The European pear market is returning to an average harvest based on early harvest forecasts after a tight year in 2024. At the Interpera pear conference in Hasselt, challenges for growers appear extraordinary, including declining consumption and diseases and pests from the South. The Netherlands will give its pear harvest forecast only at the end of July. It cannot yet be expressed as a percentage. However, the Netherlands seems to be anticipating a normal harvest, possibly a slight increase compared to the 323,000-ton harvest in 2024. Wilco van den Berg, an analyst at GroentenFruit Huis, points to good pollination and the absence of hail. Belgium: 25% more pears Belgium dares to mention a figure for its harvest forecast. Pear production growth is 25% after a production decline last year. This means Belgium has not yet fully utilized its potential but is at 75% to 85% of the normal harvest, according to Laurent De Smedt, head of the fruit division at BelOrta. Belgium anticipates ...