Pears
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.
The Packer’s Sept. 6 issue includes special coverage of the Northwest pear deal, and we want to hear from you, growers and marketers.
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.
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.
Though end-of-year promotions are big every year, Northwest pears offer robust promotion opportunities well into 2022, marketers say.
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.
Wenatchee, Wash.-based Starr Ranch Growers is optimistic about its 2021 pear crop.
CMI Orchards is partnering with the firm’s retail customers in new ways this year with the customized digital and omnichannel vehicles now available.
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 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.
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.
The U.S. Department of Agriculture projects Chilean apple production and exports to remain flat in the marketing year 2021-22.
The USDA’s 2022 U.S. apple production estimate is 10.1 billion pounds, up 3% from the previous year.
The Pacific Northwest organic pear crop looks promising, as estimates point to an increase in volume over last year, according to Domex Superfresh Growers.
With crop volumes expected similar to a year ago, Wenatchee, Wash.-based Stemilt Growers LLC will offer both organic and conventional pears this season.
Pears are skewing toward younger consumers and the Pear Bureau Northwest is designing media campaigns to speak to them, says Kevin Moffitt, president and CEO of Pear Bureau Northwest.
Bartlett pear harvest began in mid-August for Yakima, Wash.-based Sage Fruit, and the company’s other pear varieties will follow closely behind in early September, says Chuck Sinks, president of sales and marketing.
The initial industry projection for the 2022 Northwest pear crop is close to last year’s in volume, according to Kevin Moffitt, president and CEO of Pear Bureau Northwest.
The 2022 pear crop supply should line up well with demand for Oneonta Starr Ranch Growers, says Dan Davis, director of business development.
U.S. exports of fresh pears for the 12-month period from July 2021 to June 2022 totaled $148.1 million, down 1% from the previous year.
Northwest pear volume could be up slightly for CMI Orchards, says Sarah Barkley, sales manager and pear lead for the Wenatchee, Wash.-based marketer.
Cold spring weather has hurt crop volume for Hood River, Ore.-based Duckwall Fruit, says Ed Weathers, sales manager.
With the purchase of the Stadelman Fruit operations in Odell, Ore., earlier this summer, Yakima-based Washington Fruit Growers expects its total pear volume to be up 25%, says Steve Smith.
The 2022 Northwest fresh pear crop estimate is 16.2 million standard box equivalents, close to the five-year average, according to the Pear Bureau Northwest.
Selah, Wash.-based Rainier Fruit Co. is expecting a high-quality pear crop.
Nearly 25% of Wenatchee, Wash.-based Stemilt Growers’ apple crop is grown and certified organic for the 2022 crop, says Brianna Shales, marketing director.
The Milwaukie, Ore.-based Pear Bureau Northwest’s new augmented reality experience reaches consumers in a fun, more immersive way.
Grape production and exports will rise for 2021-22 but pears and apple exports are expected to sink, according to a new USDA report.