The International Pear Congress, Interpera, will take place on 25 and 26 June 2025 in Hasselt, Belgium. The event will gather international stakeholders from the pear sector to discuss pressing issues affecting the industry.
This year's edition is co-organised by AREFLH (Assembly of European Fruit, Vegetable and Horticultural Regions) and VBT (the Federation of Belgian Horticultural Cooperatives). It marks the second time that Belgium hosts the congress since its inception in 2008. Belgium is a leading pear producer in Europe, with production mainly centred in Flanders. The Conference variety dominates Belgian pear production, prized for its long shelf life and suitability for export. Annually, Belgium produces around 350,000 tons of pears, much of which is exported to nearby EU countries as well as markets like China and Brazil.
The congress will be structured around two main themes. On 25 June, a series of conferences and strategic roundtable discussions will take place. The programme begins with a review of the past season in major European pear-producing countries: France, the Netherlands, Belgium, Portugal, Spain, and Italy. This will be followed by forecasts for the upcoming season and expert presentations covering consumer trends, phytosanitary challenges, marketing innovations, post-harvest research, and digital orchard technology.
Additional sessions will focus on marketing strategies, insights from the Eufrin working group on connected orchards, and updates on storage innovations, post-harvest treatments, and pest and disease management.
On 26 June, the event will conclude with a day of technical visits, offering attendees a hands-on look at Belgian pear production practices.
Interpera 2025 is set to be a key industry event, combining technical expertise, field insights, and discussions on the economic and environmental issues shaping the future of pear cultivation.
For more information:
Laetitia Forget
AREFLH
Tel: +33 (0)7 63 93 47 96
Email: [email protected]
www.interpera.org