Central American Region Flag

INTERNATIONAL MARKET REPORT

05/29/2025

CENTRAL AMERICAN REGION

Costa Rica, Dominican Republic, El Salvador, Guatemala, Honduras, Nicaragua, Panama, Trinidad

MARKET PULSE

CURRENT EXCHANGE RATE: 508.2
CHANGE FROM LAST MONTH: +0.20%
VOLUME TO DATE: 86,089 BOXES
CHANGE FROM LAST YEAR: -69%

(SOURCE: WSTFA)

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

Northwest pears were available just in Dominican Republic, Costa Rica, Honduras and Guatemala, and volumes decreased during this period because importers did not receive more loads. Trade members do not expect to import more loads during June; rather they will continue importing pears from other origins like Chile and Argentina. At wholesale level, USA Pears reported just a 1% pear market share with 10% at retail. In traditional channels, USA Pears were not available. Good sales and quality were reported during this month.

Expectations for Any Freight or Logistics Challenges:

No challenges or concerns related to freight or logistics issues are expected.

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

The USA Pear season in CAM region is almost finishing, but Anjou, Bosc and Red Anjou continue being the main varieties requested by importers and retailers in the region. This market continues to be open to other varieties like Forelle if the price is competitive. Small and medium sizes are preferred, but in markets like Costa Rica, large sizes work better in the retail sector. In terms of quality grades, US#1 and Fancy are preferred.

Update on the Competition in the Market:

During this month, Chile was the main pear supplier in the region. At wholesale, this origin reported a 90% pear market share with 79% at retail and 90% in traditional channels. Sales and quality were reported as good during this period. Volumes are expected to increase during the next month because importers will continue receiving more loads. Pears from Argentina reported a 9% wholesale pear market share, 9% in supermarket stores and 11% in traditional channels. Sales and quality were reported as good during this period. Volumes are expected to increase during the next month, because importers are expecting to receive more loads.

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

In the region, there is a concern about the potential impact on Central American consumer purchasing power of the recently passed bill by the U.S. House of Representatives, which includes a 3.5% tax on remittance transfers by anyone who is not an American citizen or national.

Other Brief Comments:

Walmart Central America commemorates 20 years of operations in Costa Rica with an investment of more than $15 million in the opening of its new store in Santa Ana, reinforcing its presence and commitment to the country's development. This opening, the 15th in Costa Rica and the 38th in Central America, generates 105 new direct jobs and consolidates Walmart as a leading retail employer with 15,000 jobs in the country. “A year ago, we firmly announced our $600 million investment plan for the coming years, as well as the creation of 3,000 direct jobs by 2028. We committed to accelerating the growth of our omnichannel system, modernizing our infrastructure, expanding logistics capacity, and strengthening our relationships with local suppliers. Today, we are delivering on that promise,” said Cristina Ronski, Senior Vice President and CEO of Walmart Central America.

USA PEARS: RETAIL PRICING, SIZES, AND GRADES

PRICE RANGE (per lb)
SIZE RANGE
anjou
$0 $1.12 $2.35 $4.50
150 120 100 80 60
bosc
$0 $3.59 $3.59 $4.50
150 120 100 80 60
red anjou
$0 $2.03 $2.03 $4.50
150 120 100 80 60
GRADES FOR ALL VARIETIES
  • US1: 100%
  • Fancy: %
  • 3rd Grade: %

COMPETITION: RETAIL PRICING AND SIZES

PRICE RANGE (per lb)
SIZE RANGE
COUNTRY
Anjou
$0 $1.50 $2.35 $4.50
150 120 100 80 60
Chile
Bosc
$0 $1.63 $2.85 $4.50
150 120 100 80 60
Chile
Forelle
$0 $1.73 $2.85 $4.50
150 120 100 80 60
Chile
Red Anjou
$0 $1.94 $4.36 $4.50
150 120 100 80 60
Chile
Anjou
$0 $1.50 $2.35 $4.50
150 120 100 80 60
Argentina
Recipe Demonstration at La Sirena in Dominican Republic
In-Store Promotion at La Sirena in Dominican Republic
Trade meeting with VPC - El Salvador

PROMOTIONS

# PROMOTION DAYS
# STORES