Cherries to arrive earlier this year

Cherry harvest this year is slightly ahead of schedule, and if the weather continues to stay sunny and warm, cherries could hit store shelves as early as the end of May.

Leading UK cherry distributor Driscoll’s has stated that if the warmer spring weather continues, the country could see the British cherry season arriving a few weeks earlier.

Cherries sold by Driscoll’s to UK retailers are grown by Berry Gardens Growers, who stretch from Kent to Kincardineshire with orchards in Kent, Herefordshire, Worcestershire, Norfolk, Staffordshire, and Perthshire all contributing to this year’s harvest.

Jon Hillary, Driscoll’s cherry product manager, said: “As we prepare for the cherry season, we’re preparing to see cherry growth a little earlier than anticipated this season. However, the cherry blossoms will require warmer, stable weather conditions to ensure optimal pollination.

“While forecasts suggest an early start to the cherry season, it will depend on whether we see a sunnier spring ahead. Nevertheless, we’re looking forward to delivering fresh British cherries to consumers.”

Fresh Produce Journal quoted cherry grower Sarah Neaves as saying, “This year’s British cherry blossom really is in its abundance, with our honeybees working hard to pollinate each of the cherry flowers, allowing them to develop into sweet British cherries.

“If the warmer spring weather continues we could see the British cherry season arriving a few weeks earlier this year. We’re looking forward to seeing how it all unfolds. British cherries are truly exceptional fruits and we’ll be immensely proud to provide them to Driscoll’s this summer.”