Pear producers lean into nutrition education to promote sizeable harvest
The pear harvest has drawn to a close in the Pacific Northwest, delivering growers a fruitful crop, according to marketing body USA Pears. After last year’s short crop, Oregon and Washington growers – who supply 88 per cent of the nation’s fresh pears – achieved a remarkable rebound, harvesting 19mn cartons of pears, a 78 per cent increase over 2024’s yield. USA Pears said retailers can expect strong availability and renewed consumer excitement for the fruit.
“Thanks to the dedication and hard work of our 700 grower families, partners, and the entire USA Pears community, we are proud to deliver exceptional quality fresh pears to consumers seeking a healthy snack or culinary delight,” said CarrieAnn Arias, president and CEO of USA Pears.
“Elevating holiday dishes is easy with the gorgeous pears produced this year. We’re shining a light on all the possibilities with pears.”
USA Pears distributes ten varieties of pears throughout the year, and yields increased among all varieties this harvest. Bosc pears, with their distinctive long neck and cinnamon brown hue, had a particularly strong resurgence, with volume up more than 250 per cent over last year’s harvest.
With Gen Z and Millennials seeking foods with more fibre, pears are well-positioned to deliver on this nutritional attribute, according to USA Pears. Snacking on a medium pear provides 6g of dietary fibre or 21 per cent of the recommended daily intake and their high water content makes them a naturally hydrating fruit.
“With our recent brand refresh, USA Pears has put education front and centre, and we’re creating engaging content that makes pears irresistible, fun and easy to incorporate in everyday eating,” explained Arias. “On our website or through streaming platforms and social feeds, we’re giving shoppers greater transparency into what makes U.S.-grown pears a staple for everyone’s kitchen — whether you’re seeking health, flavour or a sustainable fruit grown right here in the US.”
Arias encouraged the public to mark World Pear Day on 6 December in their calendars with celebrations planned at the New York Produce Show, where the USA Pears team will be cooking up excitement with local and national media.
