Superfresh Growers adds pear line, welcomes new crop promotion opportunities
Superfresh Growers adds pear line, welcomes new crop promotion opportunities
The Pacific Northwest pear crop is showing a strong rebound from last season’s production, which hit a 40-year low as heat, frost and irregular rainfall hit Washington and Oregon orchards.
Catherine-Gipe Stewart, director of marketing for Superfresh Growers, based in Yakima, WA, said the industry is welcoming this season’s projection of a typical crop size, which is around 16-18 million 44-pound box equivalents.
“Following a short crop last season, growers are enthusiastic about the promising return to full production,” Gipe-Stewart said. “Labor crews are equally energized, with strong domestic turnout and anticipation of a productive, rewarding harvest.”
A milder winter contributed to a healthier dormancy period, supporting a favorable bloom and fruit set.
“Fruit quality appears clean and well-developed, with overall crop condition tracking positively,” Gipe-Stewart said in late July. “While sizing remains a variable at this stage, pears typically gain significant size in the final weeks leading up to harvest, leaving room for optimism.”
Harvest is expected to start early August, slightly ahead of last year, with organic and conventional Bartlett and Starkrimson pears, adding organic and conventional Anjou and Bosc in September.
The Wenatchee pear district has recovered remarkably well from last year’s crop challenges, Gipe-Stewart said.
“This spring brought unusually favorable conditions, resulting in a clean, high-quality fruit set across all varieties,” she said. “Sun exposure has remained moderate, further supporting excellent fruit finish and overall quality.”
Superfresh Growers is seeing success in its integrated pest management program. Beneficial insect populations, especially lacewings, have established a strong presence in the Wenatchee district, Gipe-Stewart said, contributing to natural pest control and supporting Superfresh Grower’s commitment to “farming in tune with nature.”
Bag demand in the pear category has steadily increased over the past six years, receiving a boost due to COVID and the perception that bagged produce was a food-safe option, she said. However, the growth of omni-channel grocery — particularly online shipping and third-party fulfilment — has truly driven the trend in bagged demand.
“Bagged produce is easier for personal shoppers to pick, scan and pack, making it ideal for both curbside and delivery models,” Gipe-Stewart said. “As a result, bagged pears grew from 37.7 percent of category volume in 2020 to nearly 47 percent by 2024.”
Bulk vs. bagged pear sales this year are currently tracking at a 45/50 percent split, but with a tighter economy, more price-sensitive consumers, and strong promotable pear volume, demand for bagged pears is likely to rise, she said.
“Bags are perceived as a better value and a convenient way to stretch household budgets — making them a smart option for retailers targeting value-driven shoppers,” Gipe-Stewart said.
A new crop orchard update featuring horticulturist Dave Gleason talking about the pear crop will be posted on the Superfresh Growers site soon, she said. Gleason has presented the updates for 13 years, earning the nickname the tree talker.
“These updates have become a valued resource for our retail partners, many of whom regularly follow Dave’s reports to stay informed on crop development and seasonal progress,” Gipe-Stewart said.
Superfresh Growers has added a new pear packing line in time for this season.
“This state-of-the-art pre-size line was a strategic investment made in partnership with another pear packer at our Peshastin facility,” she said. “It’s designed to handle fruit more gently, significantly reducing scuffing and improving overall pack quality.”
The line offers advanced automation and flexibility, allowing Superfresh Growers to adapt to evolving packaging types and deliver a more consistent eating experience.
“Most importantly, this efficiency reduces input costs — savings that go directly back to our growers,” she said. “As packing costs have increasingly outpaced market returns, we are focused on every opportunity to improve operational efficiency. This investment is one of many steps we’re taking to bring more value back to the land and support long-term grower sustainability.”
