Pears

Chilean pear exports have risen by 18.5 per cent to 88,732 tonnes so far during the 2011 season, according to data from the Chilean Fresh Fruit Exporters Association (Asoex) and reported by SimFRUIT.

Europe remains the leading export market for Chilean pears, receiving 46,814 tonnes to date, or 10.7 per cent more than the year-earlier period.

The second-largest destination is Latin America with 25,258 tonnes (up 33.6 per cent on 2010).

The US East Coast ranks third, so far receiving 6,780 tonnes of Chilean pears, or an increase of 32.5 per cent against last year.

The most exported varieties are Packham Triumph, Abate Fetel and Coscia, Asoex said.