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.
Pears are packed in Wenatchee and Yakima, Wash., he said.
Rainier’s production began the week of Aug. 2 and is expected to wind down in October.
The goal with anjous is to go year-round, he said. Bartletts will wrap up in the spring, with boscs and red pears finishing sometime next summer. Rainier’s organic bartlett program will run through March.
Organic pears are expected to account for 22% to 25% of Rainier’s pear volume, he said.
In terms of packaging, pouch bags continue to remain the main vehicle for pears, Armenta said.
“They merchandise well and are a great grab-and-go option.”
