|
Susan Knapp - Biography
Susan Knapp’s love affair with pears began in the mid-80’s in Lake County, California, the 2nd largest supplier of premium fresh Bartlett pears in the country. It was there that she traded her vegetables with a local pear farmer and began making her famous Cinnamon Pear Jelly for friends and family at Holiday time.
Her fans were disappointed one year when Susan abandoned the pears to help her mother cope with breast cancer. However, their enthusiasm for her product sparked an idea in Susan. She realized that she could turn her passion for cooking and love of pears into a business, creating quality food products that would assist the home cook in preparing healthy, delicious meals with minimal time and effort. As a former executive account manager for SBC Yellow Pages, Susan knew how challenging it could be to work all day, then spend hours preparing a meal for the family. With an entrepreneurial spirit, some family recipes, and an appreciation for quality foods she began researching the Gourmet Food business.
In early 1998 she attended the Fancy Food Show in San Francisco and identified that there was a market opportunity for pear products. Later that year, she took four of her creations to the California State Fair in Sacramento and won First and Second Place awards for all four products that she entered. The public loved her creations! She retired from her executive position at SBC in October 2003 to devote her full attentions to growing her venture.
In the past five years, the company has grown through a name change and a newly re-designed logo. The product line now consists of 19 food products which regularly receive awards in state, national, and international competitions. Susan’s entire collection won Best Product Line at the 2006 America’s Best Food Show. The NASFT selected her Pear Balsamic Vinegar as a winner of the coveted silver Sofi™ award in the prestigious international food competition for 2007 and again in 2008 for her Champagne Pear Vinaigrette. A Perfect Pear has also developed a gift line including bridal favors and a seasonal corporate gifting program. In 2006 Susan’s success had earned her the honor of the Make Mine a Million National Business Award, conferred by American Express OPEN®.
It’s no surprise that these products from the tiny city of Napa, CA have gained popularity across the nation and in the international market. Napa Valley carries a positive image for products associated with the region, with an emphasis on natural and healthy lifestyles. The success of A Perfect Pear from Napa Valley reflects this growing trend. With products in stores all over the US and Canada, home chefs and gourmands alike are eager to get a taste of the Napa Valley and of Susan’s delicious pear creations.
|
