The first shipment of Abate Fetel pears from Italy to the US arrived in New Orleans last week, just in time for the annual trade show PMA Fresh Summit.
Coinciding with a renewed promotional push on behalf of the Italian fresh produce business by marketing organisation Centro Servizi Ortofrutticoli, which held a special event to attract buyers and importers attending the show.
Visitors to the European Flavors stand, part of an international promotional project financed by the EU, Italy and CSO members, were able to try samples of the Abate Fetel variety alongside other unique Italian foods such as Parmesan cheese and balsamic vinegar from Modena.
'The tasting was livened up by a jazz quartet, which attracted lots of trade show visitors curious to see this pear variety which had just arrived in the US, where it is completely new,' said a spokesperson for CSO.
Among the Italian companies taking part in the promotion were exporters Alegra, Apofruit, Granfrutta Zani, Made in Blu and Salvi, as well as packaging and technology firms Infia, TR Turoni and Unitec.
