MEXICO

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

Importers are interested in handling USA Pears this season. Starkrimson arrived early September, Bartlett mid-September, and Anjou late September. Importers know about the crop reduction and they expect high prices, but they are confident about having a good season depending on the price at origin, sizes and quality grades available.

Expectations for Any Freight or Logistics Challenges:

Currently, there are no freight or logistic problems that are expected to affect USA Pear exports to Mexico.

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

Mexico is an elastic market that can handle different varieties, sizes and quality grades; however, it is also a price sensitive market. For this reason, importers will be looking for the varieties that could offer higher availability, sizes and affordable prices according to its quality grade.

Update on the Competition in the Market:

Argentina reported the highest share in the wholesale and retail market (80-90%), Anjou is the main variety, but slow sales have been reported due to the pears ripening very slowly. It is believed that Argentinean pears have been treated with 1-MCP and are having problems ripening. California pears were also available but with lower volumes. Bosc was the main variety available followed by Bartlett, and sales were reported as good.

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

Since July, exchange rate has increased around 17%, which has affected the price of imported fruit. Major changes are not expected in the upcoming weeks, but this factor could impact the USA Pear volumes imported.

Other Brief Comments:

Importers expect Argentinean pears to decrease in volumes by the end of October as well as California, which opens a window opportunity for Northwest pears.