CENTRAL AMERICAN REGION

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

Trade members are interested in importing USA Pears during the 2025–2026 season. They are requesting quotes from their suppliers to begin importing Northwest Pears in the coming weeks and be ready for the Christmas season.

Expectations for Any Freight or Logistics Challenges:

No challenges or concerns related to freight or logistics are expected. Importers are planning their USA Pears purchases in advance to avoid any potential logistical problems, especially during the Christmas season.

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

Trade members continue to show strong interest in Anjou, Bosc, and Red Anjou varieties; however, they are also open to handling other varieties such as Starkrimson and Forelle if prices are competitive. In terms of sizes, trade members prefer small and medium sizes, though they remain open to handling larger sizes, specifically for the Costa Rica and Dominican Republic markets. U.S. #1 remains the main quality grade requested, although buyers are also willing to consider Fancy and Third grades if price is attractive.

Update on the Competition in the Market:

Pears from Argentina reported the largest volumes in the region during this period, with 60% pear market share at wholesale level, 65% in supermarket stores and 64% in traditional channels. Anjou variety reported the highest volumes followed by Bosc, Red Anjou and Packham; good sales and quality were reported in this sector. Volumes are expected to decrease during the next period because trade members will not receive more loads. Chilean pears reported 32% pear market share in the wholesale sector, 27% in supermarket stores and 34% in traditional channels. Forelle variety reported the highest volumes followed by Packham; sales and quality were reported as good in this sector. Volumes are expected to decrease during the next period because some importers will not receive more loads. California pears reported 8% pear market share in the wholesale sector, 8% in supermarket stores and 2% in traditional channels; Bosc was the only variety available; sales and quality were reported as good. Volumes are expected to increase during the next month because some importers will receive more loads in Guatemala and El Salvador.

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

There are no political or economic issues affecting imports, retail, or consumer behavior in the Central American market.

Other Brief Comments:

According to the Economic Commission for Latin America and the Caribbean (ECLAC), in 2025, Central America is expected to record an average economic growth of 3.4%, with Panama leading the region at 4.2%, while El Salvador will show the weakest performance at 2.4%. The remaining countries will fall within an intermediate range: Guatemala at 3.6%, Costa Rica at 3.5%, Honduras at 3.2%, and Nicaragua at 3.1%. Meanwhile, the Dominican Republic is projected to grow by 3.7%, positioning itself among the fastest-expanding economies in the region.