Conference is a pear variety that can be grown anywhere in the UK, preferably in a sheltered spot. It is self-fertile. For good-shaped fruit, it is best to plant a pollinator. It has a certain degree of frost resistance resulting in parthenocarpic pears. These are pears formed without seeds and as result are often misshapen. Easy to grow, it produces heavy crops. Introduced in 1885, it was developed in England by Thomas Francis Rivers. It won first prize at the 1885 National British Pear Conference, giving origin to its name. It has a characteristic elongated shape, with thick skin showing a lot of russetting. Its taste varies according to when it is eaten: when firm and under-ripe, it is crisp and slightly acidic; when fully ripe, it is very sweet, aromatic and soft. Conference pears have exceptional shelf life, capable of being stored for months in a cool place or in the bottom drawer of a fridge.
View the Pear Pollination Chart to find suitable pollinators.
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