It has taken years of development to get the deep-red Red Modoc® and Red Angel® pears to the next phase. These varieties came to the attention of a major retail chain, which now wants to offer them on a larger scale in European stores. “A large retail chain discovered the pears and wants a huge amount of fruit, so we’ll have to plant a lot,” says Florent Geerdens of René Nicolaï Tree Nursery in Belgium.

© René Nicolaï Tree Nursery

Years in the making© René Nicolaï Tree Nursery
Florent’s interest was piqued in 2008, when he found deep-red pears in the United States. He began negotiations with the variety owner to bring that pear to Belgium and the rest of Europe. After two years of quarantine, the first test trees were planted. They tested two varieties: Red Angel and Red Modoc.

Initial results showed clear differences between them. Red Modoc developed strong, vigorous trees, while Red Angel struggled with a viral infection and irregular growth. After heat treating and eliminating that virus, Red Angel’s development could continue.

Two kinds, two paths
Red Modoc is now cultivated in Belgium, the Netherlands, and Germany. Swiss and Austrian growers have also planted their first trees. Each year, growers plant 30,000 to 50,000 trees under license. The first commercial possibilities for Red Angel are becoming apparent now, too.

Along with marketing partner Vergro, work is underway to introduce both varieties. “Red Modoc and Red Angel are sister varieties, and the retail organization wants both pears on store shelves.” Red Angel production is also being expanded to Spain and Italy. René Nicolaï is seeking new production partners for that.

Want to reach 10,00 tons
© René Nicolaï Tree NurseryThe goal is to have 10,000 tons of Red Angel pears available in Europe as soon as possible. That equates to roughly 250 hectares and, says the retail organization, is what is needed to achieve sufficient market visibility. Belgium has already begun planting. René Nicolaï is also focusing on the Netherlands, Spain, and Italy, where fruit and pear cultivation are highly developed.

Certainty for growers
Florent says when it comes to new fruit concepts, a proper sales structure is vital. Growers must know in advance where their product is headed. Licensed cultivation, a cooperative model, or an exclusive purchase agreement with a supermarket can provide that certainty. “It’s become too risky to simply grow crops without knowing where the product is going. To make a decent living, fruit growers have to find systems that offer certainty,” he concludes.

© René Nicolaï Tree Nursery

With interest from the retail sector and planned expansion, Red Modoc and Red Angel seem ready for the next step on the European pear market.

For more information:
Boomkwekerij René Nicolaï
Lindestraat 22
3570 Alken
Tel: +32 475 63 62 06
www.renenicolai.be