Organic pear supplies from the Pacific Northwest have almost been exhausted. The main supply is currently coming from Argentina and importers are seeing good volume. The season began last month and is expected to last until the California season starts up again in summer.
"The Northwest organic pear season is almost finished although it is running a little later than normal," said Matthew Roberts of Viva Tierra Organic. "Growers are busy packing away in Argentina right now and our first arrivals began in late February. Currently we're seeing good volume on Williams, which is better known as Bartlett on the US market. We will have volume on those until April when we switch over to D'Anjou just as the domestic season wraps up."
A box of Durondeau pears
Unique varieties attracting interest
Among the familiar varieties that are in the mix, are a number of organic pears that do not grow commercially in the United States. These attract strong interest and several retailers promote them as such. However, the majority of the organic pear varieties from Argentina go to Europe where most of the exports end up.
"There are a number of organic pear varieties that are unique to the region," Roberts noted. "These include Abate Fetel, Alexander Lucas and Durondeau, among others. Promotable volume arrives at various times throughout the Argentine season and they attract a lot of attention from wholesale buyers and retailers who enjoy promoting them. Some of the Argentine pears are European varieties and therefore many of them are exported to Europe during the Southern hemisphere season. Overall, a lot of the pears go to Europe and the United States only makes up a small part in that market."
Abate Fetel
Good time of year for organic pears
The market on organic pears is good, with steady demand. Imported organic pears from Argentina are continuing to see an increase, with many buyers from all over the world taking advantage of the now well established supply.
"The market has been fine, particularly on the 90s and larger market," Roberts observed. "Many of the smaller pears end up in Europe where they enjoy a good market. We're also seeing a lot of interest for the Bosc which will be landing from next week, so it will be interesting to see how that market will go. It's a good time of year for organic pears and there is definitely an increased interest in organic pears from Argentina. Every year we see more players in the market and it's great to see so many buyers down there from all over the world."
For more information:
Matthew Roberts
Viva Tierra Organic
Tel: +1 (360) 855-0566