COLOMBIA

Feedback from the Trade on Their Plans and Interest in the USA Pear Season:

Trade members are interested in importing USA Pears this season. They are aware of the smaller crop and expect that volumes will depend on the price at origin and shipping costs. Importers will start requesting quotations from their Northwest pear suppliers.

Expectations for Any Freight or Logistics Challenges:

Importers and retailers don’t anticipate any logistical problems that could impact USA Pear import volumes.

Opportunities in Your Market for Specific Varieties, Sizes, and Grades:

Trade members are interested in Anjou and Packham varieties, but they expect to import other varieties like Red Anjou. Sizes requested are 90-150, and quality grades preferred are US No. 1 and Fancy grades.

Update on the Competition in the Market:

Chilean pears reported 70% pear market share at wholesale level, 75% in supermarket stores and 70% in traditional channels. Packham and Forelle varieties were available with good sales and quality reported. Volumes are expected to remain at the same level for the next month. At wholesale, pears from Argentina reported 30% pear market share, 25% in supermarket stores and 30% in traditional channels, Anjou was the only variety available; sales and quality were reported as good. Volumes are expected to remain at the same level for the next month.

Political or Economic Issues Impacting Imports, Retail, or Consumer Behavior:

There are no other political or economic factors expected to impact USA Pear import volumes.

Other Brief Comments:

Importers are requesting that Northwest pear suppliers start contacting them to plan and schedule volumes that could be exported to Colombia. Price will be a key factor for purchasing decisions.