While the season is approaching the finish line, there are still lots of North American pears available.
“There’s plenty of supply because the cannery pear deal in California has shut down so cannery demand has gone down,” says Kam Chauhan of Abbotsford, B.C.-based FreshPack Okanagan Fruit LTD. He’s referring to the closure of the Seneca Foods fruit cannery late last year in Modesto, Ca.
That closure has pushed a lot of availability, particularly on Bartlett pears, towards the fresh market, though Chauhan notes that the quality isn’t as strong because those pears that were previously directed to canning are now included in the fresh market. “There are still a few canneries in Washington taking them but not a lot,” he says. “There are plenty of D’Anjous and Boscs and there’s good movement on both of those. But there’s also plenty of not good-quality Bartlett.” He estimates that Bartlett supplies were up approximately 20 percent.
At the same time, Chauhan notes that no. 1 pears have good prices. “But the Fancies and lower grade no. 2 pears don’t have good prices,” he says. “As we go later into the season, prices will go up but it depends on how much inventory is there. It can go up in the next month or so.”
Looking ahead, he notes that in terms of supplies, Oregon will likely go until the next crop is harvested while Washington will wrap up in June, with extremely limited supplies on domestic pears after that.
D’Anjou availability
Meanwhile over at Stemilt Growers in Wenatchee, Wa., Brianna Shales notes that many varieties are winding up though good supplies remain on both the d’Anjou and Red d’Anjou. “Supplies should remain throughout the spring and early summer months. Imports into the U.S. are down in volume year-over-year and promotion opportunities really lie with Northwest pear supplies.” says Shales.
Pears from Stemilt Growers.
She also notes that this crop year had a range of sizes available, including bulk pears, which is different than last year where it had an increase in smaller sized pears and more promotion opportunities on bags.
For more information:
Kam Chauhan
FreshPack Okanagan Fruit LTD.
Tel: +1-778-552-2737
kam@fofltd.ca
www.fofltd.ca
Brianna Shales
Stemilt Growers
Ph: 509-662-9667
brianna.shales@stemilt.com
www.stemilt.com