With harvest underway throughout the four growing regions, Pear Bureau Northwest (PBNW) announces the first official estimate of the 2022-23 fresh pear crop for Washington and Oregon. The industry’s fresh pear estimate is 16.2 million standard box equivalents, which is on par with the five-year average.
“Pear growers are in full harvest mode right now starting with Bartletts and Starkrimson,” said Kevin Moffitt, president and CEO of PBNW. “There will be a full range of sizes available, including popular large-sized fruit as well as smaller sizes to fill the popular pouch bags as well as sizes to fulfill export market demand. Our team has been working hard to initiate innovative, effective promotions to get the season off to a good start.”
Harvest started in mid-August for summer varieties like Starkrimson and Bartletts, with growers beginning to pick Bosc, Green and Red Anjou in early- to mid-September. Specialty pears like Comice, Seckel, Forelle and Concorde pears will also be available in September.
The organic pear estimate is expected to come in at 1,823,000 million standard boxes equivalents, or 11 percent of the total projected Northwest crop.
“As we emerge from pandemic restrictions, the Pear Bureau has been successful with in-person planning meetings with retailers nationwide,” said Bob Catinella, PBNW director of merchandising. “The produce industry values personal relationships. Some of this was lost the last couple of years, so we are working hard to reconnect and to develop creative programs that continue increasing consumption of the northwest pear crop.”
Domestic promotions
PBNW is initiating promotions across the U.S. and Canada. The 2022-23 season has kicked off with the launch of a new augmented reality experience, inspiring consumers to add pears to meals and a new social campaign all while leading up to Halloween promotions. PBNW will also continue expanding online shopping programs at retail with banner ads and other marketing promotions.
Updated display bins with bright graphics will be distributed to retailers across the U.S. These bins feature QR codes, which lead shoppers to videos introducing the growers of USA Pears and its online collection of more than 400 recipes.
“We are focusing on showcasing the simple application of pears to everyday dishes as a way to enhance recipes,” said Jim Morris, marketing communications manager. Promotions will include its annual celebration of Pear Pizza during October for National Pizza Month, World Pear Day on December 3rd and baking and entertaining during the holidays.
International promotions
The PBNW export team continues to look for new ways to reach consumers and build on the success of the past season with its digital consumer outreach activities in worldwide markets. The Northwest pear industry will rely heavily on key export markets like Mexico, Canada and the Central American region to successfully move the 2022 NW Pear crop.
