MEXICO

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

Importers are interested in continue importing Northwest Pears. Most warehouses have good availability and although the prices are high, the quality helps to sell USA Pears quickly due to its good demand. They are in constant contact with their suppliers to schedule future shipments for the upcoming month. Importers mentioned that there are still opportunities for Northwest pears even when the price is high. Handling other varieties like Red Anjou and Bosc have been important to satisfy their clients' demand. USA Pears reported a 99% pear market share at wholesale level, 95% at supermarket stores and 99% at traditional channels.

Expectations for Any Freight or Logistics Challenges:

Currently, there are not any challenges related to freight or logistics.

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

Mexico is an elastic market, where any variety, size or quality grade has opportunity to increase the volumes exported; but is important to consider the price, as Mexico is a sensitive market as well. Green Anjou is the variety with the highest demand, but others like Bosc and Red Anjou have increased their preference among retailers and mid-wholesalers. In the case of Red Anjou pears, importers mentioned that the ones packed in Euroboxes are the ones which reported the best sales, as this quantity is something that retailers can move faster than a standard 44-lb. box.

Update on the Competition in the Market:

Just pears from China were available, representing 1% pear market share at wholesale level and 5% in retail stores; quality was good but with limited sales due to price. Importers mentioned that the first arrivals of pears from Argentina is expected for the first week of March. Most of them have been contacted by Argentina suppliers to quote pears and to establish their sales program. It is expected that prices will be lower than USA Pears, but their quality will be a key factor for their performance in the market.

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

Trade relations between Mexico and the U.S. are still concerning to importers. Until the resolution is determined, they will adjust their imports volumes from the U.S. in case Mexico applies additional tariffs as response for the tariffs applied by the U.S. government.

Other Brief Comments:

None at this time.