Expanding production in the Southern Hemisphere is giving US retailers even more options to meet their customers’ needs for fresh produce in the late fall and winter.
Last year was the first in which the United States received a significant increase in cherry imports from Chile, and it was backed by a strong investment in promotions, said Karen Brux, managing director of the Chilean Fresh Fruit Association (CFFA) and director of CAIA, San Carlos, Calif.
In the past decade, Chilean cherry volumes have jumped from 10 million boxes to 83 million boxes.
The Chilean Cherry Committee’s initial estimate for the coming season is 101 million boxes, which would be another increase of 22%.
US exports are also surging. Volumes increased from 1.4 million boxes in 2020/21 to 3.6 million in 2022/23.
CFFA will support retailers with a strong investment in marketing those greater volumes of Chilean cherries, Brux said.
Much of that marketing effort will focus on educating Americans about cherries from Chile. Many if not most consumers still associate cherries with a short summer window of domestic fruit from the Pacific Northwest and California.
“Winter cherries are still not a ‘must-have’ for some retailers, with many consumers unaware that fresh cherries are available during the winter months,” Brux said. “It’s important that we invest heavily in retail programs that will support retailers in their sales of Chilean cherries, both in-store and online.”
“We know that social media is an incredibly popular channel for reaching consumers with nutrition information, usage ideas, etc., so we will be utilizing our own social media channels and working with influencers to boost awareness.”
New for this season will be a monthly newsletter that CFFA will distribute to importers, retailers, and wholesalers. It will include important crop updates from Chile, as well as marketing updates from the US.
If you have a recipe that calls for fresh cherries out of season, you’ll be happy to know that prices increase only slightly during the off season, so buying cherries in the winter months still won’t break the bank.
Last year was the first in which the United States received a significant increase in cherry imports from Chile, and it was backed by a strong investment in promotions, said Karen Brux, managing director of the Chilean Fresh Fruit Association (CFFA) and director of CAIA, San Carlos, Calif.
“We know that social media is an incredibly popular channel for reaching consumers with nutrition information, usage ideas, etc., so we will be utilizing our own social media channels and working with influencers to boost awareness.”
Expanding production in the Southern Hemisphere is giving US retailers even more options to meet their customers’ needs for fresh produce in the late fall and winter.
“More now than ever we believe it’s crucial to offer a wide array of high-quality fruits and vegetables sourced from diverse growing regions. This approach serves dual purposes: it introduces exciting new items to the market and also helps bridge unexpected supply gaps due to factors like inclement weather, logistical challenges and other unforeseen circumstances.”
US exports are also surging. Volumes increased from 1.4 million boxes in 2020/21 to 3.6 million in 2022/23.
Cherry Chocolate Banana Bread is a great way to use your frozen cherries. If you freeze them pitted and halved you don’t even need to thaw them out before adding them to the batter.
Our Cherry Balsamic Glaze is a delicious way to enjoy the fresh taste of ripe cherries anytime of the year.
Or for a chilly treat this summer try our Raw Cherry Cheesecake with Chocolate Ganache with fresh or frozen cherries!
Cherry season is but a blip of time in the summer, here and gone before we know it. But, that doesn’t mean you have to go without these sweet little jewels for the rest of the year. Check out our tips on how to freeze your cherry haul to enjoy in the dead of winter. And, now is the perfect time grab some Chelan Fresh cherries so stock up and freeze up before they are gone again in a flash!
For some inspiration on how to use your frozen cherries, we have included a few of our favorites:
Nanking Cherry – Care, harvest, recipe, preserving for winter.
FAQ
Can you get cherries in the winter?
What months are cherries available?
Why are cherries not available year round?
Where are cherries coming from in January?
Can cherries grow in winter?
Much of your winter fruit’s success is related to the time of year it blooms: If your plant flowers in early spring, it will need warmer temperatures to thrive compared to later-blooming plants. Depending on the type of cherries they like, even people living in zone three can grow these trees in the winter.
Are cherries healthy?
Cherries are a very healthy fruit. They are low in calories and contain a lot of fiber, vitamins, and minerals such as vitamins C, A, and K, potassium, magnesium, and calcium. Cherries are high in antioxidants and anti-inflammatory compounds, which may reduce chronic disease risk and promote overall health, have powerful heart-protective properties, may benefit those with arthritis and gout, and improve sleep quality.
Are cherries seasonal?
Cherries are one of the most beloved fruits in the world, with their vibrant red color and mouth-watering flavor. However, they are also highly seasonal, with peak harvest times varying from region to region. This can make it challenging for cherry enthusiasts who want to enjoy them outside of their regular season. But fear not!
Can you buy cherries out of season?
If you’re looking to buy cherries out of season, there are several options available. Fresh cherries can be found at local farmer’s markets or grocery stores during their peak season (May-August). However, frozen, canned, dried and preserved cherries are great alternatives throughout the year.