Ed Bedington
An explosion in the demand for pears is being anticipated with a substantial increase in Dutch production over the next five years.
The Netherlands' leading fresh produce specialist The Greenery forecasts an increase in the production of Conference pears by about 75%.
A spokesman for the organisation said: "Our information on the UK market indicates demand will increase steadily, so we are working with our growers to ensure they can satisfy the anticipated upsurge."
The pears have just come into season in the UK and The Greenery is reporting fruit quality at an all-time high after mild weather during the growing season. "The pears are much sweeter than in previous years and we have more fruit than usual above 65mm," added the spokesman.
The Greenery has initiated a promotional campaign to ensure growers are planting additional trees.
"Conference pears are a key product for us," said the spokesman. "We have indentified the growing trend for this variety as an outstanding opportunity for our customers and our growers."
As well as Conference, other varieties are also showing strong signs of a successful season ahead. Doyenne du Comice is developing a growing interest in the UK market and this season's quality is reported to be good.
The Greenery is set to launch two new apple varieties into the UK at the start of the Dutch season.
Tentation and Roblos apples will be available in the UK from mid-October. Tentation is a golden yellow apple which the group claims boasts a long shelf life while the dark red Roblos is said to have a firm bite and equally long shelf life.

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