Harvest for the fresh USA Pears grown in Oregon and Washington is underway, and initial estimates suggest that the 2008 crop will be approximately 7% smaller than the five-year average with a projected total of approximately 16.5 million standard box equivalents of pears. The decrease in crop size was due in part to temperatures that unseasonably dropped this spring, resulting in a freeze that damaged pear blossoms in parts of the pear growing regions in Oregon and Washington. Still, with last season’s crop being the third largest on record, the Pear Bureau Northwest looks forward to another marketable sized crop.

Harvest begins with Summer/Fall varieties including the Green Bartlett, the Red Bartlett, and other red pear varieties like the Starkrimson in mid August, and Winter pear varieties such as the Anjou, Bosc, Comice, Concorde, Forelle, and Seckel will be picked from late August through early October. The quality of the fruit looks excellent, with no weather-related issues affecting the crop since the spring freeze.

While overall crop size is below normal, certain pear varieties are experiencing significant growth when compared to the five-year average. The Comice pear crop is expected to increase by 15%, and the Red Anjou crop by 11% vs. their five year averages. Other Winter Pear varieties, including the Concorde, Taylor’s Gold, Forelle and other varieties, are expected to increase by 38% collectively. Additionally, when compared to the five-year average, organic pear production has increased by about 30% for Summer/Fall varieties and 10% for Winter pear varieties, for an overall estimated crop size of more than 569,500 standard boxes of organically grown pears.
Bosc pears, which have the third largest volume of all USA Pear varieties, are projected to bounce back from last season’s smaller sized crop with production increases of 11 % expected.

With a good marketable sized crop Kevin Moffitt, president and CEO of Pear Bureau Northwest, is confident that the Pear Bureau’s marketing programs will continue to be effective in helping to move the crop. “Pears have regained their position at retail as one of the world’s favorite fruits. To capitalize and expand on this we have many progressive and innovative programs in place to grab the attention of the consumer as well as retailers and foodservice operators,” said Moffitt.

Key areas in this season’s domestic marketing program include a strong push for early crop movement and utilizing key marketing periods to increase sales for specific varieties. The Pear Bureau is also using its new in-house data analysis system to custom tailor promotional opportunities for retailers nationwide, and Pear Bureau presence at consumer and trade events all over the country will support ongoing promotions. Consumer outreach will continue with ongoing print advertising and an exciting partnership with Radio Disney and Disney’s Epcot® theme park near Orlando, Fla. The Radio Disney programs include nationwide Halloween themed community events and there will also be a significant USA Pears presence at the Epcot® International Food and Wine Festival this fall from September 26 – November 9.

Exports also look favorable, as the Pear Bureau conducts promotional activity in over 35 markets worldwide. International marketing representatives develop and maintain promotions for USA Pears with activities targeted for each country’s market. With an expected decrease of 14% in the European pear crop coupled with the weak dollar, exports to Europe and Russia are expected to be strong this season. Approximately one-third of the fresh Northwest pear crop is sold outside of the United States, with Mexico, Canada, Brazil, and Russia topping the list of export markets.

An integrated communications program enhances ongoing activity with consumer and trade media outreach, recipe development for both consumers and foodservice, and updating the world’s largest website dedicated to pears at www.usapears.org. In addition, Pear Panache, the Pear Bureau’s award-winning nationwide chef recognition program, continues into its third year of success with this season’s first spotlighted Chef of the Month to be announced in September.

More information:
Pear Bureau Northwest

Volver