"Quality Has Been Outstanding This Cherry Season"

While the crop size has been a bit under expectations, the quality of this year’s cherry crop has been top shelf, according to Eric Patrick President of the Washington State Fruit Commission. Patrick said growers were hoping for a crop around 19 million boxes this season, but because of a spring frost, that number will be closer to 17 million when the season comes to a close.

He added the Rainier crop, specifically, was only half of its typical size over the past couple of years.

“We've had just outstanding quality this entire year. So that'll be one of the hallmarks of the 2026 season," Patrick said. "Just great packouts and just hearing great arrivals throughout the country and the world. So, that'll be one of the hallmarks of this year. Fantastic size was seen everywhere. We've probably received the most comments of just seeing great size everywhere.”

Patrick said the success of this season wouldn’t be possible if it weren’t for the great growers across the Northwest.

"People think it's just cherry season, but the growers are already starting for next year now," he said. "So it's, a year-long process. we appreciate all the consumers throughout North America and the world that have enjoyed fresh cherries this year. We love hearing the comments. And, you know, we'll be back again, you know, next season. So we're already looking forward to next year."

Patrick added while many growers are already looking ahead to 2027, he stressed that cherries will continue to be harvested for a few more weeks.