After two tough harvest years, 
this year's Italian pear season is also rather disappointing. "While volumes are okay, we are missing the popular 65-70 and 70-75 calibers this year, and the larger 75+ calibers are almost unavailable. The smaller fruits (<70) now represent about 80 percent of the total pear crop. In short, we are now witnessing a third disappointing pear year in a row," says Alex Weitgruber (r), pear exporter and managing director of Vetter Italia Ltd, based in Lana (South Tyrol).
According to Weitgruber, the high proportion of below-average calibers was mainly due to the long and hot summer. "Until a few weeks ago, we still had daytime temperatures of up to 30 degrees in certain growing regions. No pear grows well in such conditions, neither the Abate Fetel main variety nor the smaller pear varieties." Complicating matters, he said, is the increase in inflation and the resulting consumer reluctance to buy. "Sales are noticeably slowing. Discounts are only marginally possible because the discrepancy between the greatly increased production costs and the low selling prices would otherwise be too great. Price levels are already very low due to the smaller calibers, which is why producers can hardly cover their costs."
Investments are being curbed
According to Weitgruber, the difficult starting position of Italian pear producers is having a corresponding effect on producer sentiment and investments. Weitgruber: "Producers are largely demotivated and investments are being suspended for the time being. Plants are being planted, but no longer to the extent that would be necessary. If there continue to be crises and volume slumps in the coming years, this will also have an impact on the area under cultivation in the near future. Because slowly but surely, the pear sector is running out of steam." Weitgruber also points to the disastrous previous year with volume losses of up to 60 percent.
Pears of 60-65 calibers will in all likelihood be available until late February-early March.
Abate Fetel: flagship of the Italian pear sector
Weitgruber fears that climate change will continue to affect pear production not only in Italy, but also in other European countries. From a longer-term perspective, this would also jeopardize the European pear supply. "Italy is still the market leader in pears, with the Abate Fetel as its flagship. Everything stands and falls with the Italian Abate Fetel yield."
Export of partial lots and mixed pallets
Vetter Italia supplies export markets throughout Europe, especially Germany and Central Europe, with fruits and vegetables grown in Italy. "Circumstances have led to an overall drop in volumes in Germany of 10-15 percent compared to the previous year."
Nevertheless, the dedicated exporter is sticking to its current strategy. "We continue to focus on exporting partial lots and mixed pallets, with which we have built a good reputation. Despite all the challenges, we remain confident: security of supply is assured for the time being and there will always be demand for fruit and vegetables."
Images: Vetter Italia Ltd.
For more information:
Alex Weitgruber
Vetter Italia GmbH
Feldgatterweg 2
I-39011 Lana / Bolzano
Tel.: + 39 335 5291492
Fax: + 39-0471-060699
Email: alex.weitgruber@vetter.it
www.vetter.it