The second Australian crop of QTee Pears have now been harvested.

Following different growing conditions this season, harvest has commenced slightly later than last year, but with a significantly larger crop.

Volumes of QTee Pears are expected to be triple last year’s inaugural harvest. This season, the pears will be available in NSW, Queensland, Victoria and South Australia, through independent retailers, greengrocers and Costco.

Originating from Norway, QTee is described as an aromatic, red-blushed pear with an intense red blush over a green background. The medium-sized fruit is said to offer a sweet, aromatic flavour and a unique eating experience, as it can be enjoyed either hard and crunchy or allowed to ripen to become juicy and soft. Known for its delicate, juicy flesh, QTee is the result of a natural cross between the Williams and Broket July varieties and was first planted in Australia in 2020.

QTee Pears are grown across Australia’s major pear regions, including Victoria’s Goulburn Valley and Cobram, and the Adelaide Hills in SA. All fruit is promoted as being produced under strict quality specifications to ensure a premium eating experience for consumers.

HBMA has the exclusive Australian licence from ABCz and Fruithandel Wouters

HBMA General Manager Elisa King says growers are supported by an international agronomist, and an extensive grower manual developed using more than 10 years of learnings across Europe and South Africa.

“Combined with regular in-orchard visits demonstrating pruning techniques and best-in-class growing practices, this support has helped growers produce excellent fruit quality and consistency as volumes scale,” she says.  

Ms King says one of the biggest barriers to pear purchase is uncertainty around ripening.

“QTee removes that barrier, as it can be enjoyed crunchy straight from the store or left to soften naturally, giving consumers confidence and flexibility,” she says.