Jun 16, 2021

CMI Orchards experiencing strong start to Northwest cherry season

Wenatchee, Washington-based CMI Orchards anticipates growth in the 2021 cherry crop.

Excellent weather conditions, including an absence of significant frost events, have contributed to outstanding quality, great sizing, and 17% growth of this year’s crop as compared to 2020. “We are seeing consistent spread throughout our growing districts, with Skeena and Sweetheart cherries showing exceptional size and quality,” Joel Hewitt, domestic sales organic manager for the company, said in a news release.

“The timing of this year’s crop started off a bit later than last year but is lining up nicely with market demand with limited overlap with the California crop. We expect harvest to continue throughout the remainder of June and July,” said Export Manager Scott Agnew.

CMI Orchards is a leader in Northwest cherries, bringing a number of specialty varieties and innovative programs to retail partners. Vice President of Marketing, George Harter, describes CMI’s selling tools as second to none. “The Northwest cherry season is short and sweet, and our goal is to deliver the best sales opportunities for our customers creating a win-win situation,” he said. “We’re expecting to peak just in time for Independence Day celebrations, and our American Dream program is a great tool for retailers to stir up excitement in store with eye-catching, patriotic displays and packaging.”

“Cherries are one of the most profitable items in produce. We work hard to provide exceptional and consistent quality across all brands and varieties we supply. Matched with our innovative marketing and advertising efforts and support, we’re able to help retailers introduce new varieties to customers and maximize sales,” said Brand Manager Rochelle Bohm.

“We continue to revise and leverage digital marketing efforts to drive sales with our retail customers. We use a variety of methods, including beacon targeting to digital out-of-home, which allows us to connect with consumers as they make buying decisions. It has been a profitable strategy for our retailer customers,” said Marketing Specialist Danelle Huber.

CMI Orchards is one of the largest growers, packers, and shippers of premium Washington state apples, pears and cherries. Selling the fresh fruit produced by its owners and partners in Washington state, the CMI Orchards team is dedicated to delivering the best tasting, highest-quality fruit to customers throughout the United States and the world.

For more information on CMI Orchards, visit here.

Photo at top: Julie Bosma views Strawberry cherries on the tree. Photos: CMI Orchards