Domex Superfresh Growers’ Nager: Warm days, cool nights make for great pears
Domex Superfresh Growers’ Nager: Warm days, cool nights make for great pears
Domex Superfresh Growers, headquartered in Yakima, WA, is anticipating a 30-percent increase in pear volume this season. “The fruit is looking clean with good sizing for active promotions and movement,” said Vice President of Marketing Howard Nager. “The weather this past season has been ideal for growing pears. The warm days and cool nights combined with the fertile soil of the Pacific Northwest has produced a great crop for this year.”
Nager said Domex accounts for approximately 12 percent of the of the region’s overall pear volume. “Our organics represent almost 20 percent of our total pear production,” he told The Produce News. “Domex represents approximately 40 percent of all of the organic pear production.”
Domex grows and markets a full pear manifest, and the harvest for Starcrimsons began in late July. “Bartletts will also be harvested in late July/first of August,” he added. Upgrades to packinglines, storage, loading and shipping have been implemented at the company’s Peshastin and Wenatchee locations.
Retailers are encouraged to take advantage of the company’s comprehensive pear program which includes pre-conditioning pears for maximum consumer enjoyment and higher retail sales. “We also work with customers on setting promotions for pears along with apples to drive incremental sales and display bins for added exposure and dollars as well,” Nager stated.
Last October, the Produce Marketing Association and Sesame Workshop had joined forces with the organization in a two-year agreement aimed at promoting consumption of fresh fruits and vegetables among children. The program is also designed to help parents and families make smart choices. “This year, Domex will be promoting the Sesame Street ‘eat brighter’ message on our pear packaging,” Nager commented.
Domex continues to reach out to consumers, food bloggers and retailers to discuss the versatility of pears. “We will be featuring pears in a social media contest this fall at #EATPEARS,” he noted. “Consumers will have the chance to win cash prizes by submitting photos and posts about pears on Facebook, Twitter, Instagram or Pinterest.”
The company’s topical blog campaign, which can be found at www.superfreshgrowers.com/
blog, contains extensive information showcasing varieties, ways to ripen pears, nutritional value and recipes.
