Ferreira da Silva - Importação e Exportação, S.A.
Ferreira da Silva is present in 4 continents...

Rocha
Pear

The production of Rocha pear and its export have experienced an exponential growth.


    History

 

The origin of Rocha pear (Pyrus communis L) can be traced back to the 19th century (1836), to Sintra municipality. This variety was obtained from a seed by accident, in Mr. Rocha's farm, whose family name inspired the variety´s name.

Pear consumers are quite conservative. It is not easy to market a new pear variety. The 1991/92 marketing campaign provided an ideal export opportunity for Rocha pear producers as Europe experienced deficit in pears that year.

Since then, the production of Rocha pear and its export have experienced an exponential growth. In the 2011 season, 210 000 tons were produced in Portugal and around 75% of the production was exported. The main importers of Rocha pear are Brazil, the United Kingdom, etc.

    The Atlantic influence

 

The Rocha pear is a unique Portuguese variety.

The variety is best adapted to the climatic conditions of the western region of Portugal (OESTE).

The region has the Atlantic Ocean to the west and the Montejunto mountains to the east. This set of conditions with a strong Atlantic influence is crucial for the production of Rocha pear.

    Characteristics

 



   Size: Average diameter from 50 to 70mm
   Form: Oval
   Skin: Fine and smooth, with yellow tone
   Pulp: White, firm, crispy, juicy and sweet
   Russeting: Concentrated around the peduncle, present on all the surface