North American cherry supply hit by US crop drop and Canadian wildfires
US sweet cherry production in 2026 is forecast at 310,500 tons, down 17% year-on-year and the lowest since 2022, with Washington state facing a 30.5% reduction. In Canada, wildfires in British Columbia's Okanagan Valley have caused local disruptions to cherry logistics, though most of the harvest was completed before the fires.
The USDA projects that the US sweet cherry crop in 2026 will total 310,500 tons, marking a 17% decline from last year and the smallest harvest since 2022. Washington state, responsible for about two-thirds of US production, expects a significant 30.5% decrease, with the season set to close at 200,000 tons. Oregon and Michigan are also forecast to experience declines of 24% each. California's crop is estimated at 63,000 tons, an increase of 24% from the previous year, but still below the recent average of 103,150 tons. These reductions are attributed to adverse weather conditions, including early warmth and heavy rains leading to fruit cracking and crop loss, especially in California.
The sharp drop in US cherry output has affected export dynamics. While the overall exportable volume is down, the early start to California’s season led to a 43% increase in early-season (April–May) exports and a 3% year-on-year rise in export value. Traditionally, 30% of US cherries are exported, mainly during June and July, but this year saw more product shipped earlier in the season. The USDA expects that 242,000 tons will be allocated to the fresh cherry market in 2026, a 16% decrease from last year.
In Canada, wildfires have swept through the Okanagan Valley, the source of about 80% of the country's cherries. Most of the cherry harvest in the affected areas south of Kelowna had already been completed before the fires, but there have been localized losses to orchards and packing facilities. The North Okanagan and Creston Valley, where harvest continues, currently face no direct fire threat. However, dry conditions persist, and logistics have been disrupted due to highway closures, causing some shipment delays. Despite these challenges, fruit quality is reported as very good, and the Canadian cherry season is expected to finish strongly.
Argentina is preparing its first exports of cherries with Protected Designation of Origin (PDO) status from Los Antiguos Valley, Patagonia. The Quality Management System for the PDO cherries has been validated, and the first certified exports are being positioned for international markets, targeting buyers who value origin and certification.
Reduced supply from the US and logistical challenges in Canada are expected to influence cherry availability and competition in European import markets, including Poland, potentially impacting prices and sourcing strategies for the 2026 season.
Material prepared by the editorial team of fresh-market.info, editor Artur Spiker · Illustrative image generated by AI