COLOMBIA

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

During November, trade members received the first shipments from the Northwest for the 25–26 season. Importers received Northwest pear loads and are expected to receive additional shipments in the coming weeks. Other importers mentioned that they are expecting the arrival of USA Pear loads to supply their clients during the Christmas season. Other importers and retailers continue requesting quotations and expect to import their first loads during December-January. However, they noted that they need timely responses to their quotations because in previous seasons they did not receive replies. This season, they see a strong opportunity to import USA pears in the coming months, considering pricing, medium sizes, and the availability of the Anjou and Packham varieties. During November, USA Pears were available in the market, reaching a 16% pear market share in the wholesale sector, 9% in supermarket stores and 4% in traditional channels. Only Anjou variety was available in the market. Importers mentioned that sales and quality were good.

Expectations for Any Freight or Logistics Challenges:

Trade members do not anticipate any freight or logistical challenges that could impact USA Pear imports in the coming months. They plan to schedule their purchases well in advance to prevent any potential delays during the Christmas season.

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

Trade members are mainly interested in the Anjou and Packham varieties this season, but some importers are also open to importing other varieties such as Bosc and Red Anjou if prices are competitive for supplying the retail sector. In terms of sizes, they prefer small and medium fruit. Regarding quality grades, U.S. No. 1 is their preferred grade, followed by Fancy.

Update on the Competition in the Market:

Pears from Chile reported the highest volumes in the market; however, trade members mentioned that the season has ended. During November, this origin held a 59% pear market share at the wholesale level, while at retail it reported a 61% share in supermarket stores and 59% in traditional channels. Packham was the only variety available in the market; sales and quality were reported as good this month. Volumes are expected to decrease next month because importers will not receive additional loads. Domestic pears reported a 20% market share in the wholesale sector, a 23% share in supermarket stores, and 30% in traditional channels. Sales and quality were reported as good, and volumes are expected to remain at the same level next month. Pears from Argentina reported a 5% pear market share at the wholesale level, while at retail this origin reported a 7% share in both supermarket stores and traditional channels. Anjou was the only variety available; sales and quality were reported as good. Volumes are expected to decrease next month because importers will not receive more loads.

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

There are no significant political or economic factors expected to impact USA Pear import volumes in Colombia. Regarding the inflation rate, as of October 2025 this indicator stands at 5.51%. Based on the current trend, inflation is expected to continue exceeding projections from both the market and the National Government, which estimate a year-end CPI between 5% and 5.3%.

Other Brief Comments:

The Colombian retail sector is undergoing a new phase of transformation marked by the entry of PriceSmart, a U.S. membership-based wholesale chain expanding across Latin America, and by modernization efforts from traditional players like Grupo Éxito. The latter is investing an estimated USD 100 million in 2025 to update stores and refresh its brand, reflecting the industry’s shift toward more specialized and modern retail concepts as older, traditional formats gradually disappear.