Northwest cherry growers prepare for a promising season
Northwest cherry growers prepare for a promising season
As the 2025 cherry season begins, growers across the industry have a positive outlook. With improved weather conditions, increased crop volume, expanded packing capabilities and strategic marketing programs, the region’s top cherry producers are preparing for what many expect to be a standout year.
Crop estimates across the Northwest point to one of the largest harvests in a decade. Favorable bloom conditions, warm temperatures and the absence of damaging frost events have all contributed to strong fruit set, good sizing and high sugar levels. Across the board, growers are expecting consistent quality and promotable volumes from early June through July — and in many cases, into August.
“FirstFruits Farms is gearing up for another great cherry season,” said Lon Hudson, national sales director for FirstFruits Farms. “Washington state is estimating 20-plus million 20-pound equivalent cartons this season, so this crop is expected to be larger than last year’s and one of the largest crops in the last 10 years.”
At CMI Orchards, a similar outlook is driving optimism. “We’re seeing a great fruit set across every growing district — from The Dalles all the way up to the Okanogan Valley,” said Joel Hewitt, vice president of sales at CMI. “You can expect big, beautiful cherries and exceptional quality all season long.”
Retailers will benefit from a crop that is not only large in volume but also well-distributed across growing regions and elevations. Growers have emphasized that staggered harvest timing — from lower valley orchards to high-elevation sites — will provide a longer shipping window and flexibility for late-season promotions.
Weather has played a major role in the industry’s optimism. Superfresh Growers highlighted the impact of a mild spring and steady accumulation of growing degree days, while Stemilt emphasized the even spread of bloom across Washington’s districts. With no major frost or storm disruptions, companies are anticipating a strong peak in late June and early July — coinciding with key holidays like Canada Day and the Fourth of July.
Another unifying theme is the investment in infrastructure and technology. Companies have expanded their packing capabilities to handle increased volume more efficiently and maintain fruit quality throughout the supply chain. CMI Orchards has added two premier packing facilities and implemented AI-powered sorting systems. Superfresh Growers pointed to its three regional packing lines that minimize time between harvest and cold storage. Stemilt continues to leverage advanced cooling systems and automated packing equipment to maintain quality and reduce labor costs.
On the marketing front, companies are entering the season with differentiated branding and promotional support. Superfresh Growers is promoting its Super Cherry line of jumbo-sized fruit, while CMI is spotlighting premium programs like Skylar Rae, Nature’s Candy and XXL Cherries. Stemilt is enhancing its Kyle’s Pick program with a new quality verification process, and FirstFruits is returning with its vibrant Gem Drops cherry packaging.
While brand strategies differ, all four companies are offering robust retailer support — ranging from in-store signage and display materials to digital media assets and targeted campaign planning. Across the industry, cherries continue to be positioned as a high-margin, impulse-driven item ideal for summer merchandising.
Sustainability and regenerative practices are also gaining momentum. FirstFruits Farms is 100 percent EFI certified and is increasing its use of top-seal packaging to reduce plastic. CMI Orchards has adopted a zero-burn policy and is collaborating with The Soil Center to turn tree byproducts into compost and biochar, part of a closed-loop system aimed at enhancing soil health and carbon sequestration.
Export demand continues to play a key role, particularly in markets across Asia and the Pacific Rim. While tariffs and trade policy remain variables, companies remain focused on strengthening partnerships and maintaining cold chain precision for international shipments.
With improved growing conditions, increased volume, and deeper support for retail execution, the 2025 Northwest cherry season is poised to deliver strong results for growers, retailers and consumers alike.
