Sukhpaul Bal shares positive forecast about future cherry season

If Mother Nature can hold off the extreme cold temperatures in 2021, Sukhpaul Bal, president of BC Cherry Association, expects to see a record Canadian cherry crop. During the two previous years there have been smaller cherry harvests due to unfavourable weather. “A good winter without late frost events will ensure the trees are rested and have the potential to produce a bumper crop,” he says.

There is strong demand for Canadian Cherries all over the world, and it is expected that the Asian market will continue to be a favourable destination. The opening of the Japanese market in 2019 is something that the BC Cherry Association members are keen to expand on. The United States also continues to play a vital role and remains one of the largest markets for Canadian Cherries. 

As to where will Canadian cherries go next, “We are currently negotiating the arrangements of a protocol with South Korea to gain market access. We see strong potential for Canadian cherries in this market, and look forward to having the opportunity to ship cherries there in the very near future”, said Bal.

Commenting on innovations made by members, Mr. Bal mentioned that there were several new packing lines that came online this season, including the largest Canadian cherry packinghouse to date.  Jealous Fruits has installed a 28-lane cherry line with the Cherry Vision 3.0 technology in 2020. It is an intelligent automated technology, which allows a greater precision and reliability in classifying the external and internal quality of cherries. At the same time, it allows the facility to minimize the personnel necessary to operate the plant, thus allowing the operators to work with safe personal distancing in place.

The season for Canadian cherries starts in the middle of June and usually continues until the end of August. To learn more about the BC Cherry Association follow the link.