"All we need to do to save the pear segment is to work harder. Cristiano Fini was right when he said all actors part of the chain should be more responsible and work together, as what they have been doing over the past three years has not led to higher prices," explains a large operator from the pear segment.
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"I believe raising expectations and not keeping promises is very dangerous. Let us not forget that aggregations are entitled to EU financing although they only commercialize around 15-20% of the domestic produce. It is true that they state higher percentages, but only because they also include the produce destined to the processing industry."
"We risk having superstructures that generate an increase in costs without actually supporting producers, which would remain the weakest link. I think it would be enough to set up a trade association, such as the USA Pears in the State of Washington. A single logo and brand that can gather all actors and through which agreements with countries such as China, Vietnam, Mexico and Colombia can be made. In addition, it can set up advertising campaigns, determine guidelines, come up with packaging solutions and assess new varieties."
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Let us not forget that 50% of top-quality Italian pears are commercialized by private companies with 40/50 years of experience and who have relationships with trusted producers.
Better quotations were expected considering current stocks, as there is less produce available in general: -23% for Abate, -20% for Kaiser and -7% for Conference. Last year, the last supplies of Abate for exports were shipped on week 20 while, this year, they should finish on week 18 or 19.
When it comes to prices, the operator reports that "they are below what expected but not too low, as the management costs of a private company are not very high for we do not have mega-directors. I manage the company but, if needed, I can also drive a forklift."
"It is not true that it is us driving prices down. We are entrepreneurs and aim at obtaining the best we can in line with demand/supply."
"To sum it up, all we need to do to save the pear segment is to work hard."