TAIWAN

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

January fell within the Lunar New Year selling period, during which red-colored fruits generally perform better in the market. As a result, Red Anjou pears were more popular than Green Anjou pears. However, Starkrimson shipments were still arriving in late December, and the poor quality raised concerns among traders regarding the overall quality of USA Pears. As of January, Starkrimson pears were still unsold. Prior to the Lunar New Year, market demand favored larger fruit sizes. Recently, #135-sized Anjou pears were found in the wholesale market. Although the quality was acceptable, the size was considered too small to meet current market demand, resulting in sales challenges in the wholesale channel as well. Beginning in February, the number of retail channels continuing to carry USA Pears in the Taiwan market is expected to decrease significantly. In particular, if Red Anjou pears are not available for sale during the Lunar New Year period, it would become a low season for USA Pear sales. PBNW-Taiwan will continue to communicate closely with retail partners and utilize the promotional budgets to encourage retailers to extend the in-store presence of USA Pears and increase overall sales performance.

Expectations for Any Freight or Logistics Challenges:

Logistics conditions remained stable during the period.

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

At this stage of the season, Red Anjou pears in sizes #100-110 were the most popular in the market. Green pears in sizes #110-120 were also considered attractive, if they were offered at competitive prices.

Update on the Competition in the Market:

Before the Lunar New Year, retail chains focused their promotions primarily on fruit gift boxes/baskets, which do not typically feature USA Pears.

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

None at this time.

Other Brief Comments:

Consumer interest has grown for prepackaged USA Pears, particularly USA Pears packaged in box, which was the most popular format in the past. To enhance the perceived quality of boxed USA Pears, retail partners utilized stickers provided by PBNW-Taiwan. The improvement in packaging presentation helped attract consumer attention and effectively stimulated sales.