70% of Italian pears are cultivated in Emilia-Romagna - 448,000 tons in total, i.e. 13% less than 2015 and 12% less compared to the 2011-2014 average.
Production areas are rather stable compared to last year - the orchards destined to the Abate Fetel and Carmen varieties increased, though less investments were made on Decana, Conference and Kaiser. William and Santa Maria remained stable.
Abate Fedel yields were down to 220,000 tons, i.e. -14% less than 2015. A drop has also been estimated for William (-11%), Conference (-13%), Santa Maria (-25%), Decana (-17%) and Kaiser (-19%).
Quality is looking good and grades are big thanks to the fact that there is less fruit on the trees and to the positive weather in May and June.
"The new commercial campaign is looking good - we expect the market to absorb these quantities rather easily, considering the demand trends in the past few years," explained OI Pera President Gianni Amidei."
During the meeting, the Committee also established a 60 mm minimum grade for the harvesting of the Conference variety to make sure that only the produce with a good quality and high value reaches the market.
The next meeting will be in August to discuss the late varieties.