Washington pears see a lengthy season overall, with seasons divvied between summer and winter varieties. “We’re almost finished harvesting 2017-18 crop which is always an exciting time for our growers,” says Brianna Shales, Stemilt communications manager. Stemilt has a Perfect Pears digital campaign running in the US that will run until the end of October. “It’s about getting to know more about how people are enjoying pears. We like to have some fun giveaways for shoppers so we can keep pears top of mind.” Bartlett pears will be avail until January, with d’Anjou pears starting up shortly and running to early summer.
December will be a big month for multiple pear varieties, considering it’s National Pear Month. “That’s where a lot of our attention is focusing on – getting promotions in place to celebrate pear season,” Shales says.
Currently she says they have good quality and conditions, though sizing is similar to apple crops this year. “Just like on apples (pears are) a little bit down from what we had last year, but we’ll have more opportunities for small pear promotions which is really a good fit for Stemilt because of our Lil Snappers Kids size fruit program. It’s a great package size for the pear category and helps retailers ensure they are building the next generation of pear shoppers.” In looking at the Northwest pear crop, Shales said it won’t be a record breaker but will be very promotable at retail.
Stemilt’s apple harvest is continuing, similar trend and opportunity for promotion with smaller sizing for the Lil Snappers 3lb bag program, conventionally or organically. She says there’s been a big jump in Honeycrisp volume at Stemilt with new plantings coming into production, as well as significant volume completing the three-year transition to organic production. “We have great quality on Honeycrisp, with sizing in the sweet spot for shoppers, and lots of opportunities to promote this star apple now and through spring.”
For more information:
Brianna Shales
Stemilt Growers
Ph: 509-662-9667