TAIWAN

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

Retailers had been reporting a loss of quality for Starkrimson since the end of November, with excessive loss upon unpacking, and they experienced significant profit losses. The first batch of Red Anjou pears have arrived in Taiwan at the end of November, imported directly by Costco Taiwan. It was the first time for Costco Taiwan to launch the sales of Red Anjou, and sold in three-pound bags. According to the importers, there will be other retailers launching the sales of Red Anjou in early December, though the specific distribution channels had not been confirmed.

Expectations for Any Freight or Logistics Challenges:

N/A

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

Anjou, #110-125 Red Anjou, #110-125 Starkrimson, #120-125

Update on the Competition in the Market:

The biggest competition in Taiwan market is Asian pear, especially local Asian pears and the pears imported from Japan and Korea.

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

US dollar exchange rate has stronger which is keeping the cost of US pear higher. US pears' importers need to face higher cost and not improve economic situation.

Other Brief Comments:

PBNW-Taiwan collaborated with retailers to shore up their faith, promotional activities were also conducted even with a very limited budget since it is important to maintain the presence of USA pears in consumers' impressions. IMR planned to actively contact these retailers to confirm further details and explore potential promotional collaborations.