India has become the fourth most popular import destination for South African pears, import and export company IG International has revealed.
Topping the list of demand for local pears is Russia, the Netherlands and the United Arab Emirates – in that order.
According to IG, despite the slowdown of exports in weeks 40-50 over the past season, packers of South African Forelle variety pears generated large returns in Indian markets.
With the growing popularity and higher demand, IG said that India had the potential to become the most important destination for South African Forelle pears, giving South African exporters an opportunity to obtain high returns.
Focusing on the significance of the Forelle pear variety, IG International said that it could see up to one million cartons shipped in upcoming seasons.
The main cultivars planted in South Africa are Packham’s Triumph, Forelle, Bon Chretien and Abate Fetel.
Forelle pears in South Africa are harvested from late February to late March. – Zoë van Rooyen
