South Australia fifth-generation grower Chris Pethick with QTee fruit.
Australian fruit lovers can once again enjoy QTee pears, with the second Australian crop now being harvested.
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Following different growing conditions this season, harvest started slightly later than last year, but with a significantly larger crop.
Volumes of QTee pears are expected to triple last year’s inaugural harvest, allowing the variety to reach more consumers across the country.
This season, QTee pears will be available in NSW, Queensland, Victoria and South Australia, through independent retailers including Foddland, greengrocers and Costco.
Originating from Norway, QTee is an aromatic, red-blushed pear with an intense red blush over a green background.
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.
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.
Today 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 has the exclusive Australian licence from ABCz and Fruithandel Wouters,” HBMA general manager Elisa King says.
“Our 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,” she explains.
Fruit from the Masalki Orchards 2026 harvest.
“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.”
Father and son growers Joseph (fourth-generation) and Tony Ceravolo (third-generation).
Elisa says one of the biggest barriers to pear purchase is uncertainty around ripening.
But she says QTee removes that barrier, as it can be enjoyed crunchy straight from the store or left to soften naturally, giving consumers confidence and flexibility.
As a naturally healthy, low-calorie fruit, QTee pears are well suited to everyday snacking, while also lending themselves to cooking, baking and entertaining, making them a versatile addition to the fruit bowl.
While volumes are significantly higher than last season, QTee pears remain a seasonal product and consumers are encouraged to look for them in-store now and enjoy them while they are available.
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