CMI Orchards Kicks Off 2026 Cherry Season with Fresh Branding and Sweet Summer Excitement

Wenatchee, Wash. — Cherry season is shaping up to be one to celebrate, and CMI Orchards is heading into the season with a lineup of programs designed to make summer shine.

While the spring brought cooler temperatures during bloom that trimmed production across parts of the Northwest, CMI remains optimistic about the season ahead. “The Northwest cherry crop is currently projected at 18.4 to 19.2 million boxes, about 20% lighter than last year, but still packed with high-quality fruit, and CMI expects to contribute a strong portion of that volume,” says Joel Hewitt, Vice President of Sales at CMI Orchards.

Even better, the timing couldn’t be sweeter. With California cherries wrapping around Memorial Day, and the Northwest harvest launching right afterward, retailers and consumers alike can expect a smooth handoff into Northwest cherry season.

“We’re really excited about how this season is lining up,” said Hewitt. “Despite a lighter crop than last year, the quality is excellent, and the transition from California into the Northwest is about as clean as you can hope for. That creates a great opportunity to keep cherries front and center for shoppers without missing a beat.”

This season, CMI is bringing more than just great fruit to the table, with CMI’s Nature’s Candy® cherry brand having undergone a vibrant refresh, featuring brighter colors and cherry-centric graphics across pouches, clamshells, and master cartons, making it easier to grab attention both in-store and online.

Adding to the excitement, CMI has launched its America 250 Campaign as part of the American Dream program, celebrating the 250th anniversary of the United States with patriotic, summer-forward themes designed to drive sales during peak cherry season.

“Summer centers around outdoor celebration and socialization, and we’re delivering incredible tasting fruit paired with fresh designs and promotions so you can maximize sales (and cherry eating) throughout the season,” said Rochelle Bohm, Vice President of Marketing at CMI Orchards. “From the refreshed Nature’s Candy® look to our American Dream 250 Campaign, we’re giving retailers fun, engaging tools that tell a story, spark excitement, and ultimately help move more cherries during that prime mid-June to mid-July window.”

CMI’s 2026 program delivers something for everyone, with both conventional and organic options available across a premium mix of varieties, including Dark Sweet cherries, Rainier cherries, Strawberry cherries, and the highly sought-after Skylar Rae® cherries, known for supreme sweetness, and a signature caramel glow.

To help retailers drive performance in-store and online, CMI is offering a robust lineup of branded programs, including:

• Nature’s Candy™: newly refreshed with bold, modern packaging that pops on shelf
• American Dream®: featuring the high-impact 250 campaign to capture patriotic summer sales
• XXL®: oversized, eye-catching fruit that delivers big on flavor and shelf appeal
• Specialty varieties: including Skylar Rae® and Strawberry cherries for limited-time promotions that create urgency and excitement

“Consumers are looking for something memorable, and our cherry lineup delivers exactly that,” said Bohm. “From everyday favorites to premium specialties like Skylar Rae®, we’re helping retailers create a cherry category that feels exciting, differentiated, and worth coming back to.”

With strong quality, exciting branding, and strategic timing on its side, CMI Orchards is poised to deliver an exceptional 2026 cherry season, delivering premium Northwest-grown cherries that bring flavor and fresh energy to summer produce aisles.

“We’re ready,” Bohm said. “This season has all the ingredients—great fruit, great storytelling, and great timing.”