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Interpera 2008 to improve pear's appeal
Spain
Thursday 29 May 2008
Investing in variety innovation or in the promotion of traditional and consolidated cultivars? This is the main dilemma currently concerning the European pear sector, that was discussed during the recent First world congress Interpera, held on 22-23 in Lleida, Catalonia, a region that alone accounts for 60% of the Spanish supply and 14% of the all European.
The event, organized by the Catalan inter-professional organization Catalonia Qualitat in collaboration with AREFLH (the Assembly of Horticultural European Regions), gathered global pear experts such as both variety researchers and market analysts.
Interpera 2008 allowed for the first time to focus on a fruit sector that so far has been undervalued and disregarded - also in terms of dedicated events - with the result that pear consumption is decreasing in Europe and the industry is experiencing an urgent situation.
“We need to increase this product’s appeal for consumers and also, in terms of market approach, create a unified strategy, that is a common organizational pattern”, declared Luciano Trentini, AREFLH vice-president. “Promoting recognizable joint brands for instance could be a key, or pushing Protected Geographical Indications labels". Manel Simon, head of Catalonia Qualitat, agreed with Mr. Trentini and emphasized that “it is necessary to invest in communication, to inform consumers about the benefits of pears. It is fundamental for the fruits to be appealing and to be associated with definite features”, Mr. Simon concluded.
A clear point emerged at Interpera 2008 is that the pear sector comprises the smallest number of varieties compared to other fruit and the most consolidated ones, dating back to centuries ago. However, Trentini pointed out: "I am not sure that launching new varieties could help improving consumptions: it would be better to introduce new varieties on markets only after these are fully tested, so to not create confusion and distrust among consumers”, AREFLH vice-president explained.
The event, organized by the Catalan inter-professional organization Catalonia Qualitat in collaboration with AREFLH (the Assembly of Horticultural European Regions), gathered global pear experts such as both variety researchers and market analysts.
Interpera 2008 allowed for the first time to focus on a fruit sector that so far has been undervalued and disregarded - also in terms of dedicated events - with the result that pear consumption is decreasing in Europe and the industry is experiencing an urgent situation.
“We need to increase this product’s appeal for consumers and also, in terms of market approach, create a unified strategy, that is a common organizational pattern”, declared Luciano Trentini, AREFLH vice-president. “Promoting recognizable joint brands for instance could be a key, or pushing Protected Geographical Indications labels". Manel Simon, head of Catalonia Qualitat, agreed with Mr. Trentini and emphasized that “it is necessary to invest in communication, to inform consumers about the benefits of pears. It is fundamental for the fruits to be appealing and to be associated with definite features”, Mr. Simon concluded.
A clear point emerged at Interpera 2008 is that the pear sector comprises the smallest number of varieties compared to other fruit and the most consolidated ones, dating back to centuries ago. However, Trentini pointed out: "I am not sure that launching new varieties could help improving consumptions: it would be better to introduce new varieties on markets only after these are fully tested, so to not create confusion and distrust among consumers”, AREFLH vice-president explained.
