Pear Estimates 2023-24 Pt 2
From the Ag Information Network, I’m Bob Larson with today’s Fruit Grower Report. Northwest pear harvest is underway with an industry fresh pear estimate of 15.2-million boxes.
Pear Bureau Northwest Director of Marketing and Communications, Jim Morris says the Bartlett, Bosc and Anjou are the most common varieties …
MORRIS … “In Washington state, you’re going to be seeing mostly, well, Green Anjou is our biggest crop for sure. And then, I would say, you know Bartlett is going to, I’m look at numbers right now as we’re speaking, it would be like the number 2 sized crop. Between Yakima and Wenatchee districts, about 2-million boxes for Bartlett and Anjou, close to 3-million boxes between those two districts anyway.”
As for the most popular varieties, Morris says …
MORRIS … “Bartlett is the most popular from the consumer’s standpoint. A lot of consumers really enjoy that they’re softer and juicier, sweeter, but it’s also a pear that consumers find easier because it’s the one pear that changes color when it’s ripe and so it’s easy for the consumer to understand like when it’s ready, ripe and ready to eat.”
Organic production, Morris says is holding steady …
MORRIS … “Yeah, I’d say it’s been like around 11-12% of the overall crop the last several years and we’re looking at 12.5% This year, so maybe a touch higher than last year.”
Morris says to check out social media and in-store promotions to find recipes and more about your favorite pears.
