The Swiss Fruit Association expects an average cherry harvest this year. A harvest of 2200 metric tons is expected and about the same as in 2015. The main harvest starts at the beginning of July.
To estimate the harvest is difficult at the moment, states Hansruedi Wirz, president of the product center for cherries and plums of the Swiss Fruit Association. Although with 2200 metric tons the expectation are on the same level as the previous year. The harvest can be divided in three classes: 850 metric tons in the 28+ class, 1050 metric tons in the 24+ class and 280 metric tons in the 21+ class. The first early cherry varieties are harvested around mid June, the main harvest starts at the beginning of July. The range in varieties, all with different ripening times means that Swiss cherries can be enjoyed until mid/end of August.
Mild winter, cold and wet spring
After a mild winter the cherry trees started good and early, but then the weather changed. The frost at the end of April and the beginning of May has delayed the development of the trees in certain places. The continuing cold and wet weather delayed the growth of the fruit and they are slightly smaller as usual this time of year. But despite this farmers expect a good harvest and consumers can look forward to enough fine and tasty Swiss cherries.
