Australia’s pear growers and food advocates are highlighting pears as an affordable and nutritious food option during the cost-of-living crisis, with National Pear Week set to run from 25 to 31 May.
According to information released by Box Divvy, pears are increasingly aligning with consumer interest in gut health, fibre intake, low-GI diets and reducing ultra-processed foods, while remaining relatively affordable compared to many health-focused products.
The release cited Australian research showing around 83 per cent of Australians do not meet recommended dietary fibre intake levels, despite growing awareness of digestive health and wellbeing.
Fifth-generation grower Ben Apted, from Apted’s Orchards in Arthurs Creek north-east of Melbourne, said pear growers had experienced challenges over the past 15 years as consumer preferences shifted toward newer and more heavily marketed fruits.
“For a long time pears probably lost a bit of popularity because people weren’t always getting the best eating experience by the time the fruit reached supermarket shelves,” Apted said.
“Pears are delicate and seasonal, and I think more direct-to-consumer models are helping people rediscover what a really good pear should actually taste like. We’d love to see more pears back on the table and in lunchboxes.”
Anton van den Berg, co-founder of Box Divvy, said the community-based food network had seen increased interest from consumers seeking healthier whole foods that remained accessible amid financial pressures.
“We’re seeing more people trying to move away from ultra-processed snacks and expensive convenience foods, but at the same time they’re under enormous financial pressure,” he said.
“Pears are one of those rare foods that genuinely tick a lot of boxes. They’re nutritious, filling, versatile and still relatively affordable compared to many heavily marketed ‘health’ products.”
Van den Berg also said pears appealed to consumers looking to reduce household food waste.
“They keep well, they’re easy to use across lunchboxes, breakfasts and cooking, and they don’t feel intimidating or aspirational. They’re just a really sensible whole food,” he said.
Dietitian and Box Divvy member Christina Ross said pears had become a regular household staple because of their versatility and shelf life.
“When groceries are expensive, you really notice which foods actually get eaten and don’t end up wasted,” Ross said.
“Pears are one of those fruits that work across the whole week. They go into lunchboxes, breakfasts, snacks and baking, and because they keep well, you don’t feel like you’re throwing money away.”
Van den Berg said National Pear Week also provided an opportunity for consumers to reconnect with seasonal local produce and support Australian growers.
“Pears are one of those foods that make sense on so many levels — they’re healthy, affordable, low waste and grown right here in Australia,” he said.
“Sometimes the simplest way to support local farmers is just putting more seasonal produce back on the table and into lunchboxes.”
