NEW ZEALAND

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

In September, USA Pears sent out a pre-season newsletter and crop update to key New Zealand importers, wholesalers and retailers. The newsletter noted the decrease in Green Anjou and Bosc volumes, and discussed the opportunity for Red Anjou. The newsletter encouraged the trade to reach out to their suppliers sooner, rather than later. In discussion with the trade after the newsletter was sent out, several indicated they are interested in importing USA Pears again, but it is all going to come down to price – especially if the crop is short. For those interested in Red Anjou, the reality is it sells the least when compared to Green Anjou and Bosc, so the only way to make Red Anjou work is if they can also source Green Anjou and Bosc cost effectively. At this stage, it is very difficult to predict import volume. The fear is if Green Anjou and Bosc supplies are tight and expensive, the trade will not import just Red Anjou and will instead stick with local NZ and Australian pears.

Expectations for Any Freight or Logistics Challenges:

No freight or logistics challenges have been reported to date.

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

NZ traders are possibly interested in the Red Anjou opportunity, but only if it can be shipped with Green Anjou or Bosc.

Update on the Competition in the Market:

Trade reports so far indicate that Australian fruit is available and cost effective.

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

In August, NZ mortgage rates dropped for the first time in several years and food inflation is decreasing.

Other Brief Comments:

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