“Demand is coming from all markets,” explains Chuck Sinks of Sage Fruit, “This is a very busy weekend for retailers as the 4th of July nears.”
Heat causes worry
Fruit is available from most districts right now including the mid and upper Yakima Valley’s, the Dalles, and Wenatchee. In this production area, weather is anticipated to be over 100 degrees Fahrenheit beginning on June 25th and holding through next week. “We hope to have cherries into the third or fourth week of July but there are many variables right now out of our control,” states Sinks, “we are extremely worried about the heat that is coming.”
Harvest and estimates pose challenges
The biggest challenge with growing cherries is the variables associated with harvest timing and estimates. While other fruits like apples and pears are harvested within a couple of months and sold out of cold rooms and CA storage, cherries are picked and packed daily. Hot weather may result in only receiving a portion of an estimated harvest, and volume of bins packed. “There is much more volatility with cherries compared to the other items we grow and ship,” declares Sinks, “We certainly try and plan our season to the best of our ability but Mother Nature still has the final say.”
Many changes in the last few years
Along with the intention to plan more accurately based on inventory storage and customer needs, many changes have been implemented in the last few years, including the popular transition from slider lock bags to pouch bags which are preferred by customers. We have also started using the new technology of optical sorts so we can provide the best cherries possible to our customers.
Cherries truly seasonal
“There is a big upside to cherry consumption as its household penetration isn’t as high as some other fruits,” states Sinks, “It is also one of the few truly seasonal items left in our produce department.” Growers foresee an increase in cherry consumption, particularly of dark cherries and rainier cherries. “They are extremely healthy for you and we need to try and get all consumers to pick up a bag of cherries and give them a try,” adds Sinks.
