O.I. Pera president Gianni Amidei says the lower volumes should be easily absorbed by the market. 

Provisional estimates from Italy's predominant pear-growing region show production is likely to be down this year, but growers are choosing to focus on the positives of taking less weight off a European market still struggling with the impacts of the Russian ban. 

In a release, the country’s Centro Servizi Ortofrutticoli (CSO) highlighted the estimates stemming from an O.I. Pera Coordination Committee meeting in Ferrara on July 14.

In Emilia-Romagna, which accounts for 70% of Italian pear cultivation, provisional estimates stand at 448,000 metric tons (MT), representing a 13% fall year-on-year.

From a production standpoint, the leading variety Abate Fetel is in for a 14% reduction at 220,000MT, while other key varieties are set for less fruit including Williams (-11%) and Conference (-13%).

The expected drops are greater still for Santa Maria (-25%), Kaiser (-19%) and Decana (-17%).

"The new business year, given the estimates, is definitely positive," said O.I. Pera president Gianni Amidei.

"It is believed this production can be easily absorbed by the market, given the extent of product demand in recent years.

During the meeting, the majority of participants also highlighted a need to set strict sizing standards for Conference pears in order to safeguard quality.

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