The export of Dutch Conference pears to China is not yet allowed, but C.G. Timmermans are not throwing in the towel and are looking for new destinations. The Conference specialist has introduced a seven language website about the Conference to give the top variety some attention. "There are even more Conference pears coming to keep the prices real. We need new markets," said Jan Timmermans. The company, alongside the established countries, now also exports pears to Hong Kong.
"We began exporting to Hong Kong in 2005, but things aren't going as fast as we wanted." The exporter said that the numbers are still limited, averaged over the year, a few containers per month. The marketing is, according to him, running reasonably, despite the increased amount of competition this year. "We aren't selling less Conference, that means that there will be more Conference sold. Due to the competition we see no significant increase in the price. "
He says on one side he thinks its a shame that there is so much competition now, but it does help to get the Conference more popular. "When we began, the Conference was a unknown pear. They are becoming very popular and respected."
With exports to Hong Kong the access to the Far East has begun. "We hope to proceed from here. First, of course China and once we get permission, other countries." As for China is just waiting until the Chinese authorities visit The Netherlands. This will be coordinated by Frugi Venta. Jan says that also outside the Far East he can see various options. "The world is big, but I hope and expect that many exporters there are doing the same."