DINUBA, CA - When I think of May here in California, I dream of cherries. As a premium category, this high-demand fruit has produce departments popping with color and brimming with traffic. King Fresh Produce LLC is kicking off its harvest this season with exciting developments in its California cherry program.

“We have upgraded our packing line to the industry leader in cherry packing equipment from Unitec SPA, Lugo, Italy,” President Keith Wilson stated. “This equipment will allow us to increase production with less labor. In addition, the upgrade will offer gentler and more uniform handling of the cherries and provide improved photo optics with the latest Unitec 3.5 AI software improvements—all resulting in better quality and more volume for our customers.”

This new line is located at the King Fresh headquarters’ facility in Dinuba, California, where most of the early district orchards are located within 40 miles of King Fresh’s packing facility.

“We are excited to work with the professionals at Unitec and see the results of our investment in new equipment and technology. Building the line has gone very well with no delays. We couldn’t be happier with the service the team at Unitec has provided,” Wilson expressed.

According to the company, the California cherry crop is forecasted to be lighter in supply for the 2025 season. This could result in an active market on the horizon.

“We do expect larger-sized cherries, great quality, and a normal start date in the last days of April for our California cherry program,” Wilson concluded.

Stay tuned to AndNowUKnow for more on the California cherry season and how suppliers are helping retail partners make the most of the category’s opportunities.