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Long Shelf Life
Long Shelf Life
Read MoreWhere do the Conference pears come from?
The Conference pear is the undisputed number one among European pear varieties. It is the most cultivated pear in Belgium and the Netherlands. Thanks to the climate, soil, and care of our growers, it becomes a product of outstanding quality.
The pear was discovered in 1844 as a chance seedling of the variety Léon Leclerc de Laval and was named “Conference” at the British National Pear Conference in 1895. Thanks to its good taste and excellent storability, the Conference pear quickly became popular across Europe. The variety is highly valued for its sweet flavor and firm texture.
What makes the Conference pear special?
The Conference pear is a pear for every taste, as it can be enjoyed both firm and soft. Do you like crunchy pears? Then eat your pear before it is fully ripe — you can recognize this by the green color of the fruit. Do you prefer soft, sweet pears? Then wait until the pear is fully ripe and the flesh melts on your tongue. When the skin has a slightly yellowish hue, the fruit is perfect for those who enjoy soft and sweet pears.
How long do Conference pears last?
Their shelf life depends on how they are stored. In a fruit bowl at room temperature, they ripen quickly. Refrigeration significantly extends their freshness and preserves nutritional value.
How should Conference pears be stored?
Unripe pears: keep in a cool, dry place at room temperature, away from direct sunlight. Check ripeness regularly by applying gentle pressure.
Ripe pears: store in the refrigerator, in the vegetable drawer or a plastic bag to prevent drying. General tip: avoid placing pears near strong-smelling fruits, as they absorb odors easily.
Why are Conference pears packaged?
Though selling loose pears may seem more sustainable, it often isn’t: without packaging, food waste increases, causing a greater environmental impact. Packaging protects the product, extends shelf life, and reduces waste. Recycled, renewable, and natural materials are used, and the fruit sector constantly seeks greener solutions like compostable bags and stickers.
Are Conference pears suitable for children?
It’s best for children to learn healthy eating habits early. The mild taste of the Conference pear makes it ideal for introducing kids to fruit.
Are Conference pears healthy?
A medium-sized Conference pear without the core provides about 160 grams of edible pulp; even peeled, it’s 135 grams—enough to meet half the daily recommended fruit intake. An unpeeled Conference pear supplies over 10% of the recommended daily fiber intake.
About the campaign, “PERA CONFERENCE – Una scelta davvero buona.” (“A very good choice”)
The most widely grown pear variety in Europe is the Conference pear. 53% of all pears grown in Europe are Conference pears, and this proportion is growing steadily – in 2002 it was only 25%.
With this advertising campaign, VLAM is promoting this typically European Conference pear to Italian professionals and consumers.
The campaign ‘PERA CONFERENCE – Una scelta davvero buona’ (‘A very good choice’), co-financed with the support of the European Commission, will run until the end of 2027.
The aim
The Conference pear is known for its exceptional versatility and consumer appeal. Its unique texture allows it to be enjoyed both crisp and firm or soft and juicy, depending on ripeness – making it suitable for a wide range of consumer preferences.
It has become the undisputed market leader in Europe and more specific in Belgium and the Netherlands. Thanks to modern growing techniques, the fruit now offers enhanced flavor, sweetness, and consistency. Its long shelf life and excellent transportability make it ideal for both local and international distribution. Its subtle aroma and naturally sweet taste make it especially attractive for families and children.
For any fruit buyer looking to expand their assortment with a reliable, high-quality product, the Conference pear is a must-have. With this campaign, we want to convince professionals in Italy of the benefits of the European Conference pear and to familiarise consumers with this special pear.
VLAM, Flanders’ Agricultural Marketing Board, is a non-profit organisation promoting the sale, the added value, the consumption and the image of products and services of the Flemish agriculture, horticulture, fishery and agro-alimentary sector in Belgium and abroad. It is commissioned by the business community and by the Flemish government and cooperates actively with as many links in the food chain as possible.
On Freshfromflanders.com, VLAM, Flanders’ Agricultural Marketing Board, wants to put Flemish suppliers of fresh produce in touch with foreign importers. To this end we above all use a product-oriented approach, using a whole range of specialised product websites that fall under the umbrella of freshfromflanders.com.
Funded by the European Union. However, the views expressed belong to the author(s) alone and do not necessarily reflect the views of the European Union or the European Research Executive Agency (REA). Neither the European Union nor the granting administration can be held responsible for them.
