USA Pears Positioned Perfectly for Wholesome Snacking

Harvest is nearing completion for the Northwest pear growers of Washington and Oregon. Over the next months, ten pear varieties will be at their peak, putting a fresh crop of Northwest-grown pears within easy reach now through next spring, officials say. As part of a multi-year campaign, Pear Bureau Northwest will position pears as an ideal choice for wholesome, simple snacking with consumer programs including sampling demos and events featuring fresh pairings with other real-food ingredients, new website content, social media campaigns, and media and blogger outreach. Half of all eating occasions are now snack driven. According to a recent Mintel report on snacking, 94 percent of Americans snack at least once a day, compared to just 64 percent last year. Thirty-three percent say they are choosing healthier foods this year compared to last year, with an emphasis on simple ingredients. Millennials are leading the way, and are more likely than any other demographic to snack multiple times throughout the day. “Busy lifestyles are here to stay, and adults are reaching for healthy snacks to fuel themselves and their families or even replace meals,” says Kathy Stephenson, marketing communications director for Pear Bureau Northwest. “We want to tell time-starved consumers that pears are portable, packable, and pair-able. A pear’s juicy, subtle flavor pairs well with protein-filled nut butters, almonds, and walnuts. And a pear’s gentle acidity is a brilliant match for richer pairings, like cheese and cured meats.” A recent usage study commissioned by USA Pears showed that on average, pear consumers purchase six or more pears in bulk when shopping, with 46 percent eating them as mid-morning and afternoon snacks. “The quality of USA Pears for the new season is excellent, and we anticipate an abundance of “snackable” size fruit resulting from high summer temperatures in the Northwest growing regions. Our snacking initiative is perfectly timed to help our growers and shippers sell their plentiful, high-quality, small-sized fruit,” says Stephenson. “Smaller fruit is perfect for the lunchbox, or to toss into a purse or string bag on the way out the door.” “Pears are a nutrient-dense, fat free food, an excellent source of fiber, and a good source of vitamin C for only 100 calories per serving,” adds Stephenson. “They’re a healthy snack that can help fill you up and keep you satisfied.”