NW Cherries Continue To Do Well Overseas

Overseas markets are a big component of the Northwest cherry industry.  And according to Keith Hu, Director of International Sales for Northwest Cherry Growers, local fruit continues to do well overseas.  He said the markets that take most of his attention include Canada, the top destination for U.S. cherries, as well as China, South Korea and Taiwan.  He added there’s plenty of opportunity for growth in southeast Asia, thanks to markets such as Vietnam, Thailand, the Philippines and Cambodia.  But when it comes to market growth and expansion, Hu said India is a top prize.

“I have visited India quite a few times. I've been studying that market for the last 6-7 years and we started implementing a small scales of promotions in India two years ago.  There is definitely consumption power there, it’s just that it will be a very niche product for us, and the challenge in India will be a lot harder, tougher than getting product into East Asia just because of logistics.”

As far as the year head, one of Hu’s top concerns is the strength of the U.S. dollar.

“It’s a double-edged sword, because I can buy more marketing campaigns because the stronger dollar, but the downside is if we don't have a superior product to deliver to the foreign buyer, we could see here or see some complaints [about] the cost of the series.”

When it comes to product competition, Hu said his biggest concern is cherries frighting for shelf space with tropical fruit.

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