Harry & David: A Century of Fruit-Filled Smiles

The Origin Story of Harry & David

Harry & David is a renowned brand that has become synonymous with decadent fruit arrangements and food gifts. But how did this company come to be so iconic? The story begins back in 1910, when Samuel Rosenberg purchased Comice pear orchards in Southern Oregon's Rogue River Valley. In 1914, Rosenberg gave these orchards to his sons Harry and David as a wedding gift - a wise investment that would soon yield sweet dividends.

Getting the Business off the Ground

In the early years, the Rosenberg brothers sold their tasty Royal Riviera pears at markets in Portland, Oregon under the name "Bear Creek Orchards." As word spread about their succulent pears, their customer base expanded across state lines. By 1934 they had incorporated the business and adopted the moniker we know today - Harry & David.

The brothers hit upon a winning formula for success: selling premium fruit by mail order. This allowed customers across America to bite into their delectable pears without leaving home. In 1939, Harry & David mailed their first holiday fruit basket - an innovation that transformed the company into a beloved part of many families' seasonal traditions.

Blossoming into an Iconic Brand

In the ensuing decades, Harry & David diversified their fruit offerings and expanded across all avenues of food gifting. While Royal Riviera pears remained the backbone of their business, they introduced additional fruits like peaches, plums, and nectarines. Their gift baskets incorporated indulgent treats from chocolate to baked goods, and celebrations like Christmas and Mother's Day became major sales drivers.

Even when the business passed out of the Rosenberg family's hands, Harry & David retained its reputation for premium quality and heartfelt service. Today it ships approximately 20 million packages a year, employs around 4,000 seasonal workers, and earns over $400 million in annual revenues.

Harry & David's Signature Fruits and Gifts

From pears to peaches, Harry & David's fruits are simply unparalleled in flavor. They select only the ripest, juiciest varieties from the richest growing regions. Expert packing ensures that each fruit arrives at peak freshness, ready to be savored down to the last sweet bite. Beyond fruit, Harry & David has curated an extensive selection of indulgent food and wine gifts tailored to every occasion.

Pampering Packages for Any Occasion

Harry & David offers an abundance of themed gift collections designed to delight dads, grads, newlyweds, hosts, and anyone else you want to celebrate or thank. Choose from treats like artisan cheeses, truffles, baked goods, nuts, fresh florals, wine, beer, charming gift crates and more. The options abound for birthdays, holidays, anniversaries, housewarmings, graduations, weddings, baby showers, sympathy, corporate gifts, and everyday surprises.

Fruit for All Seasons

While Harry & David forged their fame on winter pears, today their fruit harvest spans the calendar. Sweet, plump strawberries herald summer's arrival. Blushing peaches and plums follow close behind, soon succeeded by lush grapes, tangy citrus fruits, crisp apples, and finally, the signature Royal Riviera pears. Harry & David orchards stake their reputation on producing the most succulent selections year-round.

Beyond exceptional flavor and freshness, Harry & David fruits share an uncommon consistency in size and beauty. Each wooden gift crate cradles uniform fruits lovingly nestled inside charming packaging accents like real pine cones or cinnamon sticks. Simply put, no fruit arrangement glows with finer form or flavor than those from Harry & David.

Bringing Smiles for Over 100 Years

In 1916, the company delivered its very first gift shipment - a single box of Royal Riviera pears. Over a century later, the Harry & David team transports about 20 million gift packages annually! While technology and Ecommerce have streamlined the distribution process, one truth remains unchanged: the company still specializes in spreading smiles.

A Legacy of Exceptional Quality and Service

The Rosenberg brothers laid strong pillars for success with their commitments to premium produce, fair working conditions, and warm hospitality. Succeeding generations of leadership built upon that foundation while navigating enormous growth. Today Harry & David upholds exacting standards across every business practice from orchard management to online ordering to telephone customer care.

At the core is a passion for sharing life's special moments across miles and generations. Harry & David'sRequestHandler gift crates bridge the gap on birthdays, holidays, weddings, retirements and more, allowing loved ones to feel like they're together even when apart. That same spirit of celebrating connections, both new and lifelong, will carry the brand forward into another century of spreading joy.

FAQs

What are Harry & David most famous for?

Harry & David built their reputation on their premium Royal Riviera pears. However, today they are famous for their gift crates packed with a variety of fruits, sweets, cheeses, baked goods, nuts, flowers and more.

When was Harry & David founded?

Harry & David traces its origins to 1910 when Samuel Rosenberg purchased the Comice pear orchards in Oregon. He gifted these orchards to his sons Harry and David in 1914 for their wedding present. The brothers officially incorporated as Harry & David in 1934.

How did Harry & David pioneer food gifting?

In 1939, Harry & David became an innovator in mail order food gifts when they shipped their first holiday fruit basket by railway express. This allowed people across the country to send decadent, fresh fruit without being limited by geography.

What makes Harry & David fruit so special?

Harry & David fruits are specially cultivated to achieve peak ripeness, beauty and flavor. Every wooden gift crate holds uniform fruits packed at the height of freshness by experts. This exceptional quality and consistency has become a Harry & David trademark.