Harry & David is a cornerstone of Medford's identity, deeply woven into its economy, history, and cultural heritage. Did you know:
- sonyagr
- Aug 21, 2025
- 1 min read
🏭 Economic Impact
Major Employer: Harry & David is one of the largest private employers in Medford and the Rogue Valley. It provides hundreds (and seasonally, thousands) of jobs in farming, production, customer service, and corporate roles.
Economic Anchor: The company supports local agriculture, particularly pear orchards, and plays a critical role in the local supply chain, logistics, and tourism.
🌳 Agricultural Legacy
Royal Riviera® Pears: Medford's climate is ideal for growing premium pears. Harry & David’s Royal Riviera pears helped put Medford on the map as a hub for high-end fruit cultivation.
Preserving Orchards: The company's presence has helped preserve orchards in the Rogue Valley that might otherwise have been lost to urban development.
🏛️ Historical Significance
Founded in 1910 as Bear Creek Orchards, the company evolved into Harry & David in the 1930s.
It helped Medford transition from a small agricultural town to a city known nationwide for luxury food gifts.
During the Great Depression, Harry & David innovated by marketing luxury fruit baskets to East Coast executives, bringing national attention to Medford.


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