Cherries have become one of the latest “Super Fruits,” meaning they are high in antioxidants, in addition to containing nutrients such as vitamin C, beta carotene, fiber and potassium. Cherry trees will grow in most climates, although sweet and tart cherries prefer different conditions. Napoleon, Rainier, Lambert and Bing cherries are among the most popular varieties grown in cherry orchards today.

Consider adding cherries to your store, whether in the form of fresh cherries, cherry juice or other cherry products such as chocolate covered cherries. If you’re located in the right region, you can even grow your own cherry trees. Before adding cherries to your product lineup, consider the following:

1. Do you have a market for fresh cherries from local or international suppliers?

2. Would you consider adding chocolate covered cherries or other cherry products to your store?

3. Would your customers be interested in cherry juice?

4. Do you live in an area where you could produce your own cherries?

Action Steps
The best contacts and resources to help you get it done

Check out fresh cherries from cherry growers and distributors

There are a variety of international and national cherry growers that distribute to all areas of the United States. Be aware of the cherry harvesting season for each of the cherry growers so you can know when to start marketing your cherries.

I recommend: Singer Farms has both fresh sweet cherries and tart cherries. They are available for nationwide distribution typically during July and August. Washington-based Olmstead Orchards supplies three different varieties of fresh cherries: Rainier, Van and Bing cherries.

Find distributors of chocolate covered cherries and other cherry products

Although not as delectable as a freshly picked cherry, dried cherries, canned cherries and other cherry products do have their merit. And let's not forget chocolate covered cherries - a true delicacy!

I recommend: Cherry Growers has a line of cherry pie filling in addition to other fruit products. Meduri Farms offers a line of dried sweet cherries and dried tart cherries. Oregon Fruit Products sells canned pitted dark sweet cherries by the caseload. Check out Old Time Candy for Cella’s milk or dark chocolate covered cherries.

Explore manufacturers of juice from cherries

While probably not the most common way of enjoying the health benefits and delicious taste of cherries, cherry juice is another product available on the market. Look for organic varieties from distributors, too.

I recommend: King Orchards offers a tart cherry juice concentrate that is all natural. Brownwood Acres Foods also has a cherry juice concentrate, in addition to dried cherries, liquid cherry supplements and more.

Grow your own cherry trees

Most people buy a young cherry tree from local nurseries, depending on location, or online rather than start a tree from cherry seeds. If you buy young trees (typically around four to eight feet tall), it will take about three years before you produce your first crop.

I recommend: Willis Orchards has sour cherry trees and sweet cherry trees available for purchase. Check out Nature Hills Nursery for even more cherry tree varieties, including Rainier, Stella and Bing cherry trees.

Tips & Tactics

Helpful advice for making the most of this Guide

• •  Order a small quantity of cherries or cherry products as your first shipment. You want to be sure customers are interested in the product before you invest too much money into it.