CENTRAL AMERICAN REGION

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

During December, trade members in the Central American region continue receiving Northwest pears shipments, during this month USA pears reported a volume increase to supply the wholesale markets and retailers during the Christmas season. Importers and retailers such as Fruta Internacional, Frutas del Mundo, Imfrusalys, VPC, Imporfrut, Grupo Dispersa, RH Mejía, El Machetazo, Super 99, CCN, Walmart, among others, mentioned they will continue receiving additional shipments in the upcoming weeks. USA Pears reported a 75% market share at wholesale level; at retail level it was 74% in supermarket stores and 75% in traditional channels, good quality and sales were reported in the region.

Expectations for Any Freight or Logistics Challenges:

Trade members do not anticipate any freight or logistics operations that could affect USA pear arrivals in the upcoming months. They are scheduling their purchases in advance to prevent any delays during the season.

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

Trade members indicated that Anjou and Red Anjou are the main varieties requested in the region, but in Guatemala, Bosc variety represent the largest volumes, however they are open to import other varieties like Forelle, Starkirmson, Comice, Seckel if prices are competitive. In terms of sizes, trade members prefer small and medium sizes followed by large sizes to supply the high-end supermarket chains in the region. Regarding quality grades, U.S. No. 1 is the preferred grade, followed by Fancy.

Update on the Competition in the Market:

Pears from Argentina reported a 15% pear market share at wholesale level, while at retail level reported a 15% in supermarket stores and 17% in traditional channels. Anjou variety reported the highest volumes followed by Packham’s and Bosc; sales and quality were reported as good. Volumes are expected to decrease during the next period due trade members will not receive more loads. Pears from Chile reported a 7% pear market share in the wholesale sector, while at retail level, it reported a 7% in both the supermarket stores and traditional channels. Forelle variety reported the highest volumes followed by Packham’s; good sales and quality were reported in this sector. Volumes are expected to decrease during the next month. California pears reported a limited availability this month, reaching just a 1% pear market share in the wholesale sector and 2% in supermarket stores. Asian pear was the only variety available in the market; good sales and quality were reported. Volumes are expected to decrease during the next month. Pears from Spain were available in Panama and Costa Rica, reporting a 2% pear market share at wholesale level, 2% in supermarket stores and just 1% in traditional channels; Ercolini was the only variety available in the market; good sales and quality were reported. Volumes are expected to decrease during the next month.

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

As of December 2025, no significant political or economic factors are expected to negatively impact U.S. pear imports in Central America and the Dominican Republic. The region closed the year with moderate economic growth averaging around 3.3%–3.6%, supported by domestic consumption, remittances, tourism, and easing inflation, although consumer price sensitivity for imported goods remains.

Other Brief Comments:

The fresh produce segment in Central America and the Dominican Republic continued to present opportunities for premium imported fruit, driven by improving consumer preferences for quality and by the ongoing expansion and modernization of the retail sector. During the Christmas season, importers benefited from stronger retail activity across both modern supermarkets and traditional channels, supporting stable demand for imported fruit despite a generally cautious consumer environment.