Italy: Pear exporting season begins

"Every campaign is different - due to the long and hot summer all over Europe, this one is character…

"Every campaign is different - due to the long and hot summer all over Europe, this one is characterised by medium-small grades and higher sugar levels, which is not too bad, as pears are very tasty," explains Luca Granada, director of Opera.

According to him, the drop in stocks is "normal, as we are in line with the trend of the past five years."

Opera will take part in the first edition of Futurpera, to be held in Ferrara from the 19th to the 21st November. "We are the only company that specialises in this product, so we could not miss it. We will showcase everything we do - production, processing, storing, logistics and distribution, which represents a great advantage for buyers. Just think that, in our sector, the most successful companies are those that handle single products like Chiquita, Zespri and Melinda."

"What is more, our territory is perfect for growing pears, just like Trentino is for apples and Sicily for citrus fruit."

"We can market 200 thousand tons of pears, 27% of the Italian and 8-10% of the European production. We are the first organisation of the segment but we only have a 1% share so we need to grow."

"Together, we can control and prevent domestic competition, which only leads to lower prices, and organise destocking better. We can also provide great volumes, varietal range, choice of grades, continuity and services. What is more, we are now big enough to communicate through the mass-media and reach consumers."

The objective is to grow and become known by the public.

"25% of our production is destined to exports and, as the local productions diminish, we export more." Things are looking good, just think that the Ferrara area alone produces more pears than the Netherlands and that Italy grows as much pears as Spain and Belgium combined.