CMI Orchards continues to lead the pear category with a disciplined, grower-first approach that delivers seamless seasonal transitions, consistent eating quality and year-round confidence for retail partners. Central to that strategy is a carefully managed import program that extends the Bartlett (William) pear season beyond the domestic window while keeping domestic growers and long-term category health at the forefront.

Pears may be rooted in tradition, but Stemilt is positioning them firmly in today’s regular snack rotation. A bountiful pear crop across the industry is driving a strong season fueled by freshness and flavor, creating new opportunities to enjoy pears every day. Starting in January, Stemilt is launching its I Heart Pears campaign backed by a Numerator consumer survey.

National Pear Month is right around the corner, and the opportunity for retailers to make category gains this pear season is here. With volumes bouncing back from last year’s down crop year, Stemilt Marketing Director Brianna Shales sees areas of growth in the early season and beyond.  

The Northwest pear harvest has made a tremendous comeback from last year’s crop and is back on its feet with a 60 percent increase over 2024 — with the entire U.S. pear crop estimated at a 22 percent increase. So get ready to run some exciting retail pear promotional ads now through Christmas.

Pears remain one of the most underrated fruits in the grocery store produce section. Despite being nutrient-dense and versatile, they often go unnoticed. Current pear buyers tend to be between the ages of 30 and 65, with a strong peak in the 40 to 55 age group. These shoppers are loyal, diverse and health-conscious, proving there is already a solid and engaged consumer base for pears.

Stemilt is introducing two new pear packaging options as part of its robust pear program: a mixed variety bag called Prism Pears for conventional fruit, and two four-count EZ Band paperboard consumer packs for conventional and organic pears. Stemilt Marketing Director Brianna Shales said the new packages are designed to help retailers find solutions for merchandising pears in the face of a larger crop year and build on Stemilt’s endeavors to invest in pears from the orchard to the final pack.