Stemilt breaks ground on new pear packing facility
A new pear line facility equipped with automated packing systems, defect sorting and robotic palletizing will complement Stemilt’s approach to growing pears.
The Washington-based tree fruit grower, packer and shipper is investing in new technology to accentuate quality and flavor for brands like Rushing Rivers pears and the newly launched Happi Pear.
“The Happi Pear is the first branded pear in a long time,” Stemilt Marketing Director Brianna Shales said at the International Fresh Produce Association's 2022 Global Produce & Floral Show. “It has a distinct texture, and you can eat it green and yellow. Happi will help revive the pear category.”
According to Shales, this is the second commercial year growing the Happi Pear, and this upcoming season will be a short one. Stemilt will be ready to scale up production in the 2023 season.
Related news: Stemilt Growers sees strong marketing prospects for pears
Synced with anticipated crop, the pear line facility is poised to be fully operational by the 2023-24 pear season to increase productivity of Stemilt’s pears coming from optimal growing locations in Wenatchee, Wash., and the company’s ripening center.
