CENTRAL AMERICAN REGION

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

During November, volumes of USA pears increased in the whole region, trade members commented that prices in origin are higher compared with Chile and Argentina which is limiting the handled volumes, nevertheless, they will continue quoting with other suppliers in the Northwest area. Importers like Diprom, Fruvetsa, Importfrut, Fruta Internacional Panama and Selección del Chef, who have not started their USA pears imports, will continue quoting pears for their import plans for the next months, price in origin will be a key factor in their purchasing decisions. It is expected, Northwest pears volumes will increase the next month, due importers and retailers will receive more loads for the Christmas season. At wholesale level, USA pears reported a 15% pear market share, while at retail level reached a 20% in supermarket stores and 12% in traditional channels, good sales and quality were reported.

Expectations for Any Freight or Logistics Challenges:

There is no challenges or concerns related to freight or logistics issues.

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

Anjou and Bosc are the main varieties requested by trade members due the increase on their demand in the region, but the CAM market is also open to other varieties if the price is competitive; small and medium sizes are preferred, in terms of quality, US#1 is preferred but if the price is affordable, lower quality grades can be imported.

Update on the Competition in the Market:

Argentinean pears reported the highest volumes in the region, importers increased the imports from this origin during this month due its lower cost. Volumes are expected to increase during the next month, because importers will receive more loads to supply the Christmas season. This origin, reported a 36% pear market share in the wholesale sector, while in the retail sector reported a 39% in supermarket stores and 43% in traditional channels; sales and quality were reported as good. Chilean pears reported a pear market share of 36% in the wholesale sector, 25% in supermarket stores and 38% in traditional channels, good sales and quality were reported. Volumes are expected to decrease during the next month due importers will not receive more loads. California pears reported a 13% pear market share in the wholesale sector, 15% in supermarket stores and 7% in traditional channels, sales and quality were reported as good. Volumes are expected to decrease during the next month, because importers will not receive more loads. Pears from Spain were available just in Costa Rica at retail level, this origin reported a pear market share of 1%, just Ercolini variety was available in the market reporting good sales and quality. Volumes are expected to decrease during the next month, because importers will not receive more loads.

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

Not political or economic issues were present in the CAM region that could impact imports, retail, or consumer behavior.

Other Brief Comments:

Not additional comments.