In W34 in the pear landscape, fresh pears in Uzbekistan have experienced a 13% decrease in the wholesale prices in the past weeks, but are still 25% higher than in 2022. Since Jul-23, prices have remained above 2022 levels. The average wholesale price for a pear decreased from USD 1.91 to 1.66 per kilogram (UZS 23,000 to 20,000/kg), compared to USD 1.33/kg (UZS 16,000/kg) in 2022. Uzbekistan began exporting early Uzbek pear to foreign markets in Jun-23, with trade statistics showing a 2.5-fold increase in fresh pears exports from June 16 to August 15, 2023. This represents a 1 thousand ton increase from the same period in 2022.
Argentina exported 252.2 thousand tons of pears during the first half of 2023, a 17% YoY increase compared to the volume of 215.9 thousand tons exported in 2022. Argentina produced 543.6 thousand tons of pears, with 37% allocated to the juice industry and 16% sent to the domestic market. The main export markets of Argentinean apples were Brazil with 90.1 thousand tons, Russia with 52.4 thousand tons, the United States (US) with 41.8 thousand tons, Italy with 12.7 thousand tons, and Mexico with 11.8 thousand tons.
Californian pears have entered their official harvesting season, which started in Jul-23. Among the various varieties, the Bartlett pear is very popular among Mexican consumers and dominates trade with a substantial 80% of the total volume exported. The International California Pear Week annual celebration celebrates this versatile variety, known for its three different ripening stages.
Pear producers in Washington and Oregon have voted to continue their federal marketing order, established in 1939, which allows the industry to conduct production and marketing research, promotional initiatives, and set regulations for the best eating quality of pears. The Fresh Pear Committee, consisting of elected growers and shippers from all four growing districts, has the authority to set annual assessment rates for consumer and pear agricultural research, as well as advertising and promotion funds. The Pear Bureau Northwest conducts marketing programs to increase consumption in the US and worldwide. The United States Department of Agriculture (USDA)’s latest data shows a 25% increase in per capita pear consumption, rising from 2.5 pounds in 2015 to 3 pounds per person in 2021.
Italian pear growers are experiencing a substantial yield decline in 2023, with only 30% of the potential production available. Unfavorable weather conditions and plant diseases have contributed to the shortage of pears, prompting pear growers to implement specific interventions and reduce acreage. Lastly, the new season for Hebei pears has brought about increased production and improved quality. The average price of pears at the orchard has increased to USD 0.82/kg (RMB 6/kg), which is about one-third higher than previous prices. The outlook for the market in 2023 is promising, leading to higher export prices.
