Supermarket Perimeter - February 2023 - 46

Produce
Cherries
By Andy Nelson
CHERRY GROWERS AND MARKETERS AND THEIR RETAIL GROCERY PARTNERS
are champing at the bit to kick off a robust 2023 season, following a very light 2022
crop. So far, all indications are they'll get their wish.
Chuck Sinks, president of sales and marketing for Sage Fruit Co., Yakima, Wash.,
expects a strong bounce-back this year.
" The 2022 cherry season was tough - we were hit from all angles, " Sinks said. " We
faced a relatively mild winter last year, but cooler temperatures continued late into
the spring and, unfortunately, it was not as warm as we would ideally like. "
During early bloom in '22, the Northwest industry was hit with about a week of
cold, wet weather that slowed pollination in a few districts and delayed additional
bloom in other districts, he added.
As a result, harvest was later than anticipated. The same cold spell also caused
frost damage to numerous growing regions. In turn, the crop was much smaller than
growers have seen in recent years.
That makes the promise of a new year and a new crop more exciting than ever,
Sinks said.
" We expect that we'll be back in full force in 2023, as long as Mother Nature
cooperates. We're planning for a robust crop and are excited about the possibilities
that the 2023 crop should bring. "
For one, volumes should be up significantly this year, he added, and not just
because of better weather. Sage has new growers on board and a new warehouse to
get fruit to retailers quicker than ever.
" We should have a record crop for Sage Fruit, " Sinks said.
A return to normal
The 2022 crop was down 50% or more in volumes compared to 2021, said Brianna
Shales, marketing director for Wenatchee, Wash.-based Stemilt Growers.
" We are excited about the crop potential to return to normal volumes, " she said.
" Last year was a very short crop which led to an imbalance of supply and demand.
We're hopeful for less erratic spring weather so that we can have a high-quality and
promotable crop for summer's top dollar driver in the produce category. "
When it comes to navigating the short, fast and furious domestic cherry season,
communication between suppliers and their retail partners is crucial, Shales said.
" We want to make promotion plans with our partner retailers to help them drive
impulse sales with cherries. "
That said, you have to be nimble, Shales added, since weather can influence how
well shippers are able to stick to the plans.
" Retailers that can maneuver with the crop will have the most success in cherry
category results. "
Stemilt will continue to closely monitor evolving cherry packaging trends this
season, Shales said. Consumer packs like Top Seal, for instance, continue to gain
traction, though bags are still the uncontested champ because they're priced by
the pound.
Top Seal is similar to a clamshell but has a plastic film instead of a hinged
plastic lid.
46 - FEBRUARY 2023
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