GULF STATES

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

Trade has already begun receiving U.S. pear shipments, with at least two containers currently on the ground and awaiting distribution across UAE retail channels. These volumes mark the first wave of the 2024–25 season’s arrivals. Two importers have another two containers scheduled to arrive within the next two weeks, ensuring continued availability for this season's marketing activities to begin. Importers are satisfied with grade, size, and overall quality of the fruit despite the longer transit time.

Expectations for Any Freight or Logistics Challenges:

No additional freight challenges are expected.

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

Large-size Anjou offer the strongest opportunity in the UAE. Bosc have potential to succeed as a premium niche variety.

Update on the Competition in the Market:

Coscia pears are largely absent this year, and Turkish pear exports are noticeably lower than normal. There are some small-size Anjou pears from Argentina, including organic lots, but overall quality has not been ideal. Meanwhile, the market continues to see steady arrivals of South African pears, consistent volumes of Nashi pears, and regular shipments of Dutch Conference pears.

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

Majid Al Futtaim (MAF) has recently begun rebranding and replacing Carrefour stores in several Gulf countries (Kuwait, Bahrain, Jordan, Oman) with its own grocery brand HyperMax. Carrefour remains active in the UAE so far, but has decreased spending and variety of items.

Other Brief Comments:

None.