Pear Estimates 2020 Pt 3
With today’s Fruit Grower Report, I’m Bob Larson. This year’s estimates for Northwest pears are in and looking good for an industry battling the challenges of the COVID-19 pandemic.
Kathy Stephenson, with Pear Bureau Northwest, says while domestic and export markets have been a moving target, changes in consumer eating habits changed right away …
STEPHENSON … “Well, this all sort of happened at the latter part of our season. We also saw such an erratic retailing happening. So, a lot of folks stocking up and purchasing staples and purchasing canned goods. So, we did see pears grow slightly, but not as much as things like apples and potatoes, for instance.”
But, Stephenson says this season should be improved …
STEPHENSON … “So, as the season begins, we do know that things are a little less erratic in our shopping behaviors and we have a great crop and we have some terrific tactics. We really do believe that the pears are going to benefit and we’re going to move through that crop pretty nicely.”
Stephenson says retail sales should be good, but more will be learned when pears hit store shelves …
STEPHENSON … “Right! We’re going to see pretty quickly what’s happening. And, we’re also, again, working with some of our retailers to do online programs and we’re learning more and more about what percentage of their population are shopping online. Very few people shop exclusively online, but we want to make sure pears are top of mind if they are or if they’re in the grocery store.”
Stephenson says harvest has begun on early varieties and the estimates are great.
