(SOURCE: WSTFA)
Feedback from the Trade on Their Plans and Interest in the USA Pear Season:
Importers are optimistic about the new season, expecting to increase the import volumes more than the previous season. They expect volumes of USA Pears will continue increasing even when Argentina is still in the market, as customers and consumers prefer Northwest pears than other origins. If prices continue being attractive at origin, they can move larger volumes. During the first week of September, USA Pears loads from the new crop arrived to the wholesale markets. Anjou, Bartlett, Bosc and Starkrimson were the varieties available, quality grades observed were US#1 and Fancy with sizes ranked from 80´s to 110´s. Sales were reported as excellent - as soon as the product arrived, it was sold during the same day.
Expectations for Any Freight or Logistics Challenges:
Until now, no problems or challenges were reported. Importers expect some freight problems during mid-November and December due the lack of trucks because the Christmas tree season in the U.S.
Opportunities in Your Market for Specific Varieties, Sizes, and Grades:
Mexico is a flexible market and can handle different varieties, sizes, and quality grades. Currently, wholesale market's customers are satisfied with the varieties, quality grades and sizes available, especially because the price for USA Pears is affordable.
Update on the Competition in the Market:
USA Pears reported 49% pear market share at wholesale level, 22% at supermarket stores and 50% at traditional channels. Pears from Argentina reported 38% wholesale pear market share, 46% at supermarket stores and 35% at traditional channels. Quality and sales were good, and it is expected that volumes will remain at the same level due to more loads expected, but for upcoming months it is expected that volumes will start decreasing. Pears from California were available at wholesale level, representing 12% pear market share, 24% at supermarket stores and 10% at traditional channels. Quality was good, except in red varieties which reported overripe problems, and good sales were reported. At wholesale, it is expected that volume will decrease for the upcoming period. Pears from Chile were only available at supermarket stores, reporting 5% pear market share. Quality was good with slow sales. Pears from China were available at wholesale, representing 1% pear market share at this level, 3% in retail stores, and 5% at traditional channels; quality was good but sales were low due to its higher price.
Political or Economic Issues Impacting Imports, Retail, or Consumer Behavior:
The federal Executive Branch presented the 2026 Economic Package to Congress, which offers signs of optimism about the country's growth, but also leaves some fundamental issues pending and are not being decisively addressed. On the one hand, economic growth is estimated at between 1.8 and 2.8% of GDP, a projection that seems quite optimistic and above what various experts estimate, especially given the persistent fiscal deficit. The package contemplates spending of 10.1 trillion pesos compared to an estimated revenue of 8.7 trillion pesos, implying a risk of the deficit widening even further. Likewise, the debt level stands at 4.1% of GDP, while taxes on certain products through the IEPS (Income Tax) are increasing significantly, which could affect competitiveness.
Other Brief Comments:
No additional comments at this time.