COLOMBIA

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

This period, Northwest pears were not available in Colombia and importers mentioned that price at origin is higher than other pear origins. Even though importers and retailers did not quote USA Pears this period, major importers and retailers are still interested in USA Pears, but price at origin and shipping costs are limiting their purchase decisions.

Expectations for Any Freight or Logistics Challenges:

There are no challenges or concerns related to freight or logistics issues for trade members.

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

Anjou and Packham remain as the most requested varieties in the market, and demand has increased at both wholesale and retail, but trade members are open to importing other varieties in smaller volumes. Regarding sizes, small and medium sizes are preferred by trade members; in terms of quality, US#1 and Fancy grades are preferred.

Update on the Competition in the Market:

Pears from Chile stared their season. Importers continued importing Bartlett and Packham varieties to supply the wholesale and retail sector; volumes are expected to increase during March because importers will receive more loads. At wholesale, Chilean pears reported 83% pear market share and 80% at both supermarket stores and traditional channels; good sales and quality were reported during this period. Domestic pears reported a 9% pear market share at wholesale with 10% in supermarket stores and 13% in traditional channels; sales and quality were reported as good. Volumes are expected to remain at the same level for the next month. Argentinean pears reported an 8% pear market share in the wholesale sector, 10% in supermarket stores and 7% in traditional channels; sales and quality were reported as good during this period. Volumes are expected to remain at the same level during the next month, because importers will receive more loads.

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

There are no political or economic issues affecting imports, retail, or consumer behavior in the Colombian market.

Other Brief Comments:

According to the Economic Monitoring Index (ISE) from the National Administrative Department of Statistics (Dane), inflation in Colombia as of January 2025 ended at 5.22%, slightly higher than the 5.20% from the previous year. For February, inflation is expected to range between 5.10% and 5.22%. This situation keeps importers and retailers with positive expectations to increase their import volumes during the next months.