MEXICO

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

This period, importers and wholesalers reported strong sales for USA Pears, current prices in origin have helped to maintain prices offered at wholesale level; good quality conditions have been a key factor for good sales turnover, but also, high price for domestic and imported apples motivate customers to switch from apples to pears to have better sales and profits in their outlets and stalls. Importers expect volumes continue increasing, especially because Northwest pears coming from CA rooms have arrived into the market with good quality conditions. Even when some importers mentioned pears from Argentina are already on the way to Mexico, they expect strong competition with USA Pears who are performing well.

Expectations for Any Freight or Logistics Challenges:

For the first days of April is expected a transports and farmers strike, which means a possible roads block, this situation could affect the arrival of perishables, domestic and imported, to the main wholesale markets in Mexico.

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

Trade members in the wholesale and retail sector continue requesting Anjou pears due consumers preference, due its good quality and the market diversity, sizes from 60 to 150 can be handled in Mexico if the price is attractive for consumers, of course for lower prices, some market segments are open to accept second and third grade. Other varieties like Bosc and Red Anjou are also requested, but in some market niches, especially in supermarket stores to have diversity in the display areas, but volumes handled are lower than Anjou’s, and its prices are higher as well.

Update on the Competition in the Market:

USA Pears reported a 99% pear market share at wholesale level, 98% at supermarket stores and 99% at traditional channels; sales and quality were reported as excellent. Pears from China were available at wholesale level, representing 1% pear market share, while in supermarket stores was 2%, and 1% at traditional channels; quality was good, but sales were low due its higher price and limited availability, as they are only intended to meet the needs of some customers.

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

Inflation in Mexico continued to rise during the first half of March 2026, exceeding the Bank of Mexico's target for the second consecutive two-week period, according to the National Institute of Statistics and Geography (INEGI). In the first half of March, it registered a 4.63% year-on-year increase, the highest figure since the second half of October and marking two consecutive two-week periods above 4%, thus exceeding the Bank of Mexico's (Banxico) target. The rise in inflation was primarily driven by price increases in basic food items and everyday products. The prevailing sentiment is that money buys less, with declining purchasing power, and that daily expenses are becoming increasingly burdensome.

Other Brief Comments:

Walmex plans to invest 43 billion pesos in 2026 to open stores and accelerate digitalization. Walmart Mexico and Central America said that 24% of the announced investment will be used to grow and modernize the supply chain through automation, a 10% increase compared to last year. These resources will be used to modernize stores and accelerate digital transformation in the region. Last year, the self-service store chain made capital investments of 39 billion pesos, focused on store openings, supply chain, technology, and digital capabilities. 26% of this year's investment will be used to open new stores and clubs, with the goal of opening more than 1,500 units between 2025 and 2029, with Bodega Aurrera serving as the engine of growth.