Pear Bureau Northwest has released its initial estimate for the 2009 Northwest pear crop, with early indications pointing to a bumper yield of 19.1m standard box equivalents, an increase of 10 per cent on 2008 and 8.5 per cent larger than the five-year average.
The bigger crop – which, if realised, would be the fourth largest on record – is a result of ideal weather conditions throughout the Pacific Northwest pear growing regions during the winter and spring, according to the Bureau.
Harvesting begins in mid-August with summer/autumn varieties such as Green Bartlett, Red Bartlett and Starkrimson, with winter varieties including Anjou, Bosc, Comice, Concorde, Forelle and Seckel picked from late August through to September.
Of these varieties, growth (compared with the five-year average) is expected in Comices (up 23 per cent), the Red Anjou crop (18 per cent) and Bartletts (up 12 per cent), with quality throughout all varieties said to be excellent.
'Pears have regained their position at retail as one of the world's favourite fruits,' said Kevin Moffit, president and chief executive officer of Pear Bureau Northwest. 'To capitalise and expand on this we have many progressive and innovative programmes in place to grab the attention of the consumer as well as retailers and foodservice operators.'
The Bureau is forecasting 38 per cent of the total crop to go for export this year, although it is expecting the worldwide economic recession to have a negative impact in some key markets, along with the strength of the US dollar.
In order to combat the challenges presented by the downturn, the Pear Bureau is engaging in promotional activities across 38 countries worldwide, with 18 international marketing representatives coordinating promotions for USA Pears with activities targeted for each country's market, according to the group.
In terms of export markets, Mexico, Canada, Brazil, Russia, the UAE and Germany are expected to lead the way, with India representing the largest growth market.
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