Enjoy the season’s bounty of Abate Fetel and win with Tru-Cape

February marks the start of the Abate Fetel pear season, and this year Tru-Cape Fruit Marketing is celebrating the short, but sweet, season with an exciting competition during April.

 

Abate Fetel is well-known as Italy’s favourite pear, and over the past few years, South Africans have fallen equally in love with this russet and yellow pear with its elegant long neck and sweet, aromatic taste. It is available for approximately two short months (March and April) in South Africa, so don’t miss out on the opportunity to relish these delicious pears. Plus, you stand a chance to win an Apple iPad and other prizes.

 

Abate Fetel was cultivated by French monks in 1866, making it one of the oldest heirloom pear varieties available. A most appealing characteristic of Abate Fetel is that it doesn’t need to be ripened at home, like most other pear varieties, but can be enjoyed while still firm. When biting into the creamy flesh of an Abate Fetel pear, one can expect a melting, velvety consistency and a sweet honey-like taste.

 

“The crisp texture makes it ideal for salads,” says Henk Griessel, Tru-Cape’s Quality Assurance Manager, and he adds that the best place to store Abate Fetel pears is in your fridge. It also makes for an excellent addition to a scrumptious cheese board, as the sweet, juicy pear pairs exceptionally well with strong cheese. Abate Fetel pears are rich in calcium, vitamins C and A, iron, and fibre, making them a healthy choice for a quick snack or in a baked dessert.

 

For many years, Abate Fetel was only available in Europe, but the climatic similarities between Grabouw and the Po Valley in Italy convinced growers to establish orchards in South Africa. Lately, the variety has also been produced in the fertile soils of Ceres.

“Initially, production was challenging, and we struggled with fruit size, but with good agricultural practices, producers are now happy with the fruit size and yield. Abate Fetel is increasingly gaining importance as a variety in South Africa,” says Henk.

 

According to Roelf Pienaar, managing director of Tru-Cape Fruit Marketing, the company markets about 4,400 tonnes of Abate Fetel annually, making it the leading supplier of this variety in South Africa. “We are thrilled by the prospects for Abate Fetel in South Africa. The crop is of high quality this year, and we know consumers will be delighted by the eating experience.”

 

With the current season’s Abate Fetel now on supermarket shelves close to you, consumers are invited to experience the variety at special tastings in supermarkets all over the country during April. If you take a photo of your Abate Fetel purchase together with your receipt and post it to our social media channels or send it to us via a direct message, you stand a chance to become the proud owner of an iPad, Stanley products, or Tru-Cape hampers.

 

As part of the varietal-specific promotion, Tru-Cape has partnered with revered social media influencers to drive consumer awareness of Abate Fetel even further. Consumers can also keep an eye out for our television advertisements, says Conrad Fick, marketing director at Tru-Cape Fruit.

 

“This campaign serves as a reminder of the short window of opportunity to enjoy Abate Fetel pears. We would not want consumers to miss out on the chance to delight in their favourite pear variety, as it is only available during March and April in South Africa, and if volume allows, also in May.”

 

To enter Tru-Cape’s exciting Abate Fetel competition, simply purchase your favourite Tru-Cape Abate Fetel pears, snap a pic of it together with your receipt, and share it with us on our Facebook page (@Tru-Cape Fruit Marketing), Instagram (@trucapefruit) or on X (@TruCapeFruit).  Remember to use #TruCape and #TCAbateFetel when entering. T&C’s apply.

 

For more information, please contact Lucille Botha at lucilleb@tru-cape.co.za or visit www.tru-cape.com.