It cannot be disputed that this year's Conference pears are of much better quality than last year. However, Christoph Van Haelst of Van Haelst Fruit in Belgium, notes that these pears have already deteriorated considerably. "The pears' quality is significantly better than last year. But, unfortunately, we already see a lot of wear. You can see this in their tough necks and stems. Despite this, demand is high. However, due to rising prices, supermarket promotions are on the decline."

“People say there will be a lot fewer pears in Belgium and the Netherlands this year. But I have my doubts about that. I think we have sufficient amounts of pears in cold storage. Supplies are currently calm. That is because people expect prices to sky-rocket. Since there is enough stock, that is, however, probably not going to happen," says Christoph.

"There are fewer pears in Europe, but Conference pears are not, by any means, Abate Fetels. And, supermarkets are simply willing to pay more for an Abate than for a Conference. Conference pears are, after all, a bulk product. We made sure of that ourselves. That is just the way it is."

The whole of Europe, but mainly Eastern Europe, is currently demanding pears. "The is demand for both Class 1 and Class 2 product. That is good for prices. We expect this demand to continue in the coming weeks. But, we will have to wait and see what happens in February and March. We can, sadly, not see that far ahead," concludes Van Haelst.

For more information:
Christoph Van Haelst
Van Haelst Fruit
85 Kieldrechtsebaan
BE-9130 Verrebroek, BE
Tel: +32 (0) 333 616 47
Mob: +32 (0) 477 777 736
Email: info@vanhaelstfruit.be
Website: www.vanhaelstfruit.be