NEW ZEALAND

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

New Zealand imported a small volume in 2024/25, which was good given the overall low volumes available. USA Pear stocks cleared quickly and merchandising reports for December show almost no USA fruit still available. The trade always wants to be out of USA imports by early January when the fresh, new season NZ pears start.

Expectations for Any Freight or Logistics Challenges:

None at this time.

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

At the beginning of the season, trade communication advised that USA Red Anjou were likely less impacted by low volume. At least one importer brought in USA Red Anjou and there were also USA Bosc available.

Update on the Competition in the Market:

Interestingly, December merchandiser reports conducted in Auckland, Wellington and Christchurch show there are very few pears available from any origin. There are small volumes of Australian Packham, almost no pear pre-packs and even limited supplies of Chinese Ya and Nashi. Several stores visited had no pears of any kind or origin available.

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

New Zealand was heading down the path of mandatory compostable fruit labels for domestic fruit. This initiative's implementation has now been postponed until at least 2028 as noted in an email received from NZ's United Fruit and Vegetable Association.

Other Brief Comments:

New Zealand importers were appreciative of the USA Pear suppliers who worked to make USA Pears available for New Zealand. USA Pear price points were realistic, indicative of NZ/USA long standing relationships.