Spain and US cherry harvests sharply reduced by adverse weather in 2026
Cherry production in both Spain (Extremadura) and the US Northwest has suffered major losses in 2026 due to spring weather events, significantly tightening supplies on the European market.
In Spain, the 2026 cherry campaign in northern Cáceres (Extremadura) was hit hard by storms in May, resulting in losses exceeding €20 million and a production shortfall estimated at 5,000 tonnes. Both UPA-UCE Extremadura and Asaja Extremadura report that numerous farms lost a significant portion of their crop, with profitability for many growers falling below production costs. Prior to the storms, the market outlook for prices had been favourable, but the reduced harvest has since limited availability for both domestic and export markets, including Poland.
In the United States, the Northwest cherry season (Washington, Oregon, Idaho, Utah, Montana) is ending with a total shipment of just over 16 million 20-pound boxes, falling short of the May forecast by about 3 million boxes. The Rainier cherry variety was particularly affected, with only 1.1 million 15-pound boxes shipped, a 52% decline from the previous year's 2.3 million boxes. The shortfall is attributed to wind and rain damage during the crucial period of fruit development.
The 2026 Northwest cherry campaign started two weeks earlier than usual due to a warm spring, but adverse weather led to an early end and significantly lower volumes. With only around half a million boxes expected to be shipped in August, supplies to European importers are limited. Dark sweet cherry volumes are still available for late-season promotions, but overall export quantities to Europe are much reduced compared to previous years.
Spanish growers have requested urgent government support and reform of agricultural insurance due to repeated weather-related crop failures. The combination of low supply from both Spain and the US has reduced competition on the European cherry market, potentially impacting wholesale prices and availability for buyers, including importers in Poland.
Industry bodies in both regions highlight that, despite lower quantities, fruit quality and size have remained high for available cherries. However, the sharp drop in exportable volumes may affect retailer promotions and supply continuity in key European destinations.
Material prepared by the editorial team of fresh-market.info, editor Artur Spiker · Illustrative image generated by AI