AbateNL is a new concept of an old pear, developed for and by fruit growers. "The Abate Fetel is a high-quality pear that is very well appreciated internationally. It is characterised by its robust appearance and good pricing. Due to problems in cultivation and with the climate, the pear is on its way back to Italy. This offers opportunities on the German market in particular," say initiators Mark van den Oever and Jan van Os.
Currently, Jan van Os has 0.7 ha of 8-year-old Abate Fetel in V-hay, at Van den Oever, 23 ha will be planted by 2025. "Cultivation is doable in the Netherlands and Belgium, but also has its challenges. Good production is feasible (40-60 tonnes). The picking window is just after Xenia and well after Conference, this also offers opportunities because the beginning of the picking window with Elstar and Conference is very full in the Netherlands and Belgium."
"AbateNL is particularly focused on efficiency and scale with as many operations as possible in the hands of the fruit grower. Growing systems, crop protection, rootstock choices and cooling are all their own choices and their own responsibility. The philosophy behind this is that everyone should do what they are good at to achieve the best result. What does have to be done toghether at AbateNL is sales. For this, the brand is registered in order to appear professional to the outside world and to guarantee exclusivity. It is also necessary to create mass to be able to supply chains."
The commitment is to grow to 1,000 hectares of Abate in the Netherlands and Belgium. "We want to achieve this by planting at least 3 ha per grower, possibly in multiple planting years. So that whole cells can also be loaded when we are in production. There has already been frequent interest in the concept from the trade, both at home and abroad. Initially, AbateNL would like to cooperate with traders in the Netherlands and Belgium. This following the same philosophy that everyone should do what they are good at. AbateNL wants to be able to offer a large volume and thus generate a bit of extra price and relieve the fruit grower. Initially, AbateNL is not planning to play trader; we leave this too to the experts."
Trees must be ordered from AbateNL. "AbateNL is open to working with all tree growers at home and abroad, provided good agreements can be made with them. So tree growers are free to participate at AbateNL. The quantity of healthy Dutch scions is limited in the coming years. Registration will be based on time of application."
Interested parties may contact Jan van Os to visit Abate (by appointment). An information evening will be organised after the harvest
For more information:
Abate NL
Sint Hubert, the Netherlands
Mob Mark: +31-641428748
Mob Jan: +31 6 40552094
[email protected]
www.abatenl.com