The 2024 Conference pear season has been shorter than usual in Spain and the sector is facing the first quarter of the year with much lower stocks than in previous years.
"The reality is that February, when pear consumption should theoretically increase, has not started as strongly as expected. Sales are slow, but given the lack of kilos in areas such as Lleida, this time there isn't the concern of other years because, although consumption is slow, stocks are under control," says Ricardo Pisón, from Frutas Pisón.
"Both domestic and international demand are quite low right now," he says. "Last year we had an atypically good situation in the pear market because of production shortages in Italy due to bad weather, which resulted in abnormally high demand and prices. This year, we are not seeing Italian buyers coming with as much interest as last season, and it's also possible that they are getting more fruit from Belgium and the Netherlands."
"Nonetheless, in a way, last year's unexpected demand created a price bubble which also took a negative toll on the domestic market, so this year, despite the lower production, prices have returned to a more adequate level."
"Lastly, it's worth noting that the bulk of last year's pears didn't have a long shelf life, which increased the pressure to sell; however, in the 2024 season it will be possible to keep the pears in storage for as long as necessary if consumption slows down," says Ricardo.
"Everything points to this year's pear stocks running out soon. In any case, it's not going to be a difficult year when it comes to managing stocks, which can remain in storage in optimum conditions until September and even October."
For more information:
Frutas Pisón
C/ Tenerías s/n
26143 Murillo de Río Leza, La Rioja, Spain
Tel.: +34 941 43 21 04
[email protected]
https://frutaspison.com