Cherries

Industry optimistic for 2024, but uncertainties remain

While orchards in northern Washington face winter damage, growers in other regions are cautiously optimistic heading into the 2024 season due to the following:

• Anecdotal reports suggest cherry trees are progressing on time for a typical year in California, which means less risk of retail shipments overlapping with those from Washington and Oregon (overlapping shipments rapidly increase supply and lower market prices).
• It remains too early for crop estimates in Washington and Oregon, but early reports and generally typical weather conditions suggest a favorable crop year.
• Reduced supply from northern Washington and British Columbia could foster better prices.

Consumer demand remains uncertain as persistently high inflation may discourage consumers from purchasing luxury food items such as cherries.

Imports from Chile increase

Imports from Chile increased slightly in 2023, which were nearly double the five-year average (see chart below). Chilean cherries do not compete with West Coast producers as they enter the U.S. between November and March. Some speculate increased supply during the offseason may shift consumers’ view of cherries from a luxury to a staple food item, which could ultimately increase demand in the long term.

Cherry imports

Source: U.S. Census Bureau.

Disaster declaration for Washington’s and Oregon’s 2023 cherry crop

Cherry producers throughout eleven counties in Washington and nine counties in Oregon are eligible to apply for U.S. Department of Agriculture loans following disaster declarations in each state. Cool, wet weather during the spring, followed by rapid heating and drought conditions, reduced yields on the 2023 crop.