OVERVIEW GLOBAL PEAR MARKET
The European pear market currently appears to be at a minor impasse. There is talk of a difficult Conference season in the Netherlands. Other classic pear-producing countries, such as Italy and Germany, are also dealing with subpar demand. A positive exception seems to be France, where the pear market is still growing. While fruit from storage is available in the northern hemisphere, the harvest is in full swing south of the equator. In the southern growing countries, the season is not developing without problems either. The ongoing Corona crisis, but also the weather and Brexit, are behind those challenges.
South African pome fruit growers expecting a good 2021 crop
The pome fruit harvest is under way with positive expectations for 2021. Last year saw a much better winter with enough rain in the majority of the production areas. Cooler weather during spring and the flowering period has resulted in a good crop. Growers in general are excited about the season ahead as colour and packouts are looking promising. The season is estimated to be 5 – 10 days later; however, the later cultivars could still catch up.
Overall, most apples varieties are expected to increase on the 2020 harvest. Young orchards that will come into production, as well as the favourable weather conditions, have positively impacted the export crop estimate. An increase of 4% is expected on apples and 2% on pears. The increase in pears can be attributed to Packham’s Triumph volumes (+6%) and Abate Fetel returning to a normal yield.
South Africa forecasts later pome fruit season and slightly larger crop
January 20 , 2021
South Africa s Hortgro says the pome fruit season should be delayed but a few days, but the crop is forecast to be slightly larger and expectations are described as positive for 2021.
Apple exports are expected to rise by 4 percent year-on-year to 38 million cartons, while pears are due to grow by 2 percent to 17 million cartons.
Last year saw a much better winter with enough rain in the majority of the production areas, Hortgro said, adding that cooler weather during spring and the flowering period has resulted in a good crop.