In North America, pear exports from the Northwest U.S. have dropped significantly, with one of the smallest crops in nearly 40 years. As domestic supply tightens, imports from Argentina are starting earlier, though organic production is lower this season. In the Netherlands, pear prices remain strong despite a slightly smaller harvest. Sales are steady, and pricing between €0.75 and €1.30 per kilogram is helping growers manage rising costs.
Italy's 2024 pear harvest came closer to its potential, though still below past peaks. Sicilian Coscia pear cultivation has expanded significantly, while Abate pears are expected to remain available until late April. In France, a strong pear season saw production exceed expectations, reaching 134,000 tonnes, though increased competition from imports is impacting domestic supply. Demand remains steady, and prices continue to hold firm.
The Spanish pear campaign is ending earlier than usual due to low stocks. While demand has been slower than expected, last year's price surge has stabilized, and improved storage conditions ensure supply flexibility. South Africa's pear exports had a delayed start but are now recovering, with a 7% increase in key varieties like Forelle and Abate Fetel. Demand for blush pears is growing, particularly in the Middle East and the Far East.
China's pear exports remain strong, with 84,400 tons shipped from Cangzhou in 2024, primarily to the United States and Canada, generating a total value of $84 million. In Latin America, Southern Hemisphere pear production is expected to decline by 3.3%, led by a 10.9% drop in Argentina. However, Argentina's January exports hit a record 18,760 tons, despite ongoing quality issues and economic challenges.
The European pear market continues to be dominated by Italian Abate Fetel and Santa Maria, with Turkey, Belgium, and the Netherlands also contributing. Overseas imports, including South African Williams Christ, are gaining relevance, though prices remain lower than last year for many imported varieties.
North America: Early pear imports begin as domestic supply tightens
Pear exports from the Northwest U.S. have dropped significantly this season, and domestic supply is expected to run out earlier than usual. Strong pricing has characterized the market, driven by one of the smallest pear crops in nearly 40 years.
Regarding specific varieties, the Bartlett and Anjou harvests were both around 80% of the 2023-24 crop, while the Bosc harvest saw a drastic decline, with only 36% of the previous year's crop picked. Other varieties varied—Red D'Anjou maintained similar volumes to last year, while Comice production fell by 20-30%. Despite the lower yields, quality remains strong, with pears showing good sizing and finish.
With a tightening domestic supply, pear imports from Argentina are starting earlier than last year. However, Argentina's organic pear production is down this season, potentially affecting availability. Imported varieties include Bartlett, Bosc, D'Anjou, and Abates.
Demand for organic Bartlett pears is expected to be high, with pricing slightly above last year's levels. As imports ramp up, retailers and consumers will be watching closely to see how supply meets market needs in the coming months.
Netherlands: Strong pear prices amid high expectations
Pear prices in the Dutch market remain strong, with industry expectations running high. A fruit trader notes that while the season presents a slightly lower fruit volume, the overall mood is positive. However, he emphasizes that market developments must align as the season unfolds.
"Expectations are high this season since there is slightly less fruit available, so everything needs to fall into place," he explains. "The general outlook is optimistic, but we have to wait and see how it plays out. Last year, things took a different turn than we had anticipated. The hopes and expectations we have now are yet to be fully realized, but I remain optimistic."
Sales remain steady, and pear prices are currently at a favorable level. The entire range, including all sizes and quality grades, is priced between €0.75 and €1.30 per kilogram. While these prices are encouraging, they are necessary to offset rising production and operational costs.
"A lot of fruit is being sold, and prices are holding up well," the trader adds. "We certainly can't complain, but given the increasing costs, strong pricing is crucial for growers and traders alike."
Belgium: Prices at nice level but won't rise sharply again
There are no complaints about the Belgian pear season as yet. "It was not the best harvest, so there is a bit less fruit than other years, but that is not necessarily bad for the market", says a Belgian trader. "Prices are at a good level and if we can slowly get that up in the coming period, it would be nice. However, one should not expect to double the pallox price of around 90 cents on average. In the end, there are always people waiting for that, but we must be beware of the quality of pears in storage this season. Besides, overseas production is good, so big volumes will also come on the market from there. We won't see any significant price increases, I expect. Everyone should be satisfied with what we can get now and sell sensibly. Then the last few months will go smoothly."
Italy: Pear market holds strong as production expands
According to a leading industry figure in northern Italy, the 2024 Italian pear harvest came closer to its full potential, though it still falls short of the peak levels seen seven years ago. The market has focused on maintaining strong prices to better compensate producers. As a result, retailers have been carefully selected to ensure that pears reach customers who prioritize high quality and are willing to pay a premium.
As of week 8, Italian Williams pears are now out of stock, while Abate pears will remain available until the end of April. A gradual destocking strategy is being implemented to meet consumer demand while maintaining market stability.
Meanwhile, Sicilian Coscia pear production has expanded significantly in recent years, particularly in the Ribera (AG) region. The peak harvest period for this variety falls between July and August when the fruit reaches optimal color, size, and flavor. Cultivation of Coscia pears has surged from 50 hectares in 2010 to 400 hectares in the current season, driven by successful retail partnerships, innovative farming techniques, improved consumer engagement, and consistently high product quality.
Last season, producer prices for Coscia pears averaged €1 per kilogram, with fluctuations based on quality and the timing of sales. The strong market demand and strategic expansion efforts suggest a promising future for this variety in both domestic and international markets.
France: Strong pear season with higher production and steady demand
The French pear campaign began on a strong note, benefiting from solid supermarket commitment, dynamic sales, and favorable pricing. Initially projected at 119,000 tonnes in August, national production ultimately reached 134,000 tonnes, thanks to favorable weather conditions. The Guyot variety performed exceptionally well, with a 61% increase compared to 2023, while Williams, Conference, and newer varieties also saw gains.
As the season nears its end in the Auvergne Rhône-Alpes Basin (IGP pears), most remaining inventory consists of smaller sizes still available at the dispatch stage. Across the broader French market, European pears from Italy, Belgium, Portugal, and the Netherlands are now outpacing domestic supply, particularly in the wholesale sector.
Despite the increased competition from imported pears, demand for French pears remains steady, and prices continue to hold firm. The strong market performance and higher-than-expected production highlight the resilience and adaptability of the French pear industry this season.
Spain: Pear campaign ends early amid low stocks and price increases
The Spanish pear campaign is progressing more slowly than anticipated, with significantly lower stock levels compared to last year, leading to an earlier-than-usual end to the season. In Catalonia, one of Spain's primary pear-producing regions, in December 2024 stocks stood at 28,400 tonnes, a sharp decline from 48,900 tonnes in 2023.
While February typically sees an increase in pear consumption, demand has not been as strong as expected. "Sales are slow, but due to the lower stock levels in areas like Lérida, there is less concern this year compared to previous seasons. Despite the slower pace of consumption, inventory levels remain under control," explains a specialist in Conference Pears.
Both domestic and international demand remain subdued. "Last year was an anomaly in the pear market, driven by shortages in Italy, which led to unusually high demand and pricing," the specialist continues. "This year, Italian buyers are not as active, possibly because they are sourcing more fruit from Belgium and the Netherlands."
Last season's unexpected surge in demand temporarily inflated prices, but the market has since stabilized. Despite lower production this year, prices have returned to a sustainable level. Additionally, the 2024 harvest has been of stronger quality, allowing pears to be stored for longer periods without the urgency to sell, unlike last season when fruit was not in optimal long-term storage conditions.
Germany: Stable pear market dominated by European varieties amid shifting prices
The market continued to be dominated by Italian Abate Fetel and Santa Maria varieties. Turkey primarily supplied Santa Maria and Deveci pears, while the Netherlands contributed mainly Xenia and Conference varieties. Belgian and domestic Conference pears further complemented the assortment.
Demand remained relatively calm and was easily met. Meanwhile, imports from overseas gained relevance but have yet to achieve widespread popularity. South African Williams Christ pears are becoming increasingly available, with the Cheeky variety from the same origin expected soon.
Prices for Italian and South African pears are lower than last year. However, Belgian and Dutch Conference pears, as well as domestic and Dutch Xenia, are slightly more expensive than last year. Turkish Deveci pears have seen a significant price increase compared to the previous season.
South Africa: Pear exports start slowly but forecasts remain strong
South African pear exports had a delayed start to the 2025 season, beginning 7 to 14 days later than last year. However, this shift represents a return to the normal harvest schedule. The Williams Bon Chretien variety is nearing the end of its season, with volumes down 4% year-on-year. Despite this, an overall good crop is expected, with export estimates reaching 21.2 million 12.5kg cartons, marking a 7% increase in key varieties such as Forelle and Abate Fetel.
As of week 7, year-to-date shipments were 41% behind last year's pace, with 2.68 million cartons exported. The primary destinations have been the Middle East (32%), the European Union (28%), Russia (16%), and the Far East and Asia (10%).
Demand for South African blush pears is particularly strong in the Far East and Middle East, and the category is expected to see significant growth. Nearly all new pear orchards being planted in South Africa focus on blush varieties, reflecting their rising market appeal.
From an export perspective, South African pears hold a strategic advantage over apples, as they cannot be stored as long. This ensures a stable market position within major pear-producing regions such as Europe and the UK, where shorter storage times can help maintain demand for fresh shipments.
China: Cangzhou pear exports reach 84,400 tons in 2024
Cangzhou is one of China's major fresh pear production regions, home to 48 orchards with export permits. According to the latest customs data, in 2024, a total of 3,890 batches of fresh pears, weighing 84,400 tons, were exported to the United States, Canada, and other international markets. The total export value reached $84 million, highlighting the strong global demand for Cangzhou pears.
Argentina: Southern hemisphere pear production declines as Argentina faces challenges
According to the World Apple and Pear Association (WAPA), pear production in the Southern Hemisphere is expected to decline in the 2025 season, with an estimated total of 1,446,970 tons, representing a 3.3% decrease compared to the previous year. This reduction translates to approximately 47,000 fewer tons available on the market.
Argentina, the region's largest pear producer, is projected to harvest 616,000 tons, marking a 10.9% decline from the previous season. In contrast, South Africa, Chile, and Australia anticipate increases of 2.9%, 3%, and 4.2%, respectively, in their pear production. Despite Argentina's lower output, the country recorded a historic high in pear exports in January 2025, shipping 18,760 tons abroad, an 83% increase year-over-year and a 55% rise compared to the five-season average (2020-2024). This export surge is partly attributed to higher carryover stocks from the previous season.
However, Argentina continues to struggle with quality issues and market limitations, leading to the discarding of thousands of tons of pears. This comes at a time when the country is facing poverty levels nearing 50%, making the losses in agricultural production even more concerning.
Regarding varieties, Packham's Triumph remains the most produced pear in the Southern Hemisphere, with an estimated 601,322 tons, though this reflects a 2.7% decrease from last year. It is followed by Williams' Bon Chrétien at 288,729 tons. Overall, regional pear exports are expected to decline by 4.4%, reaching 689,155 tons in 2025. While the sector faces significant challenges, Argentina's strong January export performance provides a glimmer of hope for its producers amidst a difficult season.
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