The pear harvest in 2025 from members of the ANP reached 115,990 tonnes, a figure similar to 2024 and about half of the yield recorded in 2021, the ANP stated in a press release today.
“For the fourth consecutive year, production falls short of its potential due to unfavorable weather conditions, particularly precipitation and temperature during flowering, and a significant incidence of fire blight, resulting in unprecedented impacts on production and cleaning costs,” explained the Cadaval-based association.
The nearly 116,000 tonnes account for 89% of the national production, estimated at 129,000 tonnes.
Besides the production drop, 60% of the harvested fruit is of small size.
The pear harvest in 2024 was 114,759 tonnes, generating a revenue of 150 million euros, with 85 million euros from exports and the remainder from the domestic market.
The Rocha pear, cultivated over an area exceeding 11,000 hectares, with 70% of its production exported to 20 countries, has three main destinations: Europe (50%), Morocco (20%), and Brazil (20%).
Founded in 1993, the ANP represents about 89% of the Rocha pear producers and production in Portugal.
In 2003, Rocha Pear of the West was recognized by the European Commission as a Protected Designation of Origin product.
Production has been decreasing over the years, with that of 2023 (118,000 tonnes) being the second lowest since 2012, according to ANP data.
The cultivated area has also been reducing, from 11,325 hectares in 2020 to 10,825 in 2023. The main producing municipalities are Bombarral, Cadaval, Óbidos, Caldas da Rainha, Lourinha, Mafra, and Torres Vedras in the districts of Leiria and Lisbon.
Contributing factors to this decline include climate change and diseases like fire blight and stony pit virus, which can no longer be treated by plant protection products withdrawn by the European Union.
The sector and scientific research are working not only on cloning more resistant plants but also on disease control solutions.
