Barbara Ruhs appointed USA Pears director of nutrition affairs and communications
August 5, 2025 by USA Pears
MILWAUKIE, Ore., August 5, 2025 – USA Pears has named Barbara Ruhs, MS, RDN, as director of nutrition affairs and communications, effective immediately.
Ruhs is a Registered Dietitian Nutritionist and leader in retail health promotion who brings ‘wellness to the shelf.’ As a successful nutrition communications consultant, she is the former nutrition marketing dietitian for Avocados From Mexico and launched a conference for retail dietitians. A trusted nutrition expert, she knows how to blend science and storytelling to build influence with dietitians, media and consumers.
“We’re excited to welcome Barbara as we lean into the nutritional benefits of fresh U.S.-grown pears,” said CarrieAnn Arias, president and CEO of Pear Bureau Northwest. “Barbara is a nationally recognized dietitian and wellness strategist with a strong track record of helping brands bring nutrition to the shelf. Her insights will help USA Pears speak clearly and credibly about the important role pears can play in everyday wellness.”
“As a dietitian, I believe working in the food industry is a critical piece to helping Americans eat healthier,” said Ruhs. “Now, more than ever, shoppers are hungry for foods that deliver health benefits and pears are well-positioned for nutrition stardom. As an excellent source of fiber, just one medium pear provides 6 grams of fiber which is more than 20% of the daily goal. They pair perfectly with protein and with more than 10 varieties to choose from, there’s a pear for everyone.
About Pear Bureau Northwest
Pear Bureau Northwest, dba USA Pears, is a nonprofit marketing organization established in 1931 to promote the fresh pears grown in Washington and Oregon, home to 88% of the U.S. commercial fresh pear crop. The bureau represents over 700 grower families and partners with outlets throughout the world in an effort to increase overall success with the pear category. The organization provides marketing and merchandising expertise that is customized specifically for each retail organization, using its pear consumer research findings as well as individual store analysis using an in-house data system that measures pear category performance nationwide and third-party research to show retailers how they perform versus their competition.
