Sept. 26 – Emilia-Romagna cultivates 65% of Italy’s pears, with export levels in 2012-2013 amounting to 142,443 tonnes, for a value of nearly €168 million. These are important numbers that now give the product a new opportunity for growth, thanks to an agreement for the promotion on the American markets of Emilia-Romagna’s Abate pears and other foods, in the aftermath of the historic opening of U.S. borders to Italian pears and apples. The agreement was signed by the Regional Councillor for Agriculture, Tiberio Rabboni, and the Delaware Secretary of State for Agriculture Edwin Kee. They met during Macfrut, an event dedicated to fruit and vegetable operators currently being held in Cesena. “The opening of the U.S. market represents an exciting new opportunity for our fruit – explains Rabboni – but also a challenging bet to make it recognizable to overseas consumers in time and ensure quality supplies. Abate Fetel pears from Emilia -Romagna are an excellent but new product to the U.S. market and as such they have great potential. But as with all new products, there will have to be a communications campaign, agreements with local distribution services and assurance of quality standards over time. This is the objective of the agreement with the State of Delaware for the export of pears, wine, vinegars, cheeses and meats, which is the result of a confrontation that began in January during Harris McDowell’s, Federal Senator, visit to Bologna.” In Cesena, Rabboni also participated in the first meeting on pears exports to the U.S., organized by the CSO (Ferrara Service Center for fruit and vegetables), and which saw the participation of accredited operators in the U.S. and some representatives of the State of Delaware, including John Pastor, director of the International Trade and Development Office. The meeting was also attended by Chris Kenny, member of the board of directors for the Shoprite supermarket chain.
