ANDEAN REGION

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

Traders in both countries reported that prices continued to represent a barrier to engage in better volumes this season.

Expectations for Any Freight or Logistics Challenges:

The current logistics situation with longer transit times worldwide is a concern, but the overall raise in costs is more important.

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

Historically these markets have preferred Green Anjou and Bosc, smaller sizes and fancy grades.

Update on the Competition in the Market:

Both countries did have a shortage of pears; normally, they would hold Argentinean fruit as long as possible, but this season there was little to none available. High prices reduced the opportunities. In Ecuador, some European fruit was found in the market, but in general there were fewer pears available. Some retailers had zero pears on their shelves. In Peru, the little volume that was imported from the US was somehow distributed to the small shops. And most retailers hade little-to-no pears on shelves, as well.

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

Both countries are in recovery mode. Peru with changes to its president and elections, while Ecuador with economic challenges internally, pushing the government to dedicate efforts to hold the country together. Peru has presidential election in April 12th, over 50 candidates are running this year. Safety is one of the big issues.

Other Brief Comments:

N/A