CMI starts pear season with normal-sized crop

August 3, 2026 WENATCHEE, WA—CMI Orchards BB #:134183 is ready for the start of pear season, with harvest beginning this week on early varieties.

While overall production is expected to return to more typical levels following last year’s exceptionally large crop, CMI expects an abundant supply of high-quality pears, reflecting the outstanding flavor and eating experience of Northwest pears.

“After an extraordinarily large crop in 2025, particularly in organic pears, this season represents a return to more normalized production levels,” said CMI’s Pear Manager, William Gant. “Supplies remain strong and there will be plenty of fruit available to support customer needs throughout the season.”

CMI offers one of the most comprehensive pear portfolios in the industry, including Bartlett, Bosc, Comice, Green and Red D’Anjou, Forelle, GEM, Seckel, and Starkrimson pears. In addition to its broad pear offering, CMI continues to invest in programs designed to improve consumer confidence and drive category growth.

CMI’s Happy Bee bagged pear program celebrates the vital role honeybees play in fruit production while helping shoppers get the most from their purchase. Packaging includes ripening education, recipes, flavor descriptions, and usage ideas that encourage consumers to incorporate pears into meals and snacks in creative ways.

The Daisy Girl Organics program brings shoppers organic Bartlett, Bosc, Green D’Anjou, and Red D’Anjou pears in bulk displays or poly and pouch bags.

Available only while supplies last, GEM pears continue to cause excitement in the category. Unlike traditional pears that challenge some consumers with narrow ripening windows, GEM pears deliver an excellent eating experience across multiple stages of ripeness. Consumers can enjoy a crisp, refreshing bite immediately after purchase or allow the fruit to soften over several days for a juicier eating experience.

“One of the biggest opportunities in the pear category is helping consumers feel confident about selecting, ripening, and enjoying pears,” said Gant. “Programs like Happy Bee and GEM are specifically designed to simplify that experience and ensure shoppers enjoy great flavor every time.”

As consumer interest in health and wellness continues to grow, CMI is also highlighting the benefits of nutrient-dense, fiber-rich pears. Through packaging, digital content, merchandising materials, and educational campaigns, CMI provides retailers with tools to communicate the nutritional benefits, versatility, and convenience pears offer modern consumers.

Retailers interested in developing pear programs for the upcoming season are encouraged to contact their CMI sales representative or visit https://www.cmiorchards.com/programs-pears