CMI looks for abundant volume in exceptional pear crop

CMI Orchards expects abundant volume and excellent quality for its 2023 pear crop.

“While we’re seeing that the crop size for Northwest pears will be slightly down from last year, we expect a much better condition and finish quality on the fruit thanks to exceptional weather this summer and a strong set of fruit on the trees,” said Sarah Barkley, domestic sales and pear lead for CMI Orchards, Wenatchee, Wash.

Barkley said CMI anticipates another strong year for pears with abundant volume.

“While the overall pear crop is down in volume, CMI’s volume is expected to be about the same as last year — which was our biggest year for pears ever,” she said.

CMI has covered the needs of its customers all year, she said.

“We’re really excited to shine a spotlight on our beautiful domestic crop, as well as our partnership with Unifrutti, which allows us to offer year-round availability on some of our varieties,” she said. “We want to make sure that retailers don’t have to look far to get everything they want for this upcoming pear season, especially with the holiday season coming quickly on the heels of harvest — that’s a perfect time for pear promotions.”

Organic pears represent an important element of CMI’s offerings, she said.

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“Demand and consumption for organic pears has been growing steadily over the last few years, and there’s been a ton of growth in that area as well,” Barkley said. “Offering organic options is important to CMI, as we love to be a full-service, one-stop shop for our customers — and there are plenty of health-conscious consumers who love organic pears for snacking, smoothies and other sweet treats.”

Barkley said conventional and organic bartlett pears are the marketer’s most popular pear items.

“This year, we’ll be offering starkrimson, bartlett, bosc, green and red d’anjou pears in conventional and organic, as well as concorde pears in organic,” she said.

Packing progress

CMI Orchards has developed a new vent pattern for packing pears, Barkley said.

“This helps streamline the packing process, reducing costs by eliminating steps, as well as improving airflow — which is crucial to controlling temperatures and retaining moisture both on the packing line and through the ripening process," she said.

In addition, Barkley said CMI is implementing the use of SmartHarvest mobile ripening rooms.

“With this development, retailers can offer their customers pears that are at optimal ripeness at the point of purchase, ensuring the best and most consistent eating quality at home, capturing repeat customers and boosting sales in the produce department,” she said.