"The trade is demanding larger Conference pears"

Belgium and the Netherlands are the most important producers of the Conference pear. Conference in its turn is the most important pear variety and the production is still increasing. The increase in production is entirely thanks to the increase in the area in Belgium and the Netherlands. According to Jos Craemers of Veiling Borgloon something has changed in the area of size during the last few years.

What is normal?
"About 15 years ago size 55 was standard with Conference. Now 75 is 'normal' in the trade, whilst technically Conference is not a really large pear. It is almost looked at as a Doyenne. A country like Russia often requires larger sizes. Both for apples and pears. Also France and Spain request larger Conference. The difference in price between various sizes also appears to be getting bigger."

Not exporting themselves
Whether it will come to that will only be clear in December after agreement from the growers, but Jos Craemers looks at the coming merger of Veiling Borgloon and Veiling BelOrta as a stimulus and basis for new cooperation. "This is good for the sector and it creates clarity. Our own clients also grow and are often bigger than we are. Therefore we have to form one strong block. The basic aspects will remain in the future: the auction plays a central role, including part mediation and in addition we will not start exporting ourselves. He also stresses that their way of thinking remains the same. "We remain open for cooperation with others and projects in the fruit sector."

For more information:
Veiling Borgloon
Jos Craemers
59, Kernielerweg
3840 Borgloon
Belgium
Tel: +32-12670100
Fax: +32-12746136
www.eburon.be