Though the 2024-25 season has been a historically low crop, there is a bright side and promotional opportunity for retailers, says Brianna Shales, marketing director for Stemilt Growers.
“It’s been difficult to keep pears top of mind when the volume is less overall,” Shales said in a news release. “Taking advantage of this timely promotion window with bosc, red and green d’anjou can help retailers capture consumer impulse purchases of freshly packed pears at a higher retail price to lift the category.”
Shales said January and February are key promotional months for pears, and organic pears can help boost the category. Varieties such as organic bosc and red and green d’anjou offer retailers a higher retail per transaction, she said.
“The first part of the year can still be leveraged for promoting pears and bringing dollars back into the category,” Shales said. “Pear volumes are down 20% and sales are down 12% from last year between Sept. 1, 2024, and Nov. 23, 2024, and this can be expected with a smaller crop, but this is where organic winter pears like bosc, red d’anjou and green d’anjou can shine where other varieties are down.”
Shales said historically, January and February are key months for promoting organic red and green d’anjou. She recommended retailers run a multivariety on red, brown and green organic pears to boost volume at elevated retails. She said organic retail prices are $2.68 a pound, compared to $2.45 a pound last year.
“Stemilt Lil Snappers 2-pound pouch bags make for a convenient vehicle for selling organics,” Shales said. “Opting for a 3-pound bag on conventional pears or bulk are other great options. We also have a new recyclable four-pack for pears that can be appealing to the organic shopper looking for sustainability and convenience. In light of the New Year, consumers are shopping for healthier options and looking to the produce department for fruits to incorporate into their diets.”
