Latest News From Pears

On a recent spring morning, I found myself leaving an appointment in New York City’s Chinatown. As I spilled onto the sidewalk, I faced all sorts of unfamiliar fresh produce displayed on tables on almost every block.

Joyfully Grown is the new tree fruit brand for Chelan, Wash.-based Chelan Fresh.

The Bingen, Wash.-based company has entered into a deal to acquire the majority of the Oregon pear assets formerly owned by Stadelman Fruit Company.

The California Pear Advisory Board said in-store signage and graphic bins at several retailers will support education efforts.

The Milwaukie, Ore.-based Pear Bureau Northwest has announced that Bob Catinella has been promoted to director of merchandising. 

South Africa is set for record apple, pear and table grape production in marketing year 2021-22, according to a new USDA report. But the report says growers and exporters also face some dark clouds.

Grape production and exports will rise for 2021-22 but pears and apple exports are expected to sink, according to a new USDA report.

According to Purdue University, the tree easily spreads to forests and parks, where it crowds out native plants at a rate that has earned it a spot on the invasive species list.

The U.S. Department of Agriculture has announced a $1.5 million purchase of fresh apples and pears for the agency's nutrition programs.

The U.S. Department of Agriculture projects Chilean apple production and exports to remain flat in the marketing year 2021-22.

CMI Orchards is partnering with the firm’s retail customers in new ways this year with the customized digital and omnichannel vehicles now available.

Wenatchee, Wash.-based Starr Ranch Growers is optimistic about its 2021 pear crop.

Rainier Fruit Co. grows pears all through the central corridor of Washington, from the Canadian to Oregon borders, said David Armenta, director of export sales for the Selah, Wash.-based marketer.

Though end-of-year promotions are big every year, Northwest pears offer robust promotion opportunities well into 2022, marketers say.

For all marketers, the COVID-19 pandemic introduced more intensive marketing to consumers through social media and online platforms. 

Grower-shippers of pears have dealt with multiple heat waves this season, and that is just another challenge that is testing their resiliency.

Fall is all about the harvest bounty — bubbling hot jonathan apple pies adorned with sugary laced lattice tops, jack-o-lantern pumpkins, ornamental gourds, sweet fall grapes, hard squash and crunchy apples.

The best outcomes for pear and apple harvest may go to growers who have the best access for H-2A labor.

Washington organic pear shipments have shown steady growth over the past few years, and Northwest pear marketers see room to grow.

The dog days of summer are fading in the distance, and that signals the start of Stemilt’s new pear crop and the arrival of summer varieties.

The Packer's Sept. 6 issue includes special coverage of the Northwest pear deal, and we want to hear from you, growers and marketers.

An unprecedented run of triple-digit heat has stressed and diminished the Northwest tree fruit crops, but the full extent of damage is not yet known.

Welcome to The Packer’s Fresh Take, a column featuring advice and inspiration from leaders and innovators in the produce industry, in their own words.

The Northwest pear industry elected new officers during their annual meeting.

USA Pears won Best In-house Digital Marketing Campaign for its Virtual Flavor Experience videos from PR News and the Social Shake-up’s 2021 Digital + Social Media Awards.

AgroFresh Solutions, Inc. announced an exclusive global licensing agreement with Know Hub Chile to test and potentially commercialize patent-pending technology for superficial scald control in apples and pears.

Lower global output for apples and pears and about steady volume for grapes was noted in an update published by the U.S. Department of Agriculture.

As the California pear industry gears up for the coming harvest set to begin in early July, farmers are focusing on one thing – giving consumers a good eating experience.

Compared with earlier estimates, Argentina’s fresh apple production in the 2020-2021 season is expected to decrease 10,000 metric tons to 560,000 metric tons, according to a new report from the USDA.

Chelsea, Mass.-based Morning Kiss Organic has started its imported organic pear season.

February organic pear and apple sales verified that the pandemic year has been incredibly positive for both categories.

The U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) today announced a final rule modifying the handling regulation for pears grown in Oregon and Washington.

D’Anjou pears are in line for good promotion opportunities as the bartlett season ends in the Northwest.

Santa Cruz, Calif.-based Awe Sum Organics is soon bringing Southern Hemisphere grown organic pears to the U.S.

The U.S. Department of Agriculture is inviting bids from domestic marketers of fresh apples and pears to supply federal nutrition programs.

Aided by the USDA funds, Pear Bureau Northwest has launched a series of consumer outreach promotions using new digital platforms and content partners.

Pear Bureau Northwest is partnering with one of the most famous Mexican wrestlers (Luchador), Psycho Clown, who will tout healthy, delicious pears to his broad fanbase.

The California Statewide Pear Research Webinar features the latest research into pests, production methods and varieties.

More than 100 chefs from across the United Arab Emirates created history on January 4 by producing 2,209 pies made with USA Pears and setting a Guinness World Record for the longest line of pies.

Pear Bureau Northwest has awarded the two winners of its display contest with the Defense Commissary Agency a trip to the Produce Marketing Association’s Fresh Summit.

The Pear Bureau Northwest is asking retailers to show their love of red pears with a display contest.

New year, same great Rushing Rivers® d’Anjou pears from Stemilt and exactly what the retailer needs to take their pear category from good to World Famous.

World apple production will ease 4% in 2020-21 while global grape output will be nearly steady, according to a new report from the U.S. Department of Agriculture.

Avocados bounced from No. 7 the week of Nov. 30 to take the lead spot on PMG the week of Nov. 7.

USA Pears is excited to announce a new partnership with Cabot Cheese and California Walnuts.

After 40 years in the produce industry and 20 years at Wenatchee, Wash.-based Stemilt Growers, Roger Pepperl is retiring at the end of the year.

CMI Orchards, Wenatchee, Wash., is expanding domestic and international pear distribution through a partnership with Independent Warehouse Inc., Dryden, Wash.

Pear Bureau Northwest is launching the 2020 edition of its annual World Pear Day on December 5.

The U.S. Department of Agriculture has issued solicitations for fresh oranges, apples and pears.

Producing Rushing Rivers pears is no easy feat.