There are three different pears that are typically grown in the United States – European pears, American hybrids and Asian pears. Bartlett pears are the most commonly grown variety in America, accounting for about 70 percent of the market. Many of these are immediately sent to manufacturers for canning purposes.

Consider adding pears to your store, whether in the form of fresh pears, pear juice or other pear products such as canned pears. If you’re located in the right region, you can even grow your own pear tree. Before adding pears to your product lineup, consider the following:

1. Do you have a market for fresh wholesale pears from local or international suppliers?

2. Would you consider adding canned pear products to your store?

3. Would your customers be interested in pear juice?

4. Do you live in an area where you could produce your own pears?

Action Steps
The best contacts and resources to help you get it done

Check out fresh products from pear fruit distributors

There are a variety of international and national pear growers that distribute to all areas of the United States. Be aware of the pear harvesting season for each of the pear growers so you can know when to start marketing your pears.

I recommend: Find the harvesting seasons of Bosc, Bartlett and D’Anjou pears supplied by Royal Crown Produce. Singer Farms sells wholesale Bartlett and Bosc pears between September and October each year.

Find distributors of canned pears

Pears have a long-standing tradition of being available canned. Although not as delectable as a freshly picked pear, canned varieties do have their merit and are often used in desserts.

I recommend: Del Monte offers an extensive pear product line, including pear halves (both “lite” and regular), sliced and diced pears. Check out FoodServiceDirect.com, an online wholesaler of canned pears and other foodservice products.

Explore pear juice manufacturers

While probably not the most common way of enjoying the health benefits and delicious taste of pears, pear juice is another product available on the market. Look for organic varieties from distributors, too.

I recommend: R.W. Knudsen has an organic pear juice, in addition to other 100 percent organic juice varieties. Nature’s Flavors offers a pear juice concentrate that is similar to apple juice concentrate.

Grow your own pear tree

Pear trees can be found in local nurseries, depending on your location, or online. Rather than starting your venture with pear seeds, you'll likely buy a pear tree from reputable nurseries. Most trees need a combination of nutrient-rich soil, ample moisture and ideal temperatures (balance of hot days and cool nights) like the kind found in Oregon and Washington.

I recommend: Nature Hills Nursery has several types of pear tree varieties, including Bartlett, Comice and D’Anjou. Adams County Nursery is another great source for all kinds of Asian and European pear trees.

Tips & Tactics

Helpful advice for making the most of this Guide

• •  Order a small quantity of pears or pear products as your first shipment. You want to be sure customers are interested in the product before you invest too much money into it.