South Africa’s pear volumes are expected to be much in line with last year, 17.14 million 12.5kg equivalent cartons of pears, although Hortgro has advised that russetting has reduced early BC packouts.
Recent hail in the Langkloof has reportedly caused damage of varying degrees to over a thousand hectares, particularly in the Misgund area.
In the Warm Bokkeveld area near Ceres, the pear harvest is well on its way.
“I was in a Packham orchard this morning and the quality is looking very good, I see less russetting. The pears are very smooth and while volumes are similar to last year, I expect the packouts will be much better than last year,” says Gert Marais, apple and pear category manager at Delecta Fruit.
Delecta is currently packing and loading locally bred bi-coloured pear variety Rosemarie as well as BC’s (Williams Bon Chretien). The early BC harvest has ended and that of the common Williams Bon Chretien has started and their second bi-coloured variety Flamingo starts next week with Cheeky pears.
Only Italy has Wiiliams Bon Chretien stock left
The first containers of Delecta’s early BCs (right) are arriving in Europe this week, destined for Italy and France as well as for the UK.
"Williams Bon Chretien pears from France are finished and only Italy has W.BC stock which might last until mid-February. This time of year there are still plenty of European Conference pears available in the EU. The price of small sized Conference is low."
Some European retailers will first work out the last of the Conference pears before switching over to Southern Hemisphere supply at a higher price point, Gert explains, while others that only take large fruit will move over to South African pears earlier.
He notes that the 15% reported growth in retail apple and pear sales in 2020 has not led to a concomitant rise in pear orders so far.
Introducing Abate Fetel a nice challenge to local retailers
The Packham harvest starts next week and the week after it’s time for the Abate Fetel crop which is exported mostly to Germany and Italy.
“Abate Fetel is a superb eating pear which hasn’t yet been discovered by South African consumers,” Gert says. "Introducing the Abate Fetel as the best eating pear to South African consumers would be a nice challenge to the South African retailers!"
“Many consumers in South Africa don’t know how to ripen pears before eating. Apples are more convenient, you pick it up and eat it. Pears are more complex as they require a short storage in the fridge for 5 days and then to be left in the fruit bowl to ripen till soft juicy and sweet.”
For more information:
Gert Marais
Delecta Fruit
Tel: 21 860 3999
Email: [email protected]
https://www.delecta.co.za/