COLOMBIA

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

During December, importers continue receiving Northwest pears loads to supply the wholesale and retail sectors during the Christmas season. Importers like Fresh World, Frutícola de Colombia, Tierra Prometida, FruverCol Bog SAS and Vida Produce Company received USA pears loads and they expect to receive additional shipments in the upcoming weeks. Other importers like La Calera, Triple Alianza, VIGOMEZ and Green and Fresh, commented they are expecting the arrival of USA pear loads during the upcoming days. Grupo Exito supermarket chain continues requesting quotations and expect to import their first loads until January. During the current season, they see a good opportunity to import USA pears, considering the prices, medium sizes, and availability of the Anjou and Packham varieties. In the case of other supermarket chains like Olimpica, Cencosud, Mega Tiendas, among others, prefer purchase their pear volumes to local importers. During November, USA Pears reported an increase in the market, reaching a 20% pear market share in the wholesale sector. While at retail level, Northwest pears reported a 17% in supermarket stores and 16% in traditional channels. Anjou was the only variety available in the market, reporting good sales and quality.

Expectations for Any Freight or Logistics Challenges:

Trade members do not anticipate any freight or logistical challenges that could impact USA pear imports in the upcoming months. They plan to schedule their purchases in advance to prevent any potential delays during the next months.

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

Importers are mainly interested in Anjou and Packham varieties during this season, because consumers preference for those varieties, however, trade members like La Calera and Grupo Exito are also open to importing other varieties such as Bosc and Red Anjou if prices are competitive to supply the retail sector. In terms of sizes, small and medium sizes are preferred. Regarding quality grades, U.S. No. 1 is the preferred grade, followed by Fancy.

Update on the Competition in the Market:

Chilean pears reported the largest volumes in the Colombian market, reaching a 52% pear market share at wholesale level, while at retail level this origin reported 53% share in supermarket stores and 50% in traditional channels. Packham’s was the only variety available in the market; sales and quality were reported as good this month. Volumes are expected to decrease the next month because importers will not receive more loads. Domestic pears reported a 18% market share in the wholesale sector, 21% share in supermarket stores and 28% in traditional channels; good sales and quality were reported; volumes are expected to remain at the same level during January. Pears from Argentina reported a volume increase this month to supply the Christmas season. Importers commented this origin offered lower prices in comparison with Northwest pears. At wholesale level reported a 10% pear market share, 9% in supermarket stores and 6% in traditional channels. Packham’s variety reported the highest volumes followed by Anjou; good sales and quality were reported. Volumes are expected to remain at the same level during the next month, due importers will receive more loads.

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

As of the end of 2025, Colombia closed the year with moderate economic growth (around 2.5%–2.8%) and inflation still above target, ending close to 5.1%–5.2%, according to market estimates and the Banco de la República. While there are no direct political or economic restrictions affecting U.S. pear imports, persistent inflation, fiscal pressures, and higher operating costs continued to influence consumer purchasing power and retail pricing strategies. Overall demand remained stable, though consumers showed greater price sensitivity, particularly toward imported products.

Other Brief Comments:

The Colombian retail sector continued its transformation in 2025, driven by the expansion of international players such as PriceSmart and ongoing modernization efforts by traditional chains like Grupo Éxito. Investments focused on store upgrades, omnichannel capabilities, and more efficient formats, reflecting a shift toward modern, value-oriented retail concepts as older formats gradually lose relevance. Despite inflationary pressures, consumer demand for essential and value products remained resilient, supporting stable retail activity toward year-end.