The 2026 British Columbia cherry season is shaping up to start earlier than usual, but volume will be noticeably lighter. B.C. Cherry Association president Sukhpaul Bal says the crop is on the lighter side this year because last year's bumper harvest followed the 2024 freeze, and the trees are in a natural recovery cycle. Volume won't match what buyers saw in 2025.
B.C. cherries are a significant source of premium fresh cherries for North American retailers and foodservice buyers in July and August. A lighter crop means tighter supply windows and less room to negotiate on price — especially for large-volume promotional programs.
Buyers should get ahead of their sourcing plans now. With Washington cherries also expected to run lighter this year, the combined domestic supply picture for summer cherries is more constrained than last season. Lock in your volume early.