Who We Are

In 1954 Bartlett pear growers and processors in Oregon, Washington, and California created the Pacific Coast Canned Pear Service for the purpose of promoting market development for the consumption of canned Bartlett pears in the U.S. The commitment to fund marketing programs continued, and in 1996 the Pacific Northwest Canned Pear Service (PNCPS) was formed to promote Bartlett pears grown and processed in Oregon and Washington.

After generations of nurturing their orchards, today more than 400 family farms across Washington and Oregon provide pears to local processors and fund the PNCPS marketing programs.

The administrative operations of PNCPS are managed by the Washington State Fruit Commission. https://www.wastatefruit.com/

PNCPS is one of many USDA Agricultural Marketing Service (AMS) research and promotion oversight programs funded through assessments per ton on fruit delivered to local processors. AMS programs establish a framework for farmers to pool resources to develop new markets, strengthen existing markets, and conduct research and promotion activities.

Who Grows Our Pears?

Get to know some of our growers by visiting our Community Interviews page!

What is a Canned Pear?

A canned pear is just that – a pear fresh from the orchard, individually picked by hand, ripened to sweet perfection, and then peeled, cored and poached right in the can. This ensures that the pear is preserved through classic canning techniques so it stays fresh and juicy. The pears are then halved, sliced or diced and packed in either juice, or syrups ranging from light to rich consistency, depending on customer preference. Each and every Pacific Northwest canned pear is ripe and ready to enjoy today or in the weeks ahead, which is why they are a top choice for schools, restaurants, and families who are looking for nutrition and convenience.

Fun fact: an heirloom pear variety, the Bartlett is the only type of pear commercially canned in the USA.

Where it All Begins

The Columbia River cuts through eastern Washington before turning west toward the Pacific Ocean to form the state’s boundary with Oregon. In both Oregon and Washington, high valleys near the Columbia River’s broad channel provide the ideal growing conditions for Bartlett pears. The Bartlett thrives in the rich, loamy soil (a natural soil type with just the right mix of sand, silt, and clay), hibernating through sharp, cold winters and flourishing during long, warm summer days.

Pacific Northwest Canned Bartlett Pears support more than 400 family farms across Washington and Oregon who have been nurturing orchards with love for generations. Many pear growers in the region come from an established line of farmers, families that have tended their fruit trees for generations. Bartlett pear trees bear fruit for decades (some as long as 100 years), so Pacific Northwest pear growers harvest from trees planted by their parents and grandparents.