In W27 in the pear landscape, as of June 1, 2023, the World Pear Association (WAPA) reported a 25.4% YoY decrease in pear stocks in Europe, reaching 54,370 mt. This is due to a 3.7% decrease in Conference varieties and a 41.1% decrease in Alexandrina varieties. In the US, pear stocks decreased by 5.9% YoY to 17,541 mt. Furthermore, European pear production is estimated to reach 1.9 million mt for the 2023/24 season, the second-lowest level recorded in the past decade. Regarding the US pear varieties, Anjou has fallen by 4.5%, Bosc by 38.6% and Red Anjou by 15.6%.
Italian pears have gained market access to China, marking a significant milestone in the country's pear production. The Italian Ministry of Agriculture signed a protocol on June 26, with the first batch expected to reach China by the end of 2023. This development offers an opportunity to revitalize the Italian pear industry, which has faced challenges like pests, brown spot disease outbreaks, and extreme weather events in recent years. The latest Interpera forecast projected Spain's pear production to rise by 53%. However, the full effects of drought on fruit size in certain areas remain uncertain. Lastly, France is experiencing a notable 26% decline in production, with the southern regions being the most severely affected.
