Strong quality sets the stage for the Northwest cherry season

Northwest cherry growers are getting an early jump on summer, with the 2026 harvest now underway across the region. In a May 26 update, industry body Northwest Cherries reported that promotable volumes are ramping up quickly ahead of the peak shipping windows in June and July. 

Favorable spring weather accelerated fruit development and pushed late varieties forward across multiple growing districts, setting up an earlier-than-normal campaign.

“While the season is still in the early stages, growers are seeing strong fruit quality and excellent sizing as orchards continue to progress under favorable weather conditions,” the organization said in a statement.

After being revised down from 21.5 million 20-pound-equivalent boxes, current estimates remain in the 18.4 million to 19.2 million range, roughly in line with the region’s five-year average.

Timing favors the Northwest cherry crop

The industry anticipates the first major shipping peak between June 18 and 25 (weeks 25 and 26), followed by another strong movement window during the second week of July. 

“This timing is expected to provide retailers with multiple opportunities to drive impactful cherry promotions throughout the core summer selling season,” the statement read.

Growers have avoided significant weather disruptions in recent weeks, allowing orchards to progress steadily into peak production.

A fresh relay from California

California’s cherry season, which usually builds momentum ahead of the Northwest window, appears to be winding down faster than expected. 

According to Northwest Cherries, Golden State growers have shipped over five million 18-pound equivalent boxes, exceeding earlier projections of four million to five million boxes for the season. 

Daily shipments declined by about 100,000 boxes between May 22 and May 24, signaling tightening supplies from the state’s producing regions.

With this limited overlap expected between California and Northwest supplies, the relay could create opportunities for retailers to maintain shelf space and promotional activity through the summer selling season, Northwest Cherries said.

“This transition presents a strong opportunity to sustain category momentum through focused promotions, premium pricing support, and continued consumer excitement as fresh Northwest cherries enter the market,” the crop report noted.

*Images and graphs courtesy of Northwest Cherries. 

Related stories

Northwest cherry sector adjusts season forecast down 12 percent

Northwest cherry crop forecasted up to 21.5 million boxes in first round estimate