Sales Review: Pears 2018-01-01 (3)

The pears category decreased average dollar sales 1.9 percent during the latest 52 weeks ended Aug. 27. The pear category posted a modest compound annual growth rate of 1.5 percent from 2011 to 2015. The category has not experienced the same rapid growth as certain trendier produce categories, including value-added products like pre-cut fruits or greens that have become popular with foodies and health-conscious consumers alike. 

Across the four U.S. regions, the pear category had its highest contribution to produce sales in the East, at 0.9 percent. Pears posted a 0.7 percent contribution to produce department sales in the Central, West and South regions, respectively, during this time. Pears average dollar sales decreased across the U.S. regions with the exception of the East, which increased 2.7 percent compared to the previous year. The East region also posted the highest average sales, at $589 per store per week, followed by the West region, which posted sales of $401. The West region had the highest decrease in average sales compared to the previous year, down 3.6 percent. Average pear sales in the Central region decreased 1.9 percent, while average pear sales in the South decreased 1.5 percent.

Pear sales peaked during the months of October and November. The week ended Nov. 7, posted the highest pear sales at $553 per store, followed by the week ended Nov. 14, at $545 per store. The week ended Oct. 17, posted the third-highest pear sales at $516 per store. Pear sales were lowest during the month of July, dipping to $190 per store the week of July 16. 

During the tracked period, Bartlett pears accounted for nearly 39.4 percent of total pear sales in the U.S., and contributed to the overall decrease in category sales. Bartlett decreased sales 6 percent compared to the previous year, while Anjou pears, which accounted for 28.3 percent of sales, increased average dollar sales 5.1 percent.     

This sales review is provided by Nielsen Perishables Group. Based in Chicago, Nielsen Perishables Group specializes in retail measurement,
analytics, marketing communications, category development, promotional best practices and shopper insights. 

For more information, contact Nielsen Perishables Group: Haley Hastings, (773) 929-7013; email: [email protected].