tons this season, even as the U.S. cherry crop faces significant losses from frost and rain. The latest outlook projects global production up 17% from last season, led by increases in Turkey, Chile and China.
U.S. Cherry Crop Faces Weather Challenges
In the United States, production is forecast at 317,000 metric tons, a 22% decline from the previous year. Weather has been a major factor behind the reduced crop, with frost and rain affecting production in several major growing regions.
Washington, the nation’s leading sweet cherry-producing state, saw supplies reduced by frost. Late freezes in Michigan and Utah also cut tart cherry production. California started the season with favorable conditions, but rain during harvest affected fruit quality and shortened the marketing season.
Overall, sweet cherry production is forecast to fall 18%, while tart cherry production is expected to decline 38%.
Global Gains Offset U.S. Losses
While U.S. growers contend with weather-related production losses, favorable conditions and expanding acreage in other parts of the world are driving the global increase.
Turkey, Chile and China are among the countries contributing to the expected record crop. The larger international supply could also influence trade patterns and competition in global cherry markets as the season progresses.
For U.S. growers, the smaller domestic crop is also expected to affect export availability. U.S. cherry exports are forecast to decline 24% to 62,000 metric tons.
The combination of lower production, reduced export supplies and weather-related quality concerns will be important factors for the U.S. cherry industry as growers and marketers navigate the remainder of the season.
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