The official estimate of the Northwest fresh pear crop for 2020-21 harvest season

Pear growers and producers are releasing the first official estimate of the 2020-21 fresh pear crop for Washington and Oregon, USA. This year’s fresh pear harvest is estimated to be slightly higher than last year: 16.6 million standard box equivalents, or approximately 366,000 tons.

Kevin Moffitt, president and CEO of Pear Bureau Northwest (PBNW), stated that growers throughout Washington and Oregon are reporting beautiful fruit and good sizing. “We are expecting a very promotable crop and with imports down by one third and a smaller California crop, the supply chain is open as Northwest pears enter the market. Shippers are reporting solid demand for pears while retailers are also showing strong interest in the category.”

Harvesting of early varieties like Starkrimson, Bartlett, Bosc, Green and Red Anjou has begun in all regions. Specialty pears such as Comice, Seckel, Forelle and Concorde, which make the up 96% of the Northwest crop, will be harvested near the end of August and the first week of September. Other varieties making up the remaining crop: 8.6 million standard boxes of Green Anjou pears are planned to be picked, which will be more than 51% of the total harvest. As well as 4.2 million boxes of Green Bartlett pears at 25% of the crop, 2.3 million Bosc boxes at 14% of the crop, and just under 1 million boxes of Red Anjou pears at 5.5% of the total harvest.

With in-store events and sampling canceled due to the COVID-19 pandemic, the domestic marketing team will be focus on innovative digital sampling experiences to share with consumers and online retail shopping programs.

Export market outlook is also uncertain because of the pandemic. Countries with a less COVID-19 impact, such as New Zealand, Vietnam and Taiwan, may become even stronger pear markets than in previous seasons. As many retailers around the world have cancelled in-store sampling and product demonstrations, PBNW's export team will shift more resources to retail banner advertising, in-store radio ads and social media promotions with influencers.

Jeff Correa, International Marketing Director of PBNW, said, “Due to COVID-19, we shifted many of our tactics during the second half of the 2019-20 pear season with a larger focus on reaching consumers across the digital landscape. The pandemic has had a significant impact on the global economy, but we believe there are still good opportunities for USA Pears exports.”

Pear Bureau Northwest is a non-profit marketing organization to promote the fresh pears grown in Washington and Oregon, home to 87% of the US commercial fresh pear crop. The organization represents over 800 grower families and partners with outlets throughout the world.

More information about the company on their website.