Sweet cherry sales data from the USA show they've had a record harvest.
It totalled about 25 million 20 lb boxes from the NorthWest states of Oregon, Washington, Idaho, Utah and Montana.
Their last big cherry harvest was in 2014 when a combination of factors interfered and negatively affected their marketing. We can assume that much was learned that year as there were record exports this season.
A combination of an earlier season and favourable weather conditions combined to give a big crop. However, some concerns were raised by buyers about two issues: that some cherries seemed to lack flavour, and lacked sweetness.
Although the smaller sizes were dropped out in the packing line during peaks in supply due to price/demand pressure, this was offset by the fact that quality cherries actually resulted in more sales and also more return sales.
Although size was satisfactory for the crop load, a lack of flavour and sweetness may have been the result of some trees being over cropped.
Over cropping can result in fruit having less flavour and in a dilution of sugars. Calcium levels and related firmness were generally not an issue.
The feedback about flavour and sweetness has growers in the USA looking at what might be done to improve the outcome next season.
Learning from overseas experience
It is interesting to look at a cherry season in the northern hemisphere to see what we might learn.
Last season in Australia was one of lean production due to climatic and other conditions. This year most regions have been enjoying very good chill hours—combine that with trees having had a rest last season, and we might be in for a big crop.
If that is the case, growers need to check their trees and take action to maximize fruit quality. Marketers need to work together for the good of the industry to maximize quality cherry sales and to increase exports.
The good news is that there is still time before the harvest starts for everyone to take appropriate action to improve what should be a positive outcome.
See this article in Tree Fruit Aug 2017
