The global pear market is entering a transitional phase, with the Northern Hemisphere moving toward the end of its storage season while Southern Hemisphere exports continue to build. Across key markets, trade is increasingly shaped by quality segmentation, selective buying behaviour, and tightening availability of long-storing fruit. Although overall supply remains sufficient in most regions, pricing structures are becoming more differentiated as the season progresses.
Across Europe, stocks are gradually tightening, with quality differentiation playing a growing role in pricing and trade flows. Belgium reports renewed momentum after weaker first months, while in the Netherlands and Germany, markets remain balanced but cautious, with clear segmentation between fruit for short-term sale and lots suitable for longer storage. In Italy, lower domestic production continues to support firm wholesale prices, although competition from imports remains present in certain channels. In France, limited supply and the end of Doyenne du Comice are lifting shipping prices, with imports from the Netherlands, Belgium, and South Africa supplementing the market. In Spain, production is higher than last year but still 17% below the multi-season average, with storage quality issues limiting available volumes and weakening profitability for Conference pears.
© Viola van den Hoven-Katsman | FreshPlaza.com
Outside Europe, North America is working through a good domestic crop, resulting in competitive retail conditions and lower year-on-year prices. In the Southern Hemisphere, Argentina and Chile are facing reduced overall supply due to weather-related impacts, while South African exports are forecast to decline slightly. Tighter Southern Hemisphere availability is contributing to relative stability in global trade as import programs prepare to transition into the next phase of the season.
Belgium: Trade regains pace, prices stabilise
After a challenging first half of the season, the Belgian pear market is regaining momentum. Lower-quality lots have largely cleared from the market, and demand is currently strong. Lukassen and Doyenné de Comice in particular moved smoothly, and stocks of these varieties are now virtually exhausted, possibly because large volumes were exported to Poland and Eastern Europe shortly after harvest. Conference pears are also selling well, although rejection rates remain higher than in previous years. Due to drought and differences in picking times, quality has not been uniform everywhere, resulting in reduced volumes being released from storage.
Despite the market recovery, prices appear to have reached a ceiling for the time being. Developments towards April and May will largely depend on the remaining volumes and growers' willingness to clear stocks at this stage. In Belgium, fruit is generally sold somewhat earlier to avoid quality risks later in the season. Currently, picking prices including storage costs are being achieved, but it remains uncertain whether full storage compensation can still be recovered from the market later on.
On the organic pear market, the transition to the overseas season is gradually underway. The final stocks are being shipped. Sales of Conference pears were initially slow this season but improved later, which is a pattern seen more frequently. Consumption is typically lower at the beginning of the season, before demand increases towards winter, the holiday period, and the export season. The market rarely reaches full momentum from the outset.
Italy: Lower production, firm wholesale prices
Pear production in Italy in 2025 was 30% lower than the previous year. In this context, competition from imported products is strong. Despite this, a major commercial operator in northern Italy reports that Italian pears will remain available until the end of April. The main variety on the market is Abate Fetel, which is typically Italian, although other varieties are also available, including Kaiser and Conference. Prices, however, are not always high enough to compensate producers for the production losses they have experienced.
The Williams variety deserves special mention. Last year, it was the only variety to achieve satisfactory production results, with no significant decline. Prices were also consistently good, allowing producers to remain profitable. However, the availability of Italian Williams pears is now almost exhausted. According to the operator, the final batches in his case will be marketed in the first days of March.
In week 9, wholesale pear prices varied across the main markets. Verona recorded lower price levels, with Dutch Doyenné du Comice pears priced at around €1.95 and Williams pears between €1.65 and €1.90, depending on origin and size. Turin showed higher average prices. Abate Fetel pears from Emilia-Romagna ranged from €2.10 to €2.90, depending on size. Kaiser pears were priced at €2.40, while Williams pears ranged from €1.80 for South African origin to €2.35 for Italian origin. Dutch Doyenné du Comice pears were quoted between €1.90 and €2.00.
Milan generally recorded higher prices. Abate Fetel pears reached up to €3.15, Chilean Coscia pears were priced at €3.25, and Kaiser pears at €2.50. Williams pears ranged from €1.60 for South African origin to €2.20 for Italian origin. Bolzano recorded the highest prices for domestic produce, with Abate Fetel at €3.50 per kilogram, Kaiser at €3.15 per kilogram, and Williams at €2.10 per kilogram. In Rome, prices were also firm, with Abate Fetel reaching up to €3.30, Dutch Doyenné du Comice up to €3.00, and Italian Williams at €2.40.
Netherlands: Slight rise in Conference box prices
The pear market has remained largely stable this season, with steady product flow and clear differences between quality segments and sales channels. The year 2026 began with strong movement. Pears have reached destinations within and outside Europe without disruption. Good taste and consumer-friendly pricing, supported in part by targeted promotions, have contributed to steady throughput, according to a Dutch fruit trader.
Harvest timing continues to play a role this season. In November and December, the sector focused on accelerating the sale of late-harvested pears through promotional campaigns, reducing market risk. Currently, earlier-harvested pears are also showing shorter shelf life than usual; this places added pressure on the supply chain. Once a storage cell is opened, rapid processing and distribution are required to maintain acceptable shelf life. Close monitoring of storage cells is therefore necessary.
Since the start of 2026, box prices for Conference pears have increased slightly. A clearer distinction has developed between pears with strong storability and those intended for quicker turnover. Higher-quality pears are achieving stable to slightly higher prices. At the same time, remaining volumes that still need to be cleared are putting pressure on the spot market, resulting in a two-tier pricing structure.
Toward the end of the season, the availability of technically suitable batches will be decisive. The market is differentiating between fruit suited for longer storage and fruit requiring quick sale. The number of batches expected to remain suitable through July is lower than in previous years. As volumes clear, this may support more stable pricing for well-preserved pears.
Germany: Stable supply, moderate demand
Italian Abate Fetel and Santa Maria pears dominated the market. Turkish Santa Maria and Deveci followed in terms of importance, although in some areas, only limited volumes were available. Conference pears from Germany, the Netherlands, and Belgium complemented the assortment.
Imports from South Africa increased. While only Williams Christ had arrived the previous week, Rosemarie was also available this week. Nashibirnen from China continued to play only a minor role. Overall availability was sufficient to cover demand, which remained subdued. Prices followed their typical fluctuations and were generally slightly to significantly above last year's level.
France: Limited supply, steady retail trade
Limited availability has led to higher shipping prices, while transactions at the retail level remain steady. The campaign for the Doyenne du Comice variety is coming to an end.
Regarding foreign origins, shelves are supplemented with pears from the Netherlands and Belgium. The first green Williams pears from South Africa are now entering the market.
Spain: Harvest higher year on year, still below average
Although the pear harvest increased compared to the previous year, volumes remain 17% below the average of recent seasons. In addition, quality issues in storage are significantly reducing the availability of good fruit. The Conference variety accounts for just over half of total production, at 126,000 tons.
"The yields have been low, and the current quality of the Spanish Conference pears is generally poor, which is causing a significant lack of profitability," explains a Spanish producer and exporter. "On the other hand, the Netherlands and Belgium have a big harvest with high quality, even for more standard categories, and dominate the European market," he adds.
Spanish Conference pears are mainly destined for the domestic market, where prices are acceptable, but demand remains rather stagnant. "The pear market is very quiet, and fortunately, there are no big volumes in the chambers, otherwise it would be way worse. Certainly, pear is becoming a difficult product to work with in Spain due to its decline in profitability," he points out.
North America: Good domestic crop, competitive retail environment
The domestic pear supply in North America offers promotable volumes of Anjou and Bosc this season, with Bosc pears in particular showing a high share of large sizes.
This volume reflects a favourable growing season for pears in Washington. Domestic Bosc is expected to continue shipping through June, possibly into July, while domestic Anjou pears are expected to ship through August.
Demand for pears is reported as good, although fruit remains a competitive category at retail. Pears are currently competing with new apple varieties and citrus. While the apple category has seen substantial varietal development, pears have experienced less innovation. There is some expectation that newer varieties, such as Happi, may help generate renewed interest in the category.
As a result of the available volumes, pear prices are considerably lower than last year. At the same time, the current supply provides an opportunity to purchase domestic Bosc pears this season, whereas in previous years they may have been priced higher.
Regarding imported pears, arrivals from the Southern Hemisphere are expected to begin in early spring, including varieties such as Bartlett.
South Africa: Exports forecast 4% lower
The early pear varieties have finished, and Packhams are currently being packed. Pear export volumes are expected to decline slightly compared to the previous season. Hail and wind in the Langkloof reduced the crop, particularly the Forelle variety that was close to harvest. In addition, high early summer temperatures in the Western Cape resulted in smaller fruit sizes.
The current estimate for the 2026 pear export season stands at 22.3 million equivalent cartons, a 4% decrease compared to the previous year. The decline is also linked to orchard removals and the high export volumes achieved for certain pear varieties last season.
On the domestic market, pear prices are R8.20 per kilogram, equivalent to approximately €0.40 per kilogram.
Argentina: Earlier start, lower volumes
The 2026 season started earlier, with Williams pears available in January. Production declined by 10% to 20% due to hail and other weather-related events. Quality is reported as high, with a larger share of premium fruit.
Brazil began the season with strong demand and favourable prices. In the United States, initial demand has been slower due to high stocks, although improvement is expected from March to April. Europe continues to function as a niche market. Reduced Southern Hemisphere supply is supporting market stability and sustained prices.
Chile: Tighter Southern Hemisphere supply supports stability
The 2026 Chilean pear season is unfolding in a context of tighter Southern Hemisphere supply, contributing to commercial stability. Chile competes mainly with Argentina in the Americas and with local production in the United States, adjusting shipments according to available stocks.
Demand remains steady in Latin America and North America. Exporters are focusing on the most in-demand sizes and consistent quality, aiming to maintain prices despite high logistics and production costs.
Next Topic: Mandarins
