Pears

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Executive summary

Industry information for Pears in the Pacific Northwest. Updated 3/31/2024

AgWest Farm Credit’s 12-month outlook sees pear growers as breakeven to slightly profitable.

12-MONTH PROFITABILITY OUTLOOK

INDUSTRY DRIVERS

Softening prices
Declining export growth

Profitability

Pear producers will likely see break-even to slightly profitable conditions over the next 12 months. Prices have softened; however, they remain high enough for many producers to achieve profitability. Export growth is slowing due to higher shipping costs and this may further soften prices.

Industry drivers

Prices soften

Average pear prices fell moderately for Bosc and D’Anjou varieties in the first quarter, largely due to the oversupplied apple market and to a lesser extent, mixed fruit quality. Pear prices often follow apple prices and Bosc pears didn’t sufficiently russet or develop rough, reddish-brown skin. Producers who sold early in the season benefited from higher prices and will fare better than their counterparts. With that said, average sentiment among producers is moderately favorable.

Season-to-date prices by variety

Source: WSTFA March 13, Weekly Summary Bulletin Report. N/A: Not Available. YOY: Year-over-year.

Export growth slows

Pear export growth is declining due to rising shipping costs and season-to-date levels are flat year over year. Low water levels on the Panama Canal, escalating conflict on the Red Sea and rising energy prices are impacting global shipping costs. Lower international demand could further soften prices. See our Crop Inputs Snapshot for more information.

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