Northwest Cherries reported 16.3 million 20-pound equivalent boxes of cherries shipped as of July 29. The industry’s original forecast called for 20 million boxes, but freezing temperatures in April left many growers with no crop in Washington’s northernmost growing region. Other regions were impacted with significant wind and rain damage — including Oregon, where about 30 percent of the Bing crop was lost to weather-related damage. 

Karley Lange, director of domestic promotions for Northwest Cherries, said she remains optimistic about volume through the end of the season. “I think there’s a chance we will hit 17 million boxes,” she said. 

The 2026 Rainier cherry season ended with Northwest growers shipping approximately 1.1 million 15-pound equivalent boxes this season, compared to 2.3 million boxes in 2025. The Rainier crop volume was lower primarily due to weather-related impacts, including wind and rain damage, and the harvest window wrapped up earlier than usual, according to a news release. 

As the Northwest cherry season winds down and volumes are lower, retailers are encouraged to continue promoting cherries and remind shoppers to stock up and preserve the taste of summer by freezing cherries while supplies last.

The Northwest Cherries marketing team launched several successful promotions this season, including a partnership with the Portland Cherry Bombs women’s soccer team, a “Guess the Cherries on the Cherry Tree” contest that brought in more than 17,000 entries, and a video celebrating the United Nations designation of 2026 as the International Year of the Woman Farmer. To watch the video, visit the Northwest Cherries Facebook page at: https://www.facebook.com/share/v/1aYKVshWht/. •