INDIA

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

USA Pears are not available in the country. After some initial discussions, Indian importers are discussing pears with their shippers for 2024-25 season. Most Indian importers are concentrating on sourcing pears from South Africa and Chile.

Expectations for Any Freight or Logistics Challenges:

No logistic challenges have been reported.

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

India has good demand for pears. Varieties like Forelle and Vermont Beauty are selling extremely well.

Update on the Competition in the Market:

The imported pear market in India is dominated by pears from South Africa. Large volume of South African pears is available in fresh fruit markets of the country. Varieties available are Forelle and Packham Triumph. Pears from Chile can also be seen in the market in large volumes. Illegally imported Chinese pears are also available across the country.

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

The Indian economy, aided by robust festive demand and sustained upswing in rural consumption, is showing signs of recovery from the slowdown witnessed in the second quarter of the fiscal year. Continued government investment in infrastructure is expected to further boost economic activity and private investment, even as global uncertainties pose risks to growth and inflation projections.

Other Brief Comments:

Given the short crop and the lack of interest to ship to a distant market like India, it is unlikely that any USA Pears will be shipped to India in the current season.