In W33 in the pear landscape, the global pear market is experiencing interesting trends in 2023, influenced by shifting priorities and reduced harvests in certain countries. South Africa's pear exports are up to 20% year-over-year (YoY) lower due to increased European tariffs and weaker currency. The Western Cape pear orchards are thriving, but the current pear crop is estimated to be almost a fifth lower than in 2022. On the other hand, in the Netherlands, pear growers are cautiously optimistic due to the projected decrease in the European pear harvest. The 2022/23 season's outlook is uncertain, but prices are projected to begin at higher levels compared to 2022. Meanwhile, Belgium is anticipating a favorable market situation driven by a lower expected harvest in Italy.
The Italian pear industry faces challenges due to a 50% drop in summer crops and an 80% drop in fall harvest due to weather conditions like frost, hail, and flooding. The Prognosfruit data shows a shortage of 187 thousand tons, a 63% decline compared to 2022 and a 7% drop compared to 2021, resulting in a lower share of fresh products. Emilia Romagna's pear production is projected at 105 thousand tons, 60% lower than the previous year, due to a decrease in cultivation area. Meanwhile, the European market has a high demand for Spanish pears due to the decline in Italian production. The pear production in Spain has increased by 25% YoY, with a volume of 296 thousand tons. However, European pear production is expected to be the second lowest ever due to climatic issues causing shortages for some varieties.
In Brazil, the Conference Pears Guarantee Mark and El Bierzo Growers Association are planning a pear harvest in the northern Spanish region of El Bierzo, starting ten days earlier than last season. The estimated pear production is between 11 and 12 million kilograms (kg), which is 20% less than a normal season. The harvest is expected to begin between August 24 and 27, with the Conference pears expected to be of the best quality in the past four or five seasons. The mild winter and temperature range in El Bierzo contributed to early flowering and fruit ripening, while the mild summer improved tree appearance, resulting in larger fruit sizes than in previous seasons. Moreover, the Argentinian Williams pear variety recently completed their arrivals for W32 in the Brazilian market. Pear prices ranged from USD 20 to 22/18 kg box. Meanwhile, the season for Packhams pears from Argentina commenced with initial prices from USD 15 to 17/18kg box, Free Carier (FCA)-Argentina.
In Jul-23, the pear harvest season started in China's Hebei province, one of the country's major pear-growing regions. Despite the challenges, such as floods and temperature fluctuations in Aug-23, the quality of the harvested pears remained unaffected. However, due to pollination issues, the upcoming size of pears is expected to be around 10% smaller. Lastly, early-ripening pears from South Korea have been exported to the United States (US) for the first time in 2023, marking the official start of pear exports from South Korea to the US. The Ministry of Agriculture, Food and Rural Affairs (MAFRA) organized a shipping ceremony for these pears from the Cheonan Pear Horticultural Cooperative Agricultural Products Distribution Center. In 2022, South Korea's pear exports to the US reached USD 36 million, accounting for 48.3% of the total USD 74.4 million. The MAFRA implements quality control technology and improvement projects to expand fresh pears exports.