INDONESIA

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

Importers report that they will try to bring in more USA Pears next season, however they fear that pears are difficult to handle.

Expectations for Any Freight or Logistics Challenges:

None at this time.

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

Anjou Green and Red Anjou is the most popular variety in Indonesia with size 70-80 and US#1 grade. Some of the retailers mentioned that Bosc would be well suited for Asian consumers since it is sweet and crispy, similar to Asian varieties.

Update on the Competition in the Market:

Massive fruits from China are still arriving for the Chinese New Year such as mandarins, pears and apples. Many retailers display these Chinese fruits in fancy gift packs. Apples from Washington, South Korea and premium apples from Japan are available in the retail stores. More air flown fruits also arrived, such as premium strawberries and fancy premium grapes from Korea. Premium persimmons from China and cherries from Tasmania are also hot items for consumers during the Chinese New Year.

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

The holiday for Chinese New Year created a very long weekend from Friday January 24-29. Most consumers use this long weekend for holiday, which makes traffic at the stores very low. In addition, the weather is very wet, creating floods in the west and north Jakarta. Importers told us the sales for fresh fruits was weak in the stores around Jakarta.

Other Brief Comments:

PBNW in Indonesia will continue to encourage importers to bring USA Pears and more varieties.