PDO Rincón de Soto Pears: 20 years of passion for quality and flavour
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Institutions, authorities and more than 150 guests celebrated 20 years of PDO Rincón de Soto Pears at Fruit Attraction.
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The Minister of Agriculture of La Rioja, Eva Hita, considers the PDO a source of pride for her administration.
Under the slogan “20 years of pears”, the Rincón de Soto Pears Protected Designation of Origin Regulatory Council celebrated its 20 years of commitment to its farmers, consumers and the environment, paying homage at the Fruit Attraction fair.
Speaking to the over 150 guests, the president of the Rincón de Soto Pears PDO, Eduardo Pérez Malo, praised:
“the work of the farmers who have cared for their fruit to offer customers the best product with maximum flavour and quality.” He also heralded “the effort of all the people and entities from the different phases of the production, quality, marketing and promotion process who have contributed to consolidating this successful journey at a national level.”
During his speech, Malo recalled the PDO’s beginnings in 2000, when a group of visionary farmers got together to obtain this certification that would arrive two years later, with Julián Gurria Ruiz as president. “This seal of quality has helped us improve and to achieve and maintain high standards,” said the president of the PDO, emphasising the enormous social value of this product. “The Denomination gives us stability in the development of an agricultural activity with great relevance for our towns by generating employment and protecting the population, as well as providing future opportunities for our young people,” Malo said.
In these twenty years, the Rincón de Soto pear has become a benchmark in the national fruit sector. Its commitment to quality has guided its development. Through innovation, constant training and scrupulous work to ensure environmental sustainability, this fruit enjoys a good position as a healthy food for its consumers and for the planet.
“Our agriculture takes care of the natural environment with respectful practices. It is a constant effort with the support of producers, workers, cooperatives and distribution companies,” said the president.
The celebration of this 20th anniversary was led by Mar Villalobos, a journalist from the TVE programme “Aquí la Tierra”, who took attendees on an emotional journey through the history of this PDO, marked by tenacity and effort.
The Minister of Agriculture, Livestock, Rural World, Territory and Population of La Rioja, Eva Hita Lorite, said:
“We have always had fluid communication to ensure the PDO is successful. Rincón de Soto Pears is a source of pride for our administration.” She also recognised the commitment of its producers: “Farmers are the key and the most important thing for the agri-food sector to work and continue to supply our pantries.”
Deputy Director General of Food Quality Control and Laboratories of the Ministry of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food, Francisco Javier Maté, emphasised the differentiation provided by this quality seal.
“Appellations of origin are the only delocalised sector of the economy. The Rincón del Soto Pear is only produced within this geographical area. This certification means authenticity,” said Maté.
A multitude of professionals, authorities and entities gathered at this celebration. Among them, the mayor of Rincón de Soto, Carlos Paúl Lapedriza, and Concepción Gamarra, mayor of Logroño from 2011 to 2019 and current general secretary of the Popular Party. All of them congratulated the committed work of this Protected Designation of Origin.
PASSION FOR TASTE AND QUALITY
During this tribute, the professionalism of the 280 farmers, responsible for cultivating this “sign of identity” of Riojan agriculture, was recognised in a very special way. Their family farms extend over an area of 1,263 hectares in 28 municipalities of Rioja Alta, Rioja Media and Rioja Baja. With a production that ranges between 20 to 25 million kilos, they have the support of 20 marketing centres to guarantee sales in Spain, mainly the Basque Country, Catalonia and Madrid, supplying all types of stores and supermarkets.
