According to Apple and Pear Australia Limited, the industry’s value has plummeted from $175 million in 2011 to $67 million by 2020.
The decline continues, with 10 per cent of the nation’s pear trees removed in 2023 alone.
“Growing pears has been in our family for generations,” Shepparton grower Selim Shaholli said.
“We’re proud of what we produce, but it’s no secret that it’s become tougher to make it stack up.
“The sale avenues are dropping so you can only sell through a few channels, therefore leading to selling to a smaller proportion.”
In the Goulburn Valley, which produces around 90 per cent of Australia’s pears, some growers have removed up to half their orchards in recent years to maintain viability.
Box Divvy, a community food network, is highlighting these issues during National Pear Week (June 2 to 8).
“Pears don’t spike blood sugar, they’re great for gut health, and they store well with little to no waste,” Box Divvy co-founder Anton van den Berg said.
“There’s really no reason they should be in decline and yet that’s exactly what’s happening.”
Consumer demand has also decreased, with household purchases dropping from 61 per cent in 2013 to 54 per cent in 2023.
Traditional varieties such as Packham, Williams, Beurre Bosc and Nashi face competition from newer fruit options.
Box Divvy operates over 300 food hubs across NSW and the ACT, connecting consumers directly with local producers.
Its model returns up to 60 cents of every dollar to growers, while offering fruit up to 30 per cent cheaper than supermarkets.
Pears maintain a low Glycaemic Index of around 30 and contain 50 per cent more fibre than apples, along with vitamin C, potassium and antioxidants.
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