MEXICO

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

Importers continue to be interested in importing USA Pears, even when prices at origin are high. They have imported lower quality grades to be more competitive in the market. Sales have been good; as soon as Northwest pears arrive to the wholesale market, all the pears are sold quickly. USA Pears reported 98% pear market share at wholesale level, with good sales and quality. Volumes are expected to increase for the next period. At retail, USA Pears reported 94% pear market share. In traditional channels, Northwest pears reported 99% pear market share. Anjou was the main variety available, and sales and quality were good.

Expectations for Any Freight or Logistics Challenges:

There are not any freight or logistic challenges for this period.

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

Importers continue to be interested in Anjou variety mainly, in medium to small sizes. There is opportunity for other varieties, sizes and quality grades -- importers and wholesalers have different types of customers at different socioeconomic levels that are looking for other varieties, large sizes and high quality grades.

Update on the Competition in the Market:

Argentine pears reported a 1% market share at retail . Volumes are limited due to the product having been in cold storage and it is expected that volumes will be lower for the upcoming period. California pears reported a 1% market share at retail with limited volumes that are expected to be out of the market for the next period. Quality and sales were good for both origins. Pears from China reported 1% pear market share at wholesale, 5% at retail, and 1% pear market share in traditional markets; sales were fair due to the high price, but quality was reported as good.

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

Importers are monitoring the potential retaliation measures that the Mexican government could apply if the new US presidential administration applies new tariffs to Mexican exports to the USA.

Other Brief Comments:

None at this time.