Pears qualify for Heart-Check certification
Pears qualify for Heart-Check certification
Beginning in February, green and red Anjou pears were certified as heart-healthy by the American Heart Association. The certification allows Pear Bureau Northwest to use the Heart-Check mark throughout on-line, print and promotions for both Anjou varieties of pears. 
“It is gratifying to see sweet, juicy Anjou pears recognized by the American Heart Association as a heart-healthy food,” Kevin Moffitt, president and chief executive officer of Pear Bureau Northwest, said in a press release. “With health impacts of cardiovascular disease touching more than one in every three adults, heart health is important to consumers. Now they can feel good knowing their Anjou pear is Heart-Check certified.”
The Pear Bureau Northwest promotes delicious pears as a heart-healthy, whole food snack and versatile addition to any meal. With the addition of fruits, like pears, to the American diet, consumers are better equipped to meet the recommended Dietary Guidelines from the USDA.
“As the pear industry continues to communicate the health benefits of pears, collaborating with the American Heart Association helps show our product in the best light with acknowledgement from a trusted, science based organization,” Moffitt added.
With the initiation of the certification, the Pear Bureau Northwest scheduled promotional events with social media, introduced Heart Healthy Red Anjou pear materials for February’s American Heart Month and Heart-Healthy point-of-sales materials for National Nutrition Month in March, with expanded plans into next pear season.
