China: Hebei crown pears successful on international market

"This year, Hebei pears are having a bumper harvest. The total production quantity is higher than last year. Heavily influenced by the jizhua disease, the growth rate of crown pears is rather low. The production quantity of Ya pears has increased, and that of snow pears has decreased," states Mr. Bian Qinggang of Hebei Tianbo Trade Co Ltd.

"Jizhua is a plant disease which emerges when crown pears are ripe and stored. It has several characteristics, but it mainly influences the exterior and value of the fruit. This year, the high temperatures and continuous rain in the middle of July have caused the disease. It has caused a 50%, decrease in production and has led to an increase in prices. Compared to last year, the price has increased by around 30%. Similar to the citrus greening disease, there are no effective methods to cure jizhua disease. Farmers can only try to prevent it by watering moderately, and using fertilizer."

"Compared to Ya pears, crown pears look and taste better, and can be stored longer. They are popular both in China and abroad, and especially on high-end markets, such as Europe, America, and Australia. Compared to last year, the export quantity of Hebei pears has increased 40%-50%, in which crown pears play a large part. This year's export quantity of crown pears has dropped slightly. On the one hand, that is because the jizhua disease has led to a large decrease in growth rate. On the other hand, it is because pears from last year have taken around one month of sales time from new pears."

"The export quantity of Hebei pears has been increasing year after year, especially to the South East Asian market. This is mainly because of two factors. Firstly, because of the surplus production, the price on the Chinese market is very low, which stimulates export. Secondly, Indonesia has implemented import quotas on fruit, such as apples and oranges, but not on pears. This means that Indonesian importers, who originally targeted Chinese apples or oranges, are now turning their focus to pears."

"I believe that, in order to expand the export of Chinese pears to high-end markets, such as Europe or America, the standards for limiting agricultural waste have to align with these developed countries. Recently, the government of Jinzhou has implemented legislation that limits the use of chlorpyrifos in the entire city. It will improve the control of agricultural waste, but this is only locally. There is still a long way to go to gain widespread success. As the hometown for Chinese pears, several large scale exporters of pears in Hebei are founding a union for pear companies, to collectively manage and formulate industry regulations, unite brands, and manage sales and the market."

"Tianbo was established in 1999. As a modernized agricultural export company with an own brand, our pears are mostly exported to America, Canada, Australia, Mexico, Europe, South East Asia, South Asia and the Middle East. For the past 10 years, our export quantity has ranked among the best in China. Currently, we are negotiating with Brazilian merchants, so that when Brazil opens its doors for China, we will have some business opportunities."

Zhao Xiaolei

Phone: +86 138 3112 1180

Phone: +86 311 8776 2066

Fax: +86 311 8776 9895

Email: smalllei@tianbofruit.com.cn