From sun-kissed gold to deep, rich scarlet, there is no shortage of splendor coming from the cherry orchards of the Pacific Northwest. As consumers begin flocking to the produce department like rockhounds in search of gems, let these category connoisseurs share how to make the hunt rewarding for your bottom line…
“Retailers, rejoice! The summer season has nearly arrived, and with it comes the abundant harvest of one of nature’s most delicious and nutritious fruits: cherries. These small, juicy, crunchy orbs are packed with vitamins, antioxidants, and anti-inflammatory compounds supporting a healthy lifestyle. But it’s not just about the health benefits; cherries are a celebration of the season—a symbol of warm weather and carefree days. From their bright, cheerful color to their sweet, refreshing taste, cherries embody the joy of summertime. Whether snacking on them as a refreshing treat, adding them to favorite recipes, or savoring them in a juicy pie, cherries are versatile and delightful. So, let’s raise a glass to cherries, the ultimate summer fruit, bringing us all together for a joyous celebration of the season.”
“Cherries are a harbinger for summer pool parties, road trips, and sitting on the porch, competing to see who can spit the cherry pit the farthest. Cherries mean summer is here, from Memorial Day to Labor Day. One of our favorite summer drinks is a Red, White, and Blue Seltzer. We skewer a pitted cherry, a few blueberries, and a star cutout of a pear and put them on top of a glass of our favorite seltzer. Another favorite dish is cherry-swirled brownies. Just pit and halve 1 cup of cherries and mix with 2 tablespoons of cornstarch, then fold them into your favorite brownie recipe. Voilà, you just became the party star!”
“Cherry season is fast and furious, and retailers eagerly anticipate the sweet sales lift each season. With the largest selection of specialty cherries, CMI has more tools than ever to boost sales and give customers new and exciting options to fall in love with. Along with our signature Nature’s Candy® Sweet Red and Rainier cherries, CMI offers exceptional varieties, brands, and promotions to dish up new ways to promote cherries and capture incremental sales. Skylar Rae® cherries continue to grow in popularity and demand, delivering a crisp, juicy experience bursting with flavor. For retailers looking to add innovations to the category, CMI’s Strawberry cherries stand out with unique, creamy pale flesh and light speckling—deliciously sweet with a hint of strawberry flavor. Our newest program celebrates the largest prized cherries we grow—hand-selected for superior size and sweetness: XXL cherries, available in both Red and Rainier options. CMI’s American Dream program is a wonderful way to promote cherries around Independence Day, using patriotic branding tied to a cause. With impactful branding that stands out and CMI’s premier varietal selection, brands, and promotional innovations, you’ll have all the tools you need to enjoy the fruits of a successful cherry season. Our cherry website offers a one-stop shop for retailers to explore all of our offerings.”
“This coming cherry season, Chelan Fresh will begin shipping Dark Sweet and Rainier cherries in our new Joyfully Grown™ branded pouch bags. The new branding will be supported with in-store merchandiser bins and targeted social media campaigns. QR codes on the packaging and the merchandisers will allow shoppers to access our story via their cell phones. The Joyfully Grown brand tells the wonderful story of the joy our farming families experience growing great apples, pears, and cherries and resonates well with retailers and consumers.”
“Cherries are the most coveted produce category during the summer months because of their high register ring and ability to drive dollars to the department during peak promotion times like Memorial Day and the Fourth of July. The seasonal fruit is an impulse purchase, so focusing merchandising on prominent display space, fantastic fresh product, and a full lineup of cherry SKUs will help retailers win with cherries. Quality is key when it comes to delighting consumers and driving repeat purchases.”
“There’s nothing as sweet as the summer cherry season, which consumers look forward to every year. At FirstFruits Farms, our cherries offer endless possibilities for cooking, baking, and snacking—a concept that should be pulled into the store display to help promote food creativity and exploration. The Dark Sweet and Rainier varieties are not only sweet and delicious, but also hold nutritional value as they are high in fiber and vitamin C. Whether shoppers are searching for a sweet or nutritional treat, we know they are looking for the highest-quality fruit available. In the retail space, these tasty fruits naturally add a pop of contrasting color to the produce section that catches the consumer’s eye and encourages impulse purchases. For storage and handling time tips, visit our website.”
“As a sure sign that summer is on its way, United States shoppers are always excited to see cherries show up on their grocery store shelves. With a surge of domestic supply hitting displays from May to late summer, shoppers have the ability to be choosy about what they put in their cart. When searching for the freshest pouch of cherries, vibrant green stems are often seen as the biggest indicator of quality and driver of a purchase. Thankfully, Hazel Technologies has a solution for cherries that protects their stems from browning, while also reducing the chances of decay and pitting. By using just one Hazel sachet per box, growers can provide the best possible product, while retailers can offer their customers a superior eating experience. This results in higher sales and customer satisfaction all around.” 
