Roxburgh orchardist Stephen Jeffery said his staff began packing cherries this week.
Things were looking ''not too bad'', but numbers were down slightly on last year, he said.
''Cherries have had a little bit of weather damage early in the season, obviously, because we've had a lot of rain lately, we've had a lot of wind. Maybe there is a little bit of a shortage.''
Wholesale prices for export-quality fruit were ''really high'', and consumers could expect to pay around $30 a kg, he said.
The orchard was selling second-grade cherries for $12 a kg at its roadside stall.
''We try to keep the price low for our local customers. We probably don't make a lot off the roadside sales.''
Earnscleugh orchardist Harry Roberts said he was pleased by how early cherry varieties were looking.
''We haven't had splitting. Fortunately, we haven't been hit by hail. The rain hasn't really done any damage here. In fact, we could do with a bit more cold rain.''
The condition of the fruit varied from orchard to orchard.
''We've got to wait for the main crop. That'll come just before or just after New Year.''
He would not be surprised if cherries were being sold for $30 a kg.
''They are usually more expensive around Christmas because of demand. That often doesn't go to the grower.''
Summerfruit New Zealand chairman Tim Jones, of Cromwell, said cherries were in good supply.
''It's all under way and looking good. The volumes are actually up slightly on this time last year, but it's early days.
''I imagine there will be plenty of cherries for Christmas.''
There had been showers in the area, but they did not affect the crop, he said.
He is the general manager of the country's largest cherry exporter, 45 South, which began exporting this week.
Cherries were mainly destined for Thailand, China and Taiwan, but there was demand throughout Southeast Asia.
About two-thirds of New Zealand cherries are exported.
Varieties such as Samba and Sonnet were being picked now, and Dawson would start soon.
