Stemilt Unveils Opportunities to Increase Consumer Love for Pears Through I Heart Pears Campaign; Brianna Shales Comments

WENATCHEE, WA - Pears may be rooted in tradition, but Stemilt is positioning them firmly in today’s regular snack rotation. A bountiful pear crop across the industry is driving a strong season fueled by freshness and flavor, creating new opportunities to enjoy pears every day. Starting in January, Stemilt is launching its I Heart Pears campaign backed by a Numerator consumer survey. The campaign will promote untapped opportunities for pears in the breakfast and mid-morning snack scene, and as a nutrient-rich fruit that supports heart health in correspondence with National Heart Health Month in February.

“The I Heart Pears campaign is all about reigniting consumers’ love for pears, and helping inspire creative ways to enjoy them through strategic retail promotions,” explained Brianna Shales, Stemilt marketing director, in the recent release. “Naturally sweet and fiber-rich, pears offer a nutritious option for consumers seeking simple, flavorful choices. In January, the campaign will call out pears as a missed opportunity to include in breakfast meals, while February will focus on highlighting pears as a hearty snack, packed with soluble fiber, that’s just what the doctor ordered for Heart Health month.”

A consumer survey conducted by Numerator and sponsored by the Pear Bureau Northwest in March 2025 surveyed 2,069 shoppers to understand the pear category and growth opportunities for the future. After reviewing the results, Stemilt found that pears can capture eating occasions at breakfast or mid-morning snack time. The survey unveiled that consumers enjoy fresh fruit and pears equally for most meals, but there is a 20% gap between fresh fruit and pears for breakfast. Pears lag other fresh fruit for mid-morning snacks by 9%.

“Pear’s biggest breakfast miss is integration. Pear purchases have a secondary peak every January, making it an ideal time to prioritize educational messaging to shoppers about breakfast options with pears, nutritional benefits, or the portability of the fruit to increase consumption. When added to breakfast foods like oatmeal or simply sliced on toast, pears increase the fiber content with a whopping six grams of fiber in one medium pear, more than an apple or banana! One pear accounts for 21% of daily fiber needs, fueling digestion, supporting a healthy gut microbiome, and helping you feel satisfied longer.”

Timed to align with Valentine’s Day, the I Heart Pears campaign in February spotlights the heart-healthy benefits of pears in recognition of National Heart Health Month. As consumers lean into New Year’s wellness goals, this moment creates a natural opportunity to position pears as a delicious, feel-good addition to everyday snacking and enjoyment. Conventional and organic d'Anjou, Red Pears, and Bosc will be key varieties to highlight and lean into for promotions in early 2026.

“Pears are naturally sodium-free, cholesterol-free, and fat-free, making them a heart-healthy choice that tastes indulgent without being heavy. It contains 4% of your daily recommended value for potassium, which is essential for heart health, hydration balance, and muscle function. We’re committed to helping retailers build consumer love for pears through customized POS, signage, and merchandising support. The opportunity to grow pear consumption is here, and our role is to remind shoppers of all the reasons pears deserve a place in their everyday routine!”