Despite getting off to a late start, this year's Pacific Northwest pear crop looks to be larger than in previous years. Coupled with a sluggish domestic market, prices for pears have been lower than in past seasons, but remain stable.A cool spring, in conjunction with a cooler than usual summer, delayed the season by approximately two weeks. The delay hasn't hampered production, but as Kevin Moffit, President and CEO of Pear Bureau Northwest, points out, it has put them up against a lot of other fruit.
“We're up against apples, oranges and imported blueberries,” he says, “and although exports have been very good, we're lagging domestically.”
He anticipates no competition from pear imports for the next five weeks, and he hopes that gives them time for the domestic market to pick up.
Crop volume is projected at 20 million boxes, which is an increase from last year's production of 18 million boxes. Moffit notes that this season, which is midway through, is looking to be a record crop. But with an increase in volume there has also been a decrease in price.
“Prices are down, probably 10% from last year,” he says.
But he points out that, given the large volume, prices have been stable.
“We have seen some weakening in price with some sizes,” he notes, “but generally, prices have been stable and have remained firm.”
Given the size and market price of the crop, Moffit believes strong promotions are in order.
“Export-wise, we've had a good season,” he says, “but we're doing 80% more promotions this year because, domestically, we need to rise to the occasion.”