Belgian pears for China

The deal follows an historic protocol signed last year between the two countries, under which the Belgian variety became the first pear worldwide to receive import approval from the Chinese authorities. This is also the first time that any Belgian fruit or vegetable has been permitted for direct export to China.

“In a good season, we expect to ship anything between 250 and 500 reefer boxes to China,” said Steve Alaerts, general sales manager for Foodcareplus, which will oversee all aspects of the BFV shipments working closely with shipping lines, container manufacturers and insurers to test different shipping options.

The first consignments arrived in China this January with further consignments due to be delivered shortly to the ports of Tianjin and Yantian.