The California pear season is in full swing with availability through October. New crop Bartlett pear harvesting started in the Northwest this week. Overall volume is projected to be lower than in past years and dominated by larger sizes; expect elevated markets.

California

• The Sacramento River area’s Bartlett season has ended have
• Lake County and Mendocino growing regions are in full swing; production should go through October
• Initial estimates predict 20% lower volume than last year
• Processor demand (canning) is down, allowing more availability for the fresh market
• California suppliers ship 36-pound volume-fill packs; Washington suppliers use 44-pound cartons packed by count
• Due to this pack difference, California ships approximately six to ten fewer pieces of fruit per unit compared to Washington

Oregon/Washington

• Due to freezing spring temperatures, 2024 Northwest volume is down approximately 30%

• Most damage occurred in the Wenatchee District North where yields are down as much as 60%
• Yakima South was not hit as hard and is estimated to be 12% lower than last year

• Expect tight supplies of 110-count and smaller fruit; 80- to 100-count sizes will dominate these crops
• Suppliers pack and sell by the count as opposed to the volume-fill method used in California

Barlett Variety

• Harvesting has begun and will run into January 2025
• This will account for 30% of Washington’s crop
• Volume is forecast to be 18% lower than last year

D’Anjou Variety

• The season will begin in early September and run through June 2025

• This will account for 50% of Washington’s crop
• Yields are expected to be 26% lower than last year

Please contact your Markon customer service representative for more information.

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