Traditionally, dating back 10-15 years and earlier, the majority of processed cherry products in the US were crafted from light sweet cherry varieties specifically cultivated for processing into maraschino and other processed cherry variants.

However, in recent years, a notable shift has occurred in the Pacific Northwest region, where growers have transitioned away from cultivating light sweet cherries intended for processing. Instead, they have shifted focus towards darker, more lucrative varieties like Bing and Sweetheart, primarily geared towards the fresh produce retail sector. These dark cherry varieties command higher prices per pound in the market.

As of 2024, only a mere 15% of cherry sourcing is allocated to processing purposes. Regrettably, the trend reveals a diminishing interest among growers in planting and cultivating cherries tailored for the processing industry.

The shift towards cultivating more profitable fresh produce-oriented cherry varieties in the US, as opposed to those traditionally earmarked for processing, underscores a significant transformation in the cherry sourcing landscape. This evolving trend poses challenges for the processed cherry product manufacturing sector, necessitating adaptation to the changing availability and sourcing patterns of raw materials.