Producers hope to export between 25,000 and 40,000 boxes of pears to the Chinese market this season.
“We have been working on this for 20 years, and the official request from our government happened in 1994”, Kevin D. Moffitt, president and chief executive officer of Pear Bureau Northwest, said in a press release.
He also added "During that time, the Pear Bureau and the Northwest pear industry have worked diligently with our partners at the Northwest Horticultural Council and USDA APHIS to bring this to fruition. We are appreciative of all involved for their dedication in gaining access for US-grown pears to China, which has the potential to become an important export market for our industry.”
To assure the speedy access of the American product, the Pear Bureau Northwest will start an extensive retail promotional campaign directed both to consumers and importers as well as to retailers who have handled Washington apples and Californian table grapes imports, to whom promotional material such as the "God of Fortune" poster, a traditional symbol of Chinese New Year, which falls on February 10, will be delivered.
Promotional programs will include in-store promotions with key retailers in the major east coast cities, including Shanghai, Beijing and Guangzhou.
Louis Ng and Associates, the Pear Bureau’s marketing representatives for the region, will conduct training seminars with participating retailers to educate them on how to properly handle and display USA Pears in order to maximize sales and profits.
Finally, the Bureau estimated that between 25,000 and 40,000 boxes standard 44 pounds of pears could be shipped to China this season (up until April.)
