NZ: Growers sought for new pear variety
The pear has a similar texture to the nashi variety, but a distinctive taste.
John Morton, chief executive of New Zealand Fruit Tree Company, said trial shipments were popular. Last year about 10 tonnes were exported to Europe and Asia and 30 tonnes would be sent this year.
"There is already one UK buyer who has said he could handle 800-900 tonne of product in his market as a seasonal product, That's pretty exciting," he said.
The pear, with a Brix (sugar content) count of 13-14, is still known as PremP109 as it does not yet have a market name.
However, its one drawback was a susceptibility to bruising.
"It needs care. You can't just tumble it like an apple. That might create a few problems for some individuals, but at the same time there is going to be added value as it becomes less of a commodity product," Mr Morton said.
Polystyrene socks had proved an effective solution. "We are very relaxed about shipping now," he said.
Grower returns had been good. "Last year, back to the grower, it was $5 a kg. Fruit has come out of Nelson so far but there is a definite opportunity here for Hawke's Bay," Mr Morton said.
Source: www.hawkesbaytoday.co.nz
