Article updated, 20 April
Pear exporters across the globe are targeting a growing demand for the fruit in India. According to customs figures published by the Indian government, India’s pear imports almost doubled between 2008/09 and 2012/13, reaching 19,391 tonnes.
Total volumes dropped to 14,572 tonnes in 2013/14 but key exporting countries look set to regain momentum in 2014/15, with shipments between April 2014 and January 2015 reaching 13,706 tonnes.
China remains the leading supplier of pears to the Indian market, supplying Asian varieties and accounting for more than 50 per cent of volumes. China’s shipments reached 12,802 tonnes in 2012/13, before dipping to 9,253 tonnes in 2013/14. Exports in the April-January 2011/15 period stood at just over 8,000 tonnes.
When it comes to Western pear varieties, South Africa has been increasing its presence, with volumes rising by 160 per cent from 1,434 tonnes to 3,738 tonnes between 2008/09 and 2012/13. Last year’s shipments fell slightly to 2,799 but they rebounded to 3,324 tonnes between April 2014 and January 2015.
The US has also enjoyed a steady increase in shipments over the past five years, sending 2,518 tonnes in 2013/14. Exports for the April to January 2014/15 period reached 1,878 tonnes.
US-based grower-exporter Stemilt Growers is aiming to ramp up its shipments to the Indian market to complement the apple sales programmes it runs in the Asian nation.
“Along with a record production of apples, we have 13 different varieties of pears grown in the US,” Bill Young, global sales director at Stemilt toldBusinessLine. “Though all the 13 varieties are sold in the global market, Anjou pears (from the US) are particularly liked by Indian consumers.”
