CENTRAL AMERICAN REGION

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

During February, importers and retailers in the Central American region received USA pears loads, trade members like Grupo Dispersa, Fruta Internacional, Vida Produce Company, Grupo Rey and Centro Cuesta Nacional will continue receiving USA pear loads during the next weeks. They mentioned that quality and sales were reported as good. USA Pears reported a 68% market share in the wholesale sector, while at retail level it reached a 72% share in supermarket stores and 75% in traditional channels.

Expectations for Any Freight or Logistics Challenges:

During the upcoming month, trade members aren’t expecting challenges or concerns related to freight or logistics that could affect their USA pears loads. Importers are planning their USA Pears purchases in advance to avoid any potential logistical problems.

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

Anjou, Bosc and Red Anjou to be continue the main varieties requested by importers in the region; however, trade members are open to importing other varieties if prices are competitive. Regarding sizes, importers prefer small and medium sizes, followed by larger sizes which are to supply high-end supermarket chains like Automercado in Costa Rica. Regarding quality grades, U.S. No. 1 is the preferred grade, followed by Fancy and Third grade.

Update on the Competition in the Market:

Pears from Chile reported an increase in volumes during this month; at wholesale level, it reported a 16% pear market share, while at retail level, this origin reached a 14% in supermarket stores and 16% traditional channels. Forelle variety reported the highest volumes followed by Bartlett and Packhams; sales and quality were reported as good. Volumes are expected to decrease during the next month. Pears from Argentina reported a 5% pear market share at wholesale level, 4% in supermarket stores and 5% in traditional channels. Anjou reported the highest volumes followed by Packhams variety; good sales and quality were reported during this period. Volumes are expected to decrease during the next month due to trade members will not receive more loads. California pears reported limited availability in display areas in the region, reaching a 3% pear market share in the wholesale sector and 4% in supermarket stores. Asian pear was the only variety available in the market; sales and quality were reported as good. Volumes are expected to remain at the same level during the upcoming month. Pears from Spain were available just in Panama, Costa Rica and El Salvador, reaching an 8% pear market share in the wholesale sector, 6% in supermarket stores and 4% 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:

No major political or economic developments are expected to materially affect Northwest pear imports in the Central America region. The region continues to show moderate economic growth, supported by steady domestic demand and remittance inflows.

Other Brief Comments:

Fresh produce market in the region remains favorable for premium imported fruit. The ongoing development of organized retail channels and broader consumer exposure to higher-quality standards continue to support demand.