Washington pears have moved into promotable territory. “We are starting to wrap up on some varieties and organics, but green and red d’Anjou pears remain in good supply with promotion opportunities,” says Brianna Shales of Stemilt Growers. “Summer pears like Bartlett are winding down and Bosc is as well.”
While supplies look comparable to last year at this time, the harvest did get a slightly later start this season in the Pacific Northwest. “That is not an impact now at retail since harvest occurred in the fall. We have good volumes of those two winter pear varieties for promotion,” she says, noting its pears come from the Wenatchee and Entiat River Valleys in Washington State. (The Southern hemisphere is also producing pears right now.)
Pear promotions
Pear quality is also strong on d’Anjou pears particularly right now. “It’s an ideal time to plan a bigger pear promotion, especially before seasonal/spring/summer fruits start coming in and taking prominent display space,” she says. “Bulk promotions on pears can help attract consumers to purchase and boost volume, while also enjoying dollar growth to the category and produce department as a whole.”
As for demand, it is good. However, growers-shippers want to keep the fruit in the spotlight. “We need to keep pears on consumer minds and there is room to get people, especially younger demographics, enjoying more pears,” Shales says. “It’s important we make enjoying pears easy for shoppers and give them a great flavor experience and confidence that the pears they pick up will be ready to eat shortly after purchase.”
For more information:
Brianna Shales
Stemilt Growers
Tel: +1 509-662-9667 x1221
brianna.shales@stemilt.com
www.stemilt.com