Harvesting Wisdom: Make Pears Shine This Fall

Pears are one of those quintessentially Northwest treasures that make our region so special. Did you know the Northwest produces 85% of the nation's pears? We're in a prime spot to celebrate this elegant and versatile fruit. 

While pears are available year-round, highlighting the Northwest fall crop, their seasonality, varieties and the art of ripening create excitement and drive sales. To top it off, pears are nutritious and packed with fiber and vitamin C, making them an excellent choice for health-conscious shoppers. 

 In recent years, the demand for pears hasn’t grown quite like other fruits. Why? People need help understanding how to ripen a pear perfectly— pears can be tricky for impatient eaters. Plus, pears haven’t seen the same burst of new, high-flavor varieties like apples, grapes or berries. But here’s the opportunity: by teaching people how to have an incredible pear-eating experience and offering an exciting assortment of all the great varieties available, you can make pears the star of the season. 

Pear Basics 

There are two distinctly different types of pears: European and Asian. 

European Varieties

• European Varieties: These include Bartlett and Starkrimson, which kick off the season. Mid-season varieties like Bosc, Comice and Concorde start in late September, with D’Anjou pears lasting into early February. These varieties are often called "Butter Pears" because they need to be ripened to achieve that perfect buttery texture. 
  

• Asian Varieties: Originating in China, these pears are eaten firm, right off the tree. Often referred to as "Crunch Pears," they offer a crisp and refreshing bite. Pears have been cultivated since 1000 BC, with European varieties coming from Southeast Europe and Asian varieties from China. Although the Northwest might be a smaller producer globally, it’s renowned for the quality of its pears.

Ripening: The Secret to Success 

What makes European pears truly unique is the importance of curing in cold storage. The curing time can range from a few days for Bartlett to 3 to 4 weeks in the cooler for Comice, D’Anjou and Concorde varieties before they are brought to market. Once cured, pears left at room temperature will ripen to perfection in 3-4 days. The telltale sign of readiness? A slight give at the pear's neck. 

Interestingly, most conventional pears are treated with chemicals to slow down the ripening process, leading to tasteless pears that last forever. This is just one more reason to champion organic pears—they simply deliver the best eating experience for shoppers. 

Asian Varieties

Asian Pears: A World of Flavor 

Asian pears come in hundreds of varieties, ranging from almost white to rich brown or even green and very small to giant (the record-holder is an Atago variety weighing over 6 pounds!). But many customers might still need to learn how to fully appreciate their exciting textures and flavors. 

Unlike their European counterparts, Asian pears are ready to eat immediately. They’re great for fresh eating much like an apple, sliced into salads or baked in tarts. Use sampling and point-of-purchase (POP) signs in the OGC Pear Toolkit (link) to help shoppers discover how easy and delicious Asian pears can be. 

 Educate Customers: Turn Curiosity into Devotion 

Pear education is the key to building loyal pear fans and setting your store apart from the competition. 

• Introduce pear ripening practices, like “check the neck” 

• Identify each variety with POP (inside OGC’s online Pear Toolkit) 

• Offer inspiration for use, like poaching and baking  

Pear fans have the knowledge and patience to ripen the fruit to perfection. Those who don’t might cut into the fruit too soon or let them go too long and miss out on the magic. Once shoppers taste a perfectly ripe pear, they’ll be hooked.

Pear Promotion & Merchandising  

While European-type pears are available year-round, they truly shine from early fall into winter when the Northwest crop is at its peak. Customers love Bartlett for its easy-to-spot ripeness, but mid- to late-season varieties like Comice shine during the holidays to create a seasonal buzz. 

From Thanksgiving to New Year, pears bring a beautiful red and green palette to displays that shoppers adore. With promotable pricing and volume available on several varieties, it’s easy to always have a pear on special. Merchandise European pears together with an eye-catching assortment, driving sales with promotions. This will encourage exploration, inspire pears for holiday gifting and create passionate pear eaters. 

 OGC Buyer Brian Keogh sources for variety and quality, so that we can offer the best of our region’s many organic orchards.  

Keep pear sets well-culled. Rotate often while handling the fruit with care to prevent bruising. Pears are perishable, and giving shoppers the best eating experience means keeping displays fresh and free of overripe fruit. Remember, most people need guidance on ripening pears—selling overripe fruit will spoil the sale. 

Stand Out with Asian Pears 

Asian pears are quite different from European varieties and displaying the two types together might confuse some shoppers. Consider separating Asian pears with their own set. If space is tight, place them near apples or fun fall specialties like persimmon, pomegranate and kiwi. Asian pears are often available at promotable pricing, making them an ad item that can add interest and a sense of value to your department. Highlighting their distinct flavor, use and convenience will drive sales and create a standout display. 

This fall, plan to elevate the pear experience in your store by focusing on education, selection and smart merchandising. Turn pears into a must-have seasonal favorite for shoppers. With a little effort, you’ll not only boost pear sales but also create loyal, pear-loving shoppers who appreciate the unique and delicious offerings of the Northwest.