In France, the apple and pear markets are very different. The country ranks as one of the major apple producers in Europe, but the same cannot be said for the pear production. “We produce more than our French market needs when it comes to apples. As a result, about 40% of the fresh apples are exported. We are then in confrontation with other exporting countries like Poland and Italy. For the pear, on the other hand, it is the opposite because we are not self-sufficient in France. On the fresh market, we cover only half the needs of the French. In other words, every other pear consumed in France is imported, often from Belgium, the Netherlands, Portugal or Italy,” explains Vincent Guérin, in charge of economic affairs at ANPP.
A technical production, long neglected
In recent years, producers have lost interest in the production of pears for several reasons. “Pears are demanding, from the production up until it reaches the consumer. In France, so many pear producers were first and foremost specialized in the production of apples. They developed their apple specialization and forgot the pear a little. Additionally, the arrival into production of pear trees is longer than for apple trees. So it is more complicated to invest in a pear orchard when the profit from the investment arrives later. But for a few years now, new varieties and new working methods in the orchards have made it possible to shorten this time of arrival in production of pear trees and therefore to facilitate the planting of pear trees, which changes everything,” explains Vincent.
Planting new varieties of pears
In recent years, the pear seems to have caught producers' interest again. “Pear orchards are undergoing some replanting programs. So we have some new pear orchards for classic varieties like the William, and club varieties like the Angelys or Sweet Sensation. Some even newer varieties like the Fred or QTee are being planted as well.”
“After decades of decline, there is a new interest in pears, and we are working on motivating producers to plant pear trees. We show them the economic results made in recent years that are interesting for the culture. Given the fact that we are not self-sufficient in France and that there is a growing desire to produce and consume locally, we are able to regain market share on our own French market. There is room for French pears in France, so it is possible to plant pear trees again. Our French pears stand out on the market and can be identified by the “Eco-responsible Orchards” label which meets the expectations of consumers, citizens and retailers.”
For more information:
Vincent Guérin
Association Nationale Pommes Poires
7 rue Biscornet - 75012 PARIS
Phone: +33 (0) 1 53 10 27 80
Fax: +33 (0)1 53 10 27 88
[email protected]
[email protected]
www.lapomme.org
