Export Marketing Beneficial to Pear Industry

How impactful is pear marketing in other countries? Pear Bureau Northwest commissioned a study to find out.

Jeff Correa, International Marketing Director, said they had an ambitious goal.

“Full impact of export promotions on increasing exports and what value that has returned in terms of returns to the grower, but also the impacts on jobs, additional employment income, additional production because of export promotion.”

Exports account for about 40 percent of the total pear crop in the Northwest.

Correa said the study showed there is room for growth, but that export marketing is bringing more money, about $2.33 for every $1 spent, and if it went away, there would be dire consequences.

“If there were no export promotions, overall export revenue would be 8.3 percent less than it was or about $11 million less in overall revenues.”

Export promotions have also added 240 jobs to the local economy and increased production.

If you have a story idea for the Washington Ag Network, call (509) 547-1618, or e-mail krounce@cherrycreekradio.com.