INDIA

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

Indian trade is enthusiastic about importing USA Pears this year. PBNW India office is pushing hard to get key importers to look at importing USA Pears loads to re-open the market that has been completely taken over by the pears from South Africa.

Expectations for Any Freight or Logistics Challenges:

The extended transit time of 45–50 days remains a notable challenge for the importers. Apart from that, there are no extraordinary challenges. The standard considerations - such as infrastructure limitations and limited cold chain management - especially in the last mile - remain a challenge in India.

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

Indian consumers like pears that are crispy, juicy, and sweet. There is good opportunity in India for Anjou varieties. The preferred quality is US No. 1. Size preference is for medium size pears. Overall, India likes the Forelle pears, which is what it imports most from South Africa and Chile.

Update on the Competition in the Market:

Currently, the imported pear segment in India is dominated by South African pears, which hold over 80% market share. In recent years, Chilean pears have steadily increased their presence, now accounting for approximately 11% of the market. Additionally, about 6% of imported pears come via the UAE, a country that does not produce pears. This raises significant concerns about the illegal re-routing of banned Chinese-origin pears, such as Ya Pear and Shandong varieties, which continue to be observed in Indian markets despite a formal ban on Chinese pears imposed in 2017. This year, end-of-season shipments from South Africa are expected until November and the new season South African crop is expected from early February. This will give USA Pears a 8-10 week window in December and January. It will be important for USA Pears suppliers to push volumes in this period.

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

India and the United States maintain a strong but occasionally complex trade relationship, marked by both cooperation and contention. Both countries are making significant efforts to resolve tariff-related disputes. Trade negotiations between the two countries is currently ongoing. However, negotiations on agricultural products remain a roadblock.

Other Brief Comments:

This appears to be a season when USA Pears will be able to breakthrough in the market after several years of non-presence. Several importers have confirmed that they have imported USA Pears. PBNW India office will make all efforts to ensure that USA Pears regain their lost market share.