The US pear season is set to be a bumper crop with initial estimates revised upwards following warm summer weather and ideal growing conditions.
The Pear Bureau Northwest has reported that the 2009-10 season will be one of the industry’s largest pear crops, with the initial May estimate of 19.1 million boxes expected to be surpassed significantly.
The Pear Bureau is also expecting a larger number of smaller sizes - 110 to 135 - pears which are likely to be more attractive to the UK market.
Writing in the Good Fruit Grower Jeff Correa, international marketing director for Pear Bureau Northwest said that, while the bumper crop is likely to create considerable income, it is set against some wider challenges. He said: “The worldwide economy is expected to contract by 2.3 per cent in 2009 due to the economic recession, which may have a dampening effect on consumer purchase decisions. The relative strength or weakness of the US dollar is another important factor that will impact Northwest pear exports.
“The dollar has strengthened by 10 to 35 per cent against the currencies of the major pear export markets in the past year. However, on the positive side, the dollar has weakened since early March and has been relatively stable for the past couple of months, which is good news for importers and exporters. A stable exchange rate means the markets have adjusted to the new relative price and importers have more confidence to plan their season's orders.”
Correa also said that, despite a contraction in many pear companies’ marketing budget, Market Access Program funding of nearly $3 million (£1.8m), the Pear Bureau is planning an extensive marketing campaign for the fruit.
Correa added: “With a large crop, a strong September to January period is crucial to having another successful and profitable year for the pear growers.”
It is estimated that 38 per cent of the total crop will go for export this year.
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