● Live · Jun 04, 2026
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California cherry season is already in trouble — heat and storms hit San Joaquin before harvest even kicks off

Cherry growers in San Joaquin County are still assessing how much damage early-season heat spikes and recent storms caused to their 2026 crop. The full picture won't be clear until more field data comes in, but quality and yield losses are both on the table.

San Joaquin is one of California's primary cherry-growing counties, and any meaningful hit there ripples directly into domestic cherry supply during the peak spring window. This comes at a time when buyers are already navigating a complex import environment.

Keep a close eye on volume and sizing reports over the next two to three weeks. If losses are confirmed, expect tighter supply, higher prices, and potential quality inconsistencies at the packing level. Retailers building cherry promotions for Memorial Day should be in close contact with their suppliers now.

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