Canada's BC Tree Fruits cooperative is expecting a record 12 million pounds of cherries this season, with all commodities due for a late start as a result of cool weather this spring. 

The crop estimate is up from last season's 8 million pounds, although the group highlighted the 2016 estimate was 12 million pounds as well before inclement weather reduced the crop volume.

At this time, The British Columbia-based group said it was anticipating a "very good" peach, nectarine, prune, plum and grape crop with volumes similar to last year.

“With weather serving up a cooler spring this year, it has enabled our grower base to be prepared for a delicious and high quality crop of cherries at more traditional timing,” BC Tree Fruits marketing manager Chris Pollock said.

“Cherries and the rest of our summer fruits went through the bloom period exceptionally well and our growers are excited for a great crop this year with harvest starting end of June for cherries in the South, with the fruit hitting retail shelves very soon after.”

The primary market for BC Tree Fruits summer fruits remains Western Canada. BC Tree Fruits also continues to export increased volumes of cherries to the U.S. and key export markets.

The cooperative is composed of more than 430 local grower families who grow a variety of tree fruit commodities including apples, cherries, pears, peaches, nectarines, apricots, prunes, plums and grapes.

The group's head office is located in Kelowna, BC.

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