Demand seems to have slowed somewhat for domestic pears which may help extend the availability of a short 2024 Pacific Northwest crop. "The late-season movement is actually quite slow as there have been a lot of South American imports brought into not only the United States but Mexico and Canada as well," says Ed Weathers of Duckwall Fruit.
Domestic green and red D'Anjou pears still have availability.
While a number of domestic pear varieties from Duckwall Fruit have wrapped up for the season, at this point, green and red D'Anjou pears still have availability. "The remaining volume of that crop is quite low compared to an average season but again, it was a small crop," says Weathers, adding that he anticipates the supply to be finished between early to mid-July.
All of this is leaving pricing similar to last year on domestic pears. "Last year we had a very small remaining crop as well but we didn't have quite anywhere near the pressure from imported pears that we do this year. Our expectation was for higher prices this spring but that hasn't come to fruition due to the competition," he says. Pricing is expected to remain flat for the remainder of the season.
Return to larger crop
Looking ahead at the 2025 crop, the bloom stage has already occurred and it was slightly early this year but only by a few days. It indicates a normal to slightly larger crop for 2025–a welcome sight following numerous annual small crops, especially the historically low 2024 year for the region.
The bloom stage has already occurred and it indicates a normal to slightly larger crop for 2025.
"It's looking like a bounce-back year and we should have a nice, full crop of all varieties," says Weathers. "We're excited for this first full crop we've had in a number of years. The weather has been fantastic. It's been dry and warm which is great cell division weather. We're expecting numerous opportunities for increased ad activity for retailers and a great looking and tasting product for consumers."
Harvest on that crop should begin somewhere in the first two weeks of August.
For more information:
Ed Weathers
Duckwall Fruit
Tel: +1 (541) 354-1694
[email protected]
www.duckwallfruit.com