With its pears growing in the Hood River Valley area of Washington, Marboe notes that the region’s volcanic soils help make for ideal growing conditions.
Push from Mexico
At the same time, Marboe notes seeing the imports arriving from South America right now and soon the East Coast will see some pears from South Africa as well, he adds. “Mexico is probably the biggest demand for Anjou pears right now,” he says. “The U.S. market is staying steady. We are still getting inquiries from the Asian markets as well.” While China is a key market, Hong Kong is a particularly good market for pears.
As the season finishes, Marboe says that movement of pears looks steady. “We have a few late season promotions coming on in the next few weeks,” he says. “Consumers have been happy with the pear flavor and eating experience this season.”
Meanwhile Marboe describes the pear category as one that’s a continual work in progress. “Consumers are still learning pear attributes and flavors and retail is still finding the right placement as well,” he says. “We continue to keep pushing new ideas to the trade and working alongside the Pear Bureau Northwest to keep awareness of pears in front of the consumer.”
For more information:
Scott Marboe
Oneonta Starr Ranch Growers
Tel:+1-509-888-5120
scottm@starranch.com
https://www.oneonta.com/