Market Update for Stone Fruit

Over the past seven years, the Chilean cherry industry has expanded from 35 million to over 120 million 5-kilo boxes, yet the U.S. market has rarely been a priority for early ocean shipments, with nearly 95% of early cherries traditionally earmarked for China. This season, however, marks a shift as increased volumes of northern Santina cherries prompt many growers to pack more ocean fruit for the U.S. Air shipments are taking a back seat, as growers prioritize ocean loads, and early air fruit has been only fair in quality. Currently, air cherry prices range from $56.00 to $66.00 FOB Miami, depending on size and variety, with pricing $2.00 to $4.00 higher in the Northeast. To manage the projected 5 million boxes headed to the U.S. this season, the industry will need retailers to promote aggressively and consistently.