CENTRAL AMERICAN REGION

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

During March, trade members in the Central American region received USA pears loads, trade members like Grupo Dispersa, Fruta Internacional, Interfrutd, Vida Produce Company, Bravo, Grupo Ramos, and Centro Cuesta Nacional will continue receiving USA pear loads during the next weeks. The Northwest pears represented the largest volumes in the market, reporting a 68% pear market share in the wholesale sector, while at retail level it reached a 69% share in supermarket stores and 71% in traditional channels. Sales and quality were reported as good. Volumes expected to remain at the same level for the upcoming month.

Expectations for Any Freight or Logistics Challenges:

Trade members are not expecting any challenges or concerns related to freight or logistics that could affect their USA pear shipments. Importers are planning their USA pear purchases in advance to avoid any potential logistical issues.

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

Anjou, Bosc, and Red Anjou are expected to continue as the main varieties requested by importers in the region; however, trade members remain open to sourcing other varieties if prices are competitive. Regarding sizes, importers prefer small and medium sizes, followed by larger sizes, which are primarily supplied to high-end supermarket chains such as Automercado. In terms of quality grades, U.S. No. 1 is the most preferred, followed by Fancy and third grade.

Update on the Competition in the Market:

Chilean pears reported an increase in volumes during this month; importers increased their volume from this origin to supply the wholesale and retail sectors. During March, pears from Chile reported a 26% pear market share in the wholesale sector, while at retail level, it reached a 23% in supermarket stores and 27% traditional channels. Forelle variety reported the highest volumes followed by Candy and Packham’s; sales and quality were reported as good. Volumes are expected to decrease during the next month. Pears from Spain were available in Panama, Costa Rica and El Salvador, reaching an 5% pear market share in the wholesale sector, 4% in supermarket stores and 2% 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. California pears reported a 1% pear market share in the wholesale sector and 2% 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 next month. Pears from Argentina were available just in the retail sector in Panama, reporting a 2% pear market share in supermarket stores. Packham’s was the only variety available in the market; good sales and quality were reported during this period. Volumes are expected to decrease during the next month due to trade members not receiving more loads.

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

As of March 2026, Central America region continues to show stable economic growth, supported by domestic consumption and remittances. While remittance growth has moderated, it remains a key driver of household spending. Inflation has eased across most markets, helping stabilize purchasing power; however, exchange rate fluctuations and logistics costs continue to impact import prices and margins. The Dominican Republic continues to outperform the region, supporting stronger consumption, particularly in the retail sector. Overall, import activity remains stable, with importers maintaining cautious inventory management and focusing on efficient turnover.

Other Brief Comments:

The fresh produce market remains favorable for imported fruit, supported by the continued expansion of modern retail, although traditional channels still dominate overall volume. During March, Walmart in Central America and Centro Cuesta Nacional continue to expand their operations through new store openings. Overall, the market remains resilient, with steady demand for competitively priced fresh products and ongoing opportunities for high-quality imports.