Cherries

Prepared Foods, Nov, 2002

Many agree this year's weather patterns were unusual, and California cherry growers estimated they would harvest nearly 6 million boxes of dark sweet cherries. Unfortunately, weather-related problems have reduced that figure to 3.5 million boxes, a 40% drop.

In Michigan, growers took an even bigger hit when a mid-April warm spell resulted in temperatures as high as 90 degrees, causing trees to blossom too early. It was followed by other unexpected weather changes, resulting in widespread damage. Growers have commented that it is the worst frost-damaged crop since 1945.

Growers in Washington, Oregon and Idaho, where more than 70% of the nation's dark-sweet cherries are grown, also suffered from stormy weather, resulting in a loss of 30% of the Northwest crop. However, that crop will still produce about 70,000 tons, a healthy figure, but well below predictions. TreeTop, located in Washington state, forecasts being able to meet most of its customers' requirements. Tree Top Ingredients Division, 800-367-6571, www.treetop.com