U.S. Northwest pear volume estimates are predicted to show a 6% decrease compared with the previous season's bumper crop.

However, predictions of 19.3 million standard 44lbs boxes for the season represent a 2% rise on the five-year average of 18.97 million,making it the fifth largest crop on record.

An average harvest timing is expected, beginning in early August with the Starkrimson variety picked first, followed by Bartletts.

Winter pear varieties such as Anjou, Bosc, Comice, Concorde, Forelle and Seckel will be picked from early September through to mid-October.

Pear Bureau Northwest president and CEO Kevin Moffit, described the forthcoming crop as of excellent quality.

"We have developed innovative retail programs for this season based on new pear category information, which we will be custom-tailoring for retailers."

The Bureau is planning 38 export promotions worldwide with 20 international marketing representatives coordination promotions and activities in each country.

Top export markets are Mexico, Canada, Russia, Brazil, Colombia, the United Arab Erimates, Hong Kong and India, which is one of the strongest growth areas for the industry.

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