Thanks to ideal growing conditions, growers across Australia have harvested the QTee® pears a little earlier than expected.
This new aromatic, red-blushed pear originates from Norway, it is a medium-sized fruit with an
intense red blush and green background, offering a sweet, aromatic flavor. QTee pears can
be enjoyed either hard and crunchy or juicy and soft. QTee pears are the result of a natural crossing between the Williams and Broket July varieties and were first planted in Australia in 2020.
QTee was initially planted in Belgium in 2015 and has since been planted in Slovakia, Norway, Switzerland, South Africa, Spain, Italy, Austria, and France. In Australia, QTee pears are grown in the ideal pear-growing regions of Goulburn Valley, Cobram (VIC), and Adelaide Hills (SA).
HBMA co-ordinator Roger Van Engelgem with QTee® pear growers Hardev Bhatti and Philip Damianopoulos
"HBMA has the exclusive Australian license from ABCz and Fruithandel Wouters," said Miss King HBMA's General Manager. "HBMA's European Co-ordinator, Roger Van Engelgem worked closely with ABCz and Fruithandel Wouters to develop an extensive Grower Manual. By applying valuable learnings from Europe and South Africa to Australian conditions, and through regular visits to Australian growers to demonstrate pruning techniques and best-in-class growing practices we've equipped growers with the tools they need to produce exceptional fruit and ensure profitable yields."
"The biggest barrier to purchase for consumers is not knowing how to ripen a pear, so the fact
that QTee pears can be eaten crunchy or soft is brilliant," added Miss King.
Next year, consumers can look forward to more than double the volume of QTee pears as our trees continue to mature. However, with this being our first crop, quantities are limited.
For more information:
Elisa King
Horticulture Brand Management Australia Pty Ltd
Tel: + (61) 0403 378888
elisa@hortbma.com.au
www.hortbma.com.au