The BC Tree Fruits Cooperative growers is estimating that 2016 will produce a record cherry crop for the region.

This could be the second consecutive year that consumers will see and taste cherries earlier than usual. The early summer like weather means that BC Tree Fruits cherries will be in stores by early June and a record 12 million pounds estimated for this season. In 2015 BC Tree Fruits saw an estimated 10.5 million pounds of cherries harvested from the season.

“Mother Nature has provided our growers with very warm spring days leading up to bloom resulting in another early start to the summer fruit season this year,” said BC Tree Fruits Marketing Manager Chris Pollock. “We expect to start harvesting early season varieties of BC Tree Fruits cherries in early June, with the fruit hitting retail shelves very soon after.” 

The BC Tree Fruits Cooperative is comprised of over 500 local grower families who grow a variety of tree fruits including apples, cherries, pears, peaches, and grapes.

The primary market for BC Tree Fruits cherries remains Western Canada and the United States. The remainder is marketed and sold to key off-shore markets through the partnership with Sutherland S.A. Produce Inc.