Red-blushed pear production ramps up as orchards mature
Harvesting has commenced for the second commercial crop of Australian-grown QTee pears, with a significant increase in volumes forecast this season.
Following different growing conditions this season, the harvest has begun slightly later than in 2025, but volumes are expected to triple this year. Allowing the variety to reach more consumers across the country.
This season, QTee® Pears will be available in New South Wales, Queensland, Victoria and South Australia, through independent retailers including Foodland, greengrocers and Costco.
QTee is an aromatic red-blushed pear with an intense red blush over a green background, originating from Norway.
The medium-sized fruit offers 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.
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 South Australia. All fruit is produced under strict quality specifications to ensure a premium eating experience for consumers.
“HBMA (Horticulture Brand Management Australia) has the exclusive Australian licence from ABCz and Fruithandel Wouters,” said Elisa King, HBMA’s general manager.
“Our growers are supported by an international agronomist, and an extensive grower manual developed using more than ten 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.”
King said the pears address consumer uncertainty around ripening, one of the biggest barriers to pear purchase.
“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 said.
According to HBMA QTee pears are well suited to a range of consumption occasions, including everyday snacking, cooking, baking and entertaining.
