Market trends and new commercial outlets; world pear consumption and the comparison with leading producer countries to learn more about innovations in their production techniques: these are some of the topics to be discussed during the two conventions to be held on 16th and 17th November during FuturPera, organised in cooperation with CSO (Centro Servizi Ortofrutticoli) Italy in Ferrara.
What are the current trends and what should we expect for the next few months?
"Global pear imports are increasing. The data show a growth from less than 2.2 million tons to over 2.6 million tons," explains CSO Director Elisa Macchi.
"Pear consumption is growing in Italy. After many years (2000 to 2013) where family purchases dropped by over 30%, things are now looking up with a 29% increase and a 2016/2013 variation that recovered part of the consumption lost. During the first four months of 2017, purchases increased by 5% compared to the previous year."
What are the countries with the biggest potential at the moment?
"Russia, Germany, UK and France remain the largest importers, but demand of foreign produce is increasing also in other countries such as Brazil, Indonesia, Mexico, China, Vietnam, the Arab Emirates."
For what concerns the apple sector, Poland is the leading producer. We asked the CSO director if there's a chance that it will start cultivating pears in the future. "At the moment, it doesn't seem like Poland is interested in developing the pear sector. The country produces 60,000 tons of pears on average with peaks of 80,000. Competitor countries for Italy are Belgium (which reached 380 thousand tons over the past few years), the Netherlands (with a potential of 350 thousand tons) and Portugal. All these countries are also keen exporters."
Is there room for Club varieties in the pear sector?
For what concerns the apple sector, Poland is the leading producer. We asked the CSO director if there's a chance that it will start cultivating pears in the future. "At the moment, it doesn't seem like Poland is interested in developing the pear sector. The country produces 60,000 tons of pears on average with peaks of 80,000. Competitor countries for Italy are Belgium (which reached 380 thousand tons over the past few years), the Netherlands (with a potential of 350 thousand tons) and Portugal. All these countries are also keen exporters."
Is there room for Club varieties in the pear sector?
"Unlike apples, there are not many Club pear varieties. The most popular is Angelys and Falstaff is growing, but it's still early."
"Italy has been focusing on Abate, which is mostly grown in Emilia Romagna. Although it isn't a club variety, it represents the greatest opportunity because of its concentrated distinctive production. If there was real aggregation, it could be a Club variety with a great potential."
As regards the Russian ban, Macchi says that: "the Russian market was one of the main destinations for European pears, so of course it affected the market. Russia used to absorb over 40% of Belgian exports. After the ban, the Belgian produce has been spotted mainly in Spain, France, Czech Republic, Germany, Poland and other far away destinations. Russia also imported 15% of Dutch exports, which instead have been aimed to the UK, Poland, Spain and other destinations. Spain shipped almost 10% of their exports to Russia and, after the ban, it focused on markets such as Morocco, Brazil, Saudi Arabia and Israel. Portugal, which used to ship 5% of its total exports to Russia, has shifted towards Brazil, Spain and Germany."
Will European pears reach far away destinations?
"Of course there are countries that might appreciate the quality of our productions, but there are phytosanitary barriers in place."
"We are currently working on China, which is indeed one of the leading pear producer countries but which also focuses in Nashi pears, very different from ours. We are also working on South Africa, Vietnam, Taiwan and Mexico."
"We are currently working on China, which is indeed one of the leading pear producer countries but which also focuses in Nashi pears, very different from ours. We are also working on South Africa, Vietnam, Taiwan and Mexico."