The 2026 Pacific Northwest pear harvest is smaller than last year's, but that's entirely relative — the 2025 crop was a historic outlier, with organic volume up 775% and conventional volume up nearly 80% over 2024. By comparison, 2026 organic pear volume is down about 60% and conventional volume is down roughly 24%. Growers and shippers say this year reflects a return to sustainable production levels, not a category decline.
Fruit quality is described as strong, harvest started a few days earlier than typical due to a warm spring, and the smaller crop has helped balance supply and demand more evenly. That equilibrium is expected to support steadier pricing compared to the surplus conditions that weighed on returns during last season's oversupply. CMI's pear manager notes that consumer interest in fiber-rich, nutritious foods is also providing some tailwind for the category.
For buyers, this is a cleaner market to work in than last year's glut. Promotional programs are available through the season — watch for GEM pear and organic programs in particular — and category managers may find more predictable shelf pricing as the season runs through October.