NEW ZEALAND

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

USA Pears have arrived and cleared in NZ just at the end of November. To date, volume is up 115%. There are 3 importers bringing in fruit currently.

Expectations for Any Freight or Logistics Challenges:

None reported this period.

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

To date, there has been USA Green Anjou and USA Bosc imported. Some retailers noted they will not stock/promote Green Anjou as too easily confused at self-checkout with cheaper Australian Packham.

Update on the Competition in the Market:

There is still Australian Packham and Corella in market. There are NZ Packham, Winter Nellis, Bosc and Angelys available. There is plenty of Chinese Nashi, Ya and Fragrant pears. Merchandising reports show limited fruit on displays.

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

None.

Other Brief Comments:

Strawberries are available but remain expensive due to rain. There are limited blueberries available and also expensive. NZ summer fruit volumes seem limited versus last year when NZ summer fruit was already readily available.