Increased Okanagan rain delaying cherry harvest – Jun 29, 2022
With the recent expansion in acreage and production volume, along with global demand, sweet cherries have now become Canada’s second largest exported fruit crop behind blueberries. B.C. also has the latest growing cherry crop, with some varieties only being ready to go to market by August and September. That offers a competitive advantage over all other North American markets that traditionally harvest cherries earlier in the season.
“The B.C. Cherry Association is extremely pleased that efforts from government and industry have secured access to the South Korean market for Canadian cherries,” Sukhpaul Bal, president, British Columbia Cherry Association.“Our growers and industry partners look forward to building long-lasting relationships with Korean customers and cannot wait to see cherries branded with the maple leaf in stores across South Korea.
Canada’s exports of sweet cherries continue to grow each year, reaching $78 million in 2021. In agricultural trade, South Korea was the sixth-largest export destination for Canadian agri-food and seafood products in 2021.