CENTRAL AMERICAN REGION

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

During December, USA Pear volumes increased in the region as importers received more loads to supply their customers for the Christmas season. Importers commented that prices at origin were higher compared with other origins, which is limiting the handled volumes, but they will continue quoting with other suppliers in the Northwest. Some importers have not started their USA Pear imports because of these high prices. They will continue quoting Northwest pears for the next months, but price will be a key factor in their purchasing decisions. Northwest pears volumes are expected to increase for the next month as trade members will receive more loads to continue supplying the wholesale and retail sector. At wholesale, USA Pears reported a pear market share of 34%, with 34% in supermarket stores and 28% in traditional channels. Sales and quality were reported as good.

Expectations for Any Freight or Logistics Challenges:

There are no challenges or concerns related to freight or logistics issues at this time.

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

Anjou, Bosc and Red Anjou are the main varieties requested by importers and retailers in the region due to the increase in their demand in both the wholesale and retail sectors. 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 and Fancy are preferred but if the price is affordable, lower quality grades can be imported.

Update on the Competition in the Market:

Pears from Argentina reported the highest volumes in the region; trade members increased the volumes imported from this origin during December due to its lower cost. Volumes are expected to remain at the same level during the next month as importers receive more loads to supply the wholesale and retail sector. This origin had a pear market share of 38% at wholesale and 37% in both supermarket stores and traditional channels. Sales and quality were reported as good. Chilean pears reported a pear market share of 18% in the wholesale sector, 16% in supermarket stores and 27% in traditional channels. Sales and quality were reported as good during this period. Volumes are expected to decrease during the next month. California pears reported a 9% pear market share in the wholesale sector, 12% in supermarket stores and 8% in traditional channels, with good sales and quality reported. Volumes are expected to decrease during the next month. Pears from Spain were available just in Costa Rica and Panama. In the wholesale and in supermarket stores, this origin reported a pear market share of 1%. 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:

For Central America, ECLAC forecasts that it will close 2024 with GDP growth of 2.8%, which is lower than the 3.1% projected last August. Looking at countries in the region, El Salvador went from a growth forecast of 3.5% to 3%; Honduras dropped from 3.85% to 3.5%; and Panama from 2.7% to 2.6%. Nicaragua’s growth projection for 2024 remains at 3.7%; Guatemala's rose slightly from 3.4% to 3.5%, and Costa Rica rose sharply from 3.1% to 4.1%.

Other Brief Comments:

None at this time.