Dried Cherry Shortage and Supply Issues in Grand Traverse

The Grand Traverse region, renowned as the Cherry Capital of the World, is currently grappling with a significant dried cherry shortage.

Recent reports indicate that the 2025 tart cherry harvest suffered a substantial decline, with production plummeting from 101 million pounds in 2024 to just 34 million pounds in 2025.

This sharp decrease has had a profound impact on the availability of dried cherries, a staple product derived from tart cherries.

Local businesses, such as Traverse Bay Farms, have been striving to maintain a steady supply by sourcing cherries locally.

By relying on Michigan-grown Montmorency cherries, they aim to shield customers from potential shortages and price fluctuations.

However, the reduced harvest has inevitably led to challenges in meeting the consistent demand for dried cherries.

In response to these challenges, the Cherry Industry Administrative Board has initiated a new marketing campaign featuring the "True Tart" label.

This initiative is designed to help consumers easily identify products made with U.S.-grown Montmorency tart cherries, thereby fostering trust and potentially boosting demand.

Despite these efforts, the dried cherry supply remains constrained, and consumers may encounter limited availability and higher prices in the near future.

As the industry navigates these difficulties, stakeholders are hopeful that strategic initiatives and favorable future harvests will help stabilize the dried cherry market.