Good grades, good colour and excellent quality - this seems to be a good year for Falstaff pears. Harvesting is over and producers seem to be happy, now it's just a matter of waiting for the market's response.
"Our orchards are three years old, so it's still early to make an assessment. However production is looking very good this year. Grades are medium-large and we sorted them between 55-70 and 70+ to sell them more easily depending on the market," explains Orogel Fresco director Mauro Battistini.
Falstaff is not for everyone, however, as skilled producers who know how to manage plants are needed. "It's a high-maintenance plant, as it needs special pruning. Growers must analyse its structure and shape it. It needs to be treated well in nurseries too, so as to fully express its potential."
The Falstaff variety, protected by CREA Forlì on a Community level, was assigned for exclusive global commercialisation to Newplant, the consortium created by Apo Conerpo, Apofruit and Orogel Fresco.
Paolo Sarpieri, Orogel partner, owns almost one hectare of Falstaff in Romagna and is pleased with the 2017 harvest. "Yields were good and so were grades. Despite the summer temperatures, quality was not affected and fruits developed a good colour. Now we're hoping prices are good, in line with 2016-2017."
Falstaff pears are characterised for their red skin, crunchy flesh, high sugar content and a good balance with the acidic component. The variety can only be commercialised by the Club and produced by members. It was developed within CREA Forlì's breeding programme, developed by Lorenzo Rivalta and Walther Faedi.
Contacts:
Orogel Fresco
Via Emilia 3800
47020 Longiano (FC)
Tel.: +39 (0)547 651860
Fax: +39 (0)547 651809
Email: info@orogelfresco.it
Web: www.orogelfresco.it
Contacts:
Orogel Fresco
Via Emilia 3800
47020 Longiano (FC)
Tel.: +39 (0)547 651860
Fax: +39 (0)547 651809
Email: info@orogelfresco.it
Web: www.orogelfresco.it