Ribera, an area in Sicily famous for its excellent oranges, is now getting increasingly known for Coscia pears, also thanks to the entrepreneurial spirit of the Parlapiano family.
2019 saw a 40% drop in production
"This year, the summer pear campaign was characterized by the lack of produce available," explains Paolo Parlapiano, sales and marketing manager for Parlapiano Fruit Srl.
"This was due to the adverse weather during setting. The 40% drop in production affected the entire 2019 campaign."
The delay caused by the weather meant the season started in mid-July, while harvesting usually begins in early July.
Commercial partners welcomed the higher prices
"Harvesting was completed in early August and, despite the drop in volumes, grades were excellent and quality was exceptional."
"The price trend followed the law of the market, so low availability meant higher prices. For this reason, prices at origin increased by 30%. Thankfully our commercial partners understood the situation and reacted well. The commercial campaign will now continue until late September."
Domestic markets are expanding
"Most of the volumes were absorbed by the domestic markets and retail chains that know and appreciate this summer pear. While commercialization was confined to central and southern Italy until a few years ago, we now receive orders from all over the peninsula. This repays us for our efforts and makes us more confident as regards the quality of our pears."
Various types of packaging are available. 45-50 mm grades are placed in 1 kg, 500 gr or 750 gr punnets or 30x40x17 cm cardboard crates (each crate holds up to 10 punnets). 50-55 mm grades are sold loose in 30x40x17 platforms (8 kg). 55-60 and 60-65 mm grades are placed in cells and in 40x60x9.5 cm cardboard boxes (6 kg, 40-44 fruits).
Contacts:
Parlapiano Fruit Srl
C.da Donna Vanna SP 57 
92016 Ribera (AG)
Tel. +39 0925 545947
Fax +39 0925 545947
Email: info@parlapianofruit.com