CMI Orchards strengthens year-round pear programmes

CMI Orchards has secured counter-seasonal pear supply to deliver seamless seasonal transitions, consistent eating quality, and year-round confidence for retail partners.

The leading US grower-packer-shipper has a carefully managed import programme that extends the Bartlett (William) pear season beyond the domestic window while keeping domestic growers and long-term category health at the forefront.

As the US Bartlett season comes to a close in early spring, CMI has revealed the details of its transition to imports to maintain shelf presence and consumer engagement. It said the continuity allows retailers to avoid gaps, protect shelf space, and deliver a consistent pear experience to shoppers.

“A well-timed import program is essential to maintaining momentum in the pear category,” said William Gant, pear manager at CMI Orchards. “Without it, retailers risk losing visibility and consumer confidence. Our goal is to ensure a smooth handoff that keeps pears front and centre while protecting the value of domestic production.”

CMI works closely with Argentina’s Kleppe Family to bring Gaucho pears from the Southern Hemisphere to the US Market. It said the Kleppe Family shares CMI’s commitment to precision growing, disciplined harvest practices, and exceptional quality standards, adding the relationship ensures that imported Bartlett pears deliver the same flavour, texture, and eating experience consumers expect – without compromise.

“Our Southern Hemisphere partners grow pears with an incredible level of care and expertise,” Gant said. “Consumers are not trading down on flavour or quality when they purchase imported Bartletts. The eating experience remains consistent, which is critical to keeping shoppers engaged and loyal to the category.”

Imports are positioned as a complement—not a replacement—to domestic programmes. This balanced approach allows CMI to support retailers year-round while maintaining a strong focus on domestic pear production, particularly Anjou and Bosc varieties. This season’s domestic Anjou and Bosc crop is significant, supported by strong yields and favourable sizing, and CMI remains committed to promoting these varieties throughout the year.

“Our domestic growers are the foundation of our pear business,” Gant added. “With Anjou and Bosc, we’re focused on year-round promotion and consistency, making sure our growers are prioritised and our retail partners have dependable programs they can build around.”

Across all pear programmes, domestic and imported alike, CMI said it applies the same rigorous standards for quality, conditioning, and programme discipline. This consistency enables retailers to plan confidently through seasonal transitions and reinforces trust in pears as a reliable, high-performing category.

“Strategic imports allow us to stabilise the category, not just fill a short-term gap,” said Gant. “By taking a long-term view and aligning closely with our growers and retail partners, we’re helping ensure pears remain relevant, exciting, and dependable for consumers all year long.”