Harry & David Fruit and Gift Baskets

Harry & David, one of the oldest and most renowned gourmet fruit and food gift companies in the United States, has a rich history that spans over a century, beginning in the early 20th century. Its journey from a family-owned orchard into a major direct-mail gift business is a testament to innovation, marketing savvy, and a commitment to quality.

The story of Harry & David starts in 1910 when Samuel Rosenberg, a successful hotel owner in Seattle, Washington, traded his Hotel Sorrento for 240 acres of pear orchards in Southern Oregon’s Rogue River Valley. He named the orchard Bear Creek Orchards, which was located near Medford, Oregon. Samuel passed away in 1914, and his two sons, Harry and David Rosenberg, took over the business. Both were educated in agriculture at Cornell University and were well-prepared to innovate in their fields.

The brothers were faced with the challenge of selling their premium Comice pears, which were not well-known outside of Oregon. However, they saw an opportunity during the Great Depression to market their luxury fruit as the ideal corporate gift. In 1934, they came up with the idea of creating a direct mail order business. They packed their pears in wooden boxes, branding them “Royal Riviera” to signify their superior quality and began sending them to business executives in New York and other major cities. This initiative turned out to be a great success, establishing the foundation for Harry & David’s future.

Throughout the 1930s and 1940s, Harry & David expanded their product line to include other fruits, gourmet foods, and gift baskets. They developed a reputation for high-quality products and excellent customer service, with guarantees of satisfaction that won them loyal customers across the country.

The company was also an early adopter of innovative marketing techniques. They created elaborate catalogs with vivid descriptions and images of their products, enticing customers with the promise of delivering a taste of Oregon’s bountiful harvests to their doorsteps. Their marketing campaigns emphasized the idea of sending gifts that would create lasting impressions, a concept that resonated with consumers and helped to establish Harry & David as a leader in the gift-giving market.

In the 1950s and 1960s, as America’s post-war economy boomed, Harry & David continued to grow. They added more products to their catalog, including chocolates, baked goods, and other gourmet treats. The company also began opening retail stores, offering customers a way to experience their products firsthand.

However, the company faced challenges as well. The 1970s and 1980s brought economic downturns and increased competition. Yet, Harry & David remained resilient, continuing to innovate by introducing new products and entering new markets. They expanded their reach internationally and embraced new technologies to improve their order fulfillment and customer service processes.

The turn of the century saw Harry & David adapting to the digital age, with the launch of their website and online ordering system. This move allowed them to reach a broader audience and made it easier for customers to purchase their products. Despite facing bankruptcy in 2011, the company managed to restructure and continue its operations, emerging stronger and more focused on its core business of fruit and gourmet gift giving.

In recent years, Harry & David has continued to evolve, expanding its product offerings to include organic fruits, gluten-free treats, and other health-conscious options. They’ve also embraced sustainability practices in their operations, recognizing the importance of environmental stewardship.

Today, Harry & David is part of the 1-800-Flowers.com, Inc. family of brands, having been acquired in 2014. This partnership has enabled Harry & David to leverage synergies with other gift brands, further expanding its market reach and product offerings. Despite the changes over the years, the company remains true to its roots, committed to delivering high-quality, carefully curated gift items that bring joy and comfort to people’s lives.

Throughout its history, Harry & David has demonstrated an unwavering commitment to quality, customer service, and innovation. From its beginnings as a small family-owned orchard to its status as a major player in the gourmet gift industry, Harry & David’s journey is a testament to the enduring appeal of thoughtfully chosen and beautifully presented gifts. As it moves forward, Harry & David continues to adapt to changing consumer preferences and market dynamics, ensuring that it remains a beloved choice for gift-givers around the world.