The domestic pear yield is at a ten-year low: The harvest volume continued to decrease this year

By: Trademagazin Date: 2024. 09. 13. 08:06

The worst pear yield of the past decade can be observed in Hungary in 2024, reports Portfolio, based on the latest data from the National Chamber of Agriculture and the Hungarian Fruit and Vegetable Association. In recent years, the unfavorable weather, as well as the aging and deterioration of the plantations, have significantly reduced the production volume of pears and the size of the production areas.

Declining crop areas and yields

The domestic pear plantations are currently located on 1,886 hectares, but the amount produced in this area has not covered domestic consumption for years. Producers also experienced poor returns last year, but the year 2024 brought even worse results than last year. Although spring frost damage avoided most plantations, the summer heat and drought seriously affected the trees.

The largest production areas are located in Szabolcs-Szatmár-Bereg County (514 hectares) and Borsod-Abaúj-Zemplén County (410 hectares), but the national production potential has deteriorated significantly, which is primarily due to the aging of the plantations and the lack of proper care.

Hectic production volume and decreasing consumption

The yield of domestic pears ranges from 15 to 30 thousand tons, of which 20 to 40 percent goes to the processing industry. However, the amount of pears on the market varies, so consumers also encounter the product hectically. Although pears were still a popular alternative to apples ten years ago, consumer habits have changed significantly since then. Because of the high prices, customers now buy pears less often and prefer to buy only a small amount each week.