HBMA-owned variety was first planted in Australia in 2020
The first crop of Norwegian-bred variety, QTee pears, was harvested in Australia in January this year – slightly earlier than expected due to ideal growing conditions in Victoria and South Australia.
The QTee pear variety is a medium-sized fruit with an intense red blush and green background, characterised by delicate, juicy flesh and sweet flavour.
This new aromatic pear variety is the result of a natural crossing between the Williams and Broket July varieties. It was initially planted in Belgium in 2015 and was first planted in Australia in 2020 in the Goulburn Valley and Cobram in Victoria and the Adelaide Hills in South Australia. The variety has also been planted in Slovakia, Norway, Switzerland, South Africa, Spain, Italy, Austria and France.
Horticulture Brand Management Australia (HBMA) owns the exclusive Australian license for QTee pears.
“HBMA’s European co-ordinator, Roger Van Engelgem worked closely with ABCz and Fruithandel Wouters to develop an extensive Grower Manual,” explained HBMA general manager Eliza King. “By applying valuable learnings from Europe and South Africa to Australian conditions, and through regular visits to Australian growers to demonstrate pruning techniques and best-in-class growing practices we’ve equipped growers with the tools they need to produce exceptional fruit and ensure profitable yields.”
QTee pears can be eaten either hard and crunchy or juicy and soft and according to King are ideal for snacking, cooking, baking, and preserving.
“The biggest barrier to purchase for consumers is not knowing how to ripen a pear,” she said. “So, the fact that QTee pears can be eaten crunchy or soft is brilliant.”
Given this is the first Australian crop, quantities are limited this season, but HBMA expects volumes to more than double next season.
