Russian market receiving half of Argentine pear production

Statistics provided by Patagonia Norte indicate that, during the first half of the year, overseas pear exports have reached 201,700 tonnes. This figure accounts for 71% of the total fruit exports leaving San Antonio and Bahía Blanca (Argentina) and indicates a 26% fall in sales when compared to the first half of 2011. 

Russia was the main client, as approximately 89,000 tonnes were shipped there, meaning that 44% of the total sales were destined for Saint Petersburg. The second largest client was the Netherlands, where 30,200 tonnes of pears were shipped. And the third place was for the US, with 28,200 tonnes.  

In regards to apples, overseas exports reached 76,700 tonnes, showing a 36% fall compared to consolidated data from the first semester of 2011.

Russia was also the main destination for this product with 28,700 tonnes shipped, representing 37% of all the exports leaving San Antonio and Bahía Blanca. The second destination in importance was the Netherlands, with 11,600 tonnes purchased. And very close behind Algeria, with 11,500 tonnes of Argentine apples imported.  

Source: Río Negro