News

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.

With the beginning of the Pacific Northwest cherry season right around the corner, CMI Orchards is excited to announce a vibrant refresh of its Nature’s Candy™ brand. The updated look will debut with the start of the 2026 cherry season, bringing a bold, modern feel to both retail shelves and in-store displays.

The updated Nature’s Candy™ lineup introduces new pouch bags and clamshell packaging for Dark Sweet and Rainier cherries, featuring bolder colors, refreshed graphics, and a more contemporary design that highlights the premium quality of Northwest-grown fruit. The fresh look also features the Planet Positive™ program, highlighting CMI’s carbon-negative fruit.

May 21, 2026

CMI Orchards has released its first annual Impact Report, Building a Planet Positive™ Future, marking a significant milestone in the company’s ongoing commitment to sustainability and regenerative agriculture.

The 50-page report provides a comprehensive look at CMI’s environmental progress and long-term vision for sustainability and regenerative agriculture. Designed for transparency and accessibility, the report outlines measurable progress while offering a deeper understanding of how CMI is working to create a more resilient food system.

May 12, 2026

As America gears up for its 250th anniversary, CMI Orchards is bringing the celebration to retail with a special edition American Dream® program featuring eye-catching, limited-edition packaging and point-of-sale materials.

This milestone gives retailers a fresh way to stand out with shoppers through compelling storytelling, patriotic displays, and purpose-driven promotions. The company's special edition American Dream program brings this to life across apples and cherries with coordinated packaging, impactful display solutions and a national cause-marketing campaign that deepens emotional connection and drives engagement.

April 8, 2026

These dual awards underscore CMI’s global leadership in driving regenerative, climate‑positive tree fruit production and advancing sustainability.

Each year, the SEAL (Sustainability, Environmental Achievement & Leadership) Business Awards recognize 50 of the world’s most sustainable companies for environmental initiatives that demonstrate innovation, measurable impact, and long-term commitment across industries and geographies.

February 4, 2026