Wenatchee, Wash.-based Stemilt Growers LLC says its Rushing Rivers pear brand, which was launched in 2014, is an opportunity to merchandise pears with a story.
The California Pear Advisory Board will continue after a referendum conducted Jan. 27 to Feb. 27 received 80 ballots, all in favor of keeping the program.
Customers using Dolco Packaging's foam pear trays can expect to experience fewer fruit scuffs and bruising during transport, according to a news release.
With estimates calling for a slight boost in volume, the Northwest pear crop is running a little earlier than last year, showing good fruit size and excellent fruit finish.
In the fall of 1931, the Oregon-Washington Pear Bureau began its first promotional campaign, marketing 2.1 million boxes of winter pears with a budget of only $15,000.
Not reaping the same benefits of new variety development as the apple industry, the evolution of the Northwest pear industry will lean on advancements in packing and packaging technology, industry sources said.
Philadelphia-based AgroFresh Solutions Inc. is adding two new service centers and hiring 50 seasonal workers to help apple and pear growers this season.
