USA Pears collaborates with donut chain to spotlight pears

PORTLAND, OR, Sept. 1, 2026 – As fruit-forward flavors continue to appear across coffee shops, bakery and restaurant menus, USA Pears BB #162426 is making the case for one fruit with untapped potential: the pear. 

USA Pears is partnering locally with Portland-based Blue Star Donuts to launch two limited-time menu items that demonstrate the culinary versatility of pears and how they can move beyond the produce aisle in delicious and innovative ways. The Pear Lavender Fritter and Pear Lavender Lemonade will be available Sept. 1-30 at Blue Star’s four Portland locations, including its airport location at PDX.

The menu items feature two pear varieties selected for their distinct culinary qualities. The Pear Lavender Fritter uses Bosc pears, whose low-moisture and firm texture offer subtle flavor and a taste of the state fruit in every bite.

The pear’s natural sweetness complements brown sugar, lavender, honey, smoked salt and Wild Roots Pear Vodka in Blue Star’s signature brioche dough. The Pear Lavender Lemonade calls for sweeter, juicier Bartlett pears, which balances the tart lemon in this refreshing beverage.

“Oregon grows exceptional pears, and as our state fruit, they’re a natural fit for a collaboration that celebrates the creativity and flavors of the Pacific Northwest,” said Katie Poppe, founder and CEO of Blue Star Donuts. “The Pear Lavender Fritter and Lemonade gave us a chance to play with two different pear varieties in completely different ways, and we love how each brings something unique to the final product.

For USA Pears, the collaboration is a proof point for the broader opportunity pears present across foodservice. Pears can bring natural sweetness, distinct flavor and versatility to bakery and breakfast items, beverages, and other menu applications, creating opportunities for operators to put a fresh spin on a familiar fruit.

“Working with a Portland brand like Blue Star Donuts gives us an opportunity to showcase locally grown pears during peak harvest season and introduces pears to a broader audience,” said CarrieAnn Arias, president and CEO of USA Pears. “Pears are incredibly versatile in the kitchen, and this collaboration shows what’s possible when different pear varieties are used in creative ways. We hope it inspires more chefs and foodservice operators to consider how pears can transform menus and trends.” 

Oregon and Washington grow 12 varieties of pears, offering a range of flavors, textures and culinary uses, from the quintessential sweet and juicy Bartlett to the crisper, more tart Anjou. The collaboration celebrates the arrival of a new crop while highlighting the dedication of the Pacific Northwest grower community.

The Pear Lavender Fritter and Pear Lavender Lemonade will be available for a limited time during September at Blue Star Donuts’ flagship store in Goose Hollow and its SE Division, South Waterfront and Portland International Airport locations.

Follow @BlueStarDonuts and @USAPears on social media for more on the collaboration and pear-inspired menu offerings.

For more pear recipes and culinary inspiration, visit USAPears.org. 

ABOUT USA PEARS 
Pear Bureau Northwest, dba USA Pears, is a nonprofit marketing organization established in 1931 to promote the fresh pears grown in Washington and Oregon, home to 88% of the U.S. commercial fresh pear crop. The bureau represents over 700 grower families and partners with outlets throughout the world in an effort to increase overall success with the pear category. The organization provides marketing and merchandising expertise that is customized specifically for each retail organization, using its pear consumer research findings as well as individual store analysis using an in-house data system that measures pear category performance nationwide and third-party research to show retailers how they perform versus their competition. 

ABOUT BLUE STAR DONUTS
Blue Star Donuts is a gourmet donut shop born in Portland, Oregon. Since opening in 2012, Blue Star has been redefining what a donut can be, built on a foundation of fresh herbs, spices, fruits, and liquors in bold, unexpected combinations. Blue Star’s flavors reflect the adventurous spirit and quality collaborations that celebrate the creativity and diversity of the Pacific Northwest, crafting indulgent and unforgettable experiences for grownups and not-so-grownups alike. Blue Star was named one of USA Today’s Top 10 Donut Shops for two consecutive years, 2025 and 2026. The brand has also partnered with major names like Disney for the Freaky Friday sequel, and Andretti Formula E, bringing bold flavor collaborations to new audiences.

Locations:

• SE Division – 3325 SE Division St, Suite 1, Portland 97202
• SW Jefferson (Flagship/Goose Hollow) – 1701 SW Jefferson St. Portland 97201
• South Waterfront – 672 S Gaines St. #2 Portland 97239
• Portland International Airport – 7000 NE Airport Way, Portland 97218 (Concourse D/E, Post-Security)