NEW ZEALAND

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

There is interest in USA Bosc, depending on prices and exchange rate. Discussions with trade suggest they would be looking for arrivals for November through Christmas. There is limited interest in USA Anjou due to plentiful availability of Australian Packham.

Expectations for Any Freight or Logistics Challenges:

Pre-season meetings with trade indicate there are fortnightly arrival options.

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

USA Bosc is looking like the main opportunity once the NZ season finishes.

Update on the Competition in the Market:

There is still plenty of New Zealand local fruit around and there is Australian Packham in market. The Woolworths supermarket group is bringing in a new 4-pack red pear from Australia called 'Red Angel.'

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

During pre-season trade meetings, retailers reported consumers are still conservative in their spending and looking for value. While there are some anecdotal signs the economy is getting stronger, there is also a sense that dollars are tight and economically things are tight for the average Kiwi consumer.

Other Brief Comments:

Overall, pear pricing is higher this season than in the past. Merchandising reports show very limited value pricing at NZD$3.99. Most pear pricing ranges from NZD$4.99 up to NZD$8.99 depending on the retailer and the region.