GULF STATES

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

Trade reported general satisfaction with the quality of USA Pears received this season. Importers and retailers report that the fruit has held up well on shelves, maintaining good appearance and eating quality throughout the duration of ongoing in-store promotions. Despite broader regional instability, the ongoing conflict has not had a negative impact on sales performance or consumer sentiment. Demand has remained steady, and there has been no observable shift in purchasing behavior away from U.S. products.

Expectations for Any Freight or Logistics Challenges:

No further USA Pear exports are planned to the region this season. Logistics remain a concern, as constraints on key maritime routes continue to affect shipping patterns. Carriers are rerouting via longer alternatives, leading to higher freight costs and extended transit times, typically adding 10–15 days or more compared to normal conditions. Importers report increasing congestion at secondary ports and greater reliance on hybrid logistics models, including sea–land bridge solutions such as routing cargo through Oman and trucking into the UAE and wider GCC. While these approaches have helped maintain supply, they come with higher costs and added complexity. Overland corridors, particularly KSA–UAE routes, are being used more frequently but are under pressure due to truck shortages, customs delays, and limited capacity. As a result, while product availability has been maintained, logistics remain a key concern, especially around cost predictability, transit reliability, and planning for future shipments.

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

Premium opportunities lie in Bartlett pear and Bosc pear (U.S. No. 1 and Fancy) via air freight for high-end retail. Green Anjou pear (primarily U.S. No. 1 and Fancy) remains the core bulk variety supplying most retail chains due to its durability and suitability for sea freight.

Update on the Competition in the Market:

Competition remains strong, led by South Africa, which continues to dominate supply with consistent volumes and competitive pricing during its peak season. European varieties and Argentine Anjou are also active in the market, filling gaps ahead of South African arrivals.

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

Regional tensions continue to impact logistics and freight costs, but have not affected consumer demand. Inflation and higher shipping costs are increasing price sensitivity for importers, while strong purchasing power in the GCC continues to support demand for premium fruit.

Other Brief Comments:

Northern Hemisphere imports are becoming more challenging under current logistics conditions. It remains to be seen whether a lasting resolution will be in place ahead of next season. USA Pears in the Gulf remains in regular contact with importers and will continue to assess conditions ahead of the next season.