WENATCHEE, WA - Though a historically low 2024/2025 pear crop has led retailers to put the brakes on pears, there’s promotional opportunity within Stemilt’s supply of winter pears. Stemilt Marketing Director, Brianna Shales, shares that January and February are still key promotional months for pears and are relevant for organic winter varieties including organic Bosc, and organic Red and Green D’Anjou. Retailers can bring in a higher retail per transaction with organic winter pears to help boost the category.

“The first part of the year can still be leveraged for promoting pears and bringing dollars back into the category,” says Shales. “Pear volumes are down 20 percent, and sales are down 12 percent from last year between September 1, 2024, and November 23, 2024, and this can be expected with a smaller crop, but this is where organic winter pears like Bosc, Red D’Anjou and Green D’Anjou can shine where other varieties are down.”

Historically, January and February are key promotion months for organic Red Anjou’s Green D’Anjou’s, and organic Bosc. Running a multi-variety ad on red, brown, and green pears can help boost volume at elevated retails over last year to help close the gap. Organic pear retail prices are $2.68/lb. compared to $2.45/lb. a year ago, the release stated.

“Stemilt Lil Snappers® 2 lb pouch bags make for a convenient vehicle for selling organics,” says Shales. “Opting for a 3 lb bag on conventional pears or bulk are other great options. We also have a new recyclable four-pack for pears that can be appealing to the organic shopper looking for sustainability and convenience. In light of the New Year, consumers are shopping for healthier options and looking to the produce department for fruits to incorporate into their diets.”

“It’s been difficult to keep pears top of mind when volume is less overall,” says Shales. “Taking advantage of this timely promotion window with Bosc, Red and Green D’Anjou can help retailers capture consumer impulse purchases of freshly packed pears at a higher retail price to lift the category.”

Keep reading AndNowUKnow for the latest in winter produce!