The forecasts seem to have fallen below expectations now that Conference pears and Reineta apples are starting to reach stores and cooperatives. The key reason for this low production is the rainy weather that was recorded in May, which took a big toll on the flowering.
Thus, the Reineta apple harvest with the seal of quality will decrease by more than 25%, down to 1.6 million kilos. While that of Conference pears under the Regulatory Council will fall by more than 18%, remaining below the 9 million kilos mark.
The technical director of both quality labels, Pablo Linares, noted that the quality of the fruit harvested is still high, but "the loss of production will take a toll on the market." After five years with volume increases and therefore market expansion, he assumes that "this year the goal will be to maintain the market share and try meeting the needs of all the customers."
This fall in production does not necessarily have to translate, however, into an increase of the prices at origin or in retail. "We live in a globalised market. If the harvest in other areas of Spain is the same, prices will be the same."
Currently, the Bierzo has 320 hectares devoted to the production of Conference pears under the Regulatory Council belonging to 149 fruit growers. In the case of Reineta apples, there are 98 hectares grown on by 85 producers.
