Cherry growers from around the Northwest estimated on May 13 they will harvest about 18.4 million 20-pound box equivalents of sweet cherries in 2026.
The growers, along with industry representatives, made the call at the five-state meeting in Richland, Washington, the annual preseason gathering of the Northwest Cherry Growers, an assessment-funded trade group that collectively promotes sweet cherries on behalf of producers in Washington, Oregon, Idaho, Montana and Utah.
If the figure holds, the crop will be significantly lower than the 2025 harvest of 23.6 million boxes, one of the region’s larger historical hauls.
Northwest Cherry Growers, based in Yakima, Washington, makes several estimates throughout the spring and summer based on data from several field representatives across the region. The estimates frequently change with ever-changing growing conditions.
The Richland meeting is the second estimate of the year and the only one compiled by growers meeting face-to-face.
Growers throughout the Northwest experienced regionalized spring frost damage and pollination disruption from a cold snap during an otherwise mild winter and spring. Some growers estimated losing up to 25 percent of their crop, but conditions were highly localized.
The Northwest Cherries marketing team, sales desks and retailers all consult the estimates to help plan advertising and shelf space. Overestimating could drive down prices, but underestimating might prompt stores to promote other summer produce.
The five-state meeting also gives growers a hint about the upcoming season’s promotion plans. This year, Northwest Cherries will build domestic promotions around the 250th birthday of the United States, with American flag color schemes and a picnic vibe of children playing on the grass. Other domestic promotions include sponsoring a new women’s preprofessional soccer team in Portland, Oregon, named the Cherry Bombs, said Karley Lange, director of domestic promotions.
Exports should have a good season, said Keith Hu, international operations director. Hu said he had “cautious optimism” because of a depreciating dollar against many export market currencies and negotiation regarding tariffs between the United States and their trading partners, namely China.
The growers also voted to continue their existing assessment of $18 per ton. •
