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.

“Prism Pears is a new mixed-pear bag that combines three colorful varieties, green, red and brown, in two- or three-pound poly bags, available now for conventional pears and coming soon for organic pears,” said Shales. “We first introduced EZ Band to apples, then organic pears, and now it is available for conventional green d’Anjou and Red pears. It will pack and ship in a Euro footprint box with eight, four-count units in each master. These packaging additions are in line with Stemilt’s ongoing investment in pears from the orchard with the new Happi Pear, to state-of-the-art packing and now to innovative packaging solutions to help retailers drive sales.”

According to the Washington State Tree Fruit Association’s 2025-26 forecast, overall pear volumes are up 58 percent compared to last year, with organic pears estimated to increase by 73 percent (excluding Comice). Stemilt’s crop is up from last season, offering a reliable supply and strong promotion opportunities for both conventional and organic pears, especially winter varieties like d’Anjou, Red pears and Bosc.

“With bigger volumes of pears this year, packaged programs can help create incremental sales opportunities and make pears easier for shoppers to buy,” said Shales. “Prism Pears is a way to highlight multiple pear varieties in a single bag and encourage consumers to try a pear they may not have before, while the paperboard EZ Band option helps build visibility for large-medium sized pears. Retailers can rely on Stemilt to have a good supply this season and the tools to see success in the pear category.”

Shales stated that promoting pears, especially organics, will be key this year. Pairing them with an in-store event like Pear Month in December, or creating more display space, can help pears stand out and drive additional movement. Stemilt will be highlighting both new packages at the upcoming IFPA Global Produce & Floral Show at its booth No. 2847 and is looking forward to conversations with retailers about how best to position pears this season.

“The addition of Prism Pears and new EZ Band packaging options gives retailers choices in how they merchandise pears this season to see incremental sales,” said Shales. “With more fruit to move, we want to make sure pears are easy to merchandise and appealing to shoppers, whether conventional or organic.”