Saturation of EU pear market leads to record low prices

The oversupply of pears in the European markets is putting the sector under severe stress. As of March 1st  2019, total EU stocks were at record levels (447,000 tons), up from 384,000 tons on the same date last year. The Netherlands and Belgium both recorded record levels of stocks, while Europe’s other leading pear producer, Italy, registered slightly lower stocks from last year’s levels. Conference account for over 75% of these stocks, with Abate the next most common variety. The price for Dutch Conference pears is dramatically lower than the figures for previous years. The average producer price this season for 55-65 mm fruit stands at €35/100kg, compared with €60/100kg last year and €70/100kg the year before.