Jeff Correa, international marketing director for the Pear Bureau Northwest, said global markets continue to grow and flourish for USA pears. “Mexico is our top export market followed by Canada, which is handled by our domestic marketing team,” he told The Produce News. “Between those two markets, they account for over 65 percent of total exports. United Arab Emirates, China, Colombia, Saudi Arabia, Brazil, Taiwan, Hong Kong and India round out the top ten [though not necessarily in that order].”

Exports typically range from 38-42 percent of the annual pear crop from the Pacific Northwest, fluctuating due to size profile of the pears, exchange rate fluctuations in top export markets, and market access issues to export markets.

“Last season was a down year for most export markets due to the smaller crop and exchange rate fluctuations in several top export markets,” he said. “However, exports to Saudi Arabia were very strong, and exports to Central American markets showed a small increase over last season. The season also has ended on a strong note with very good pricing to Mexico in the last few months of our season.”

Outreach to educate children and adults alike about the value of eating pears from the Pacific Northwest takes place in produce departments in Mexico. Photo courtesy of the Pear Bureau Northwest.He expected to see increases to key export markets such as Colombia, Brazil, India and China during the 2016-17 pear season, saying that, “the exchange rates have stabilized in those countries and have even strengthened somewhat as in the case of the Brazilian Real which should increase the importers’ confidence. We are expecting to have bigger size pears this season which could mean more export opportunities to China.”

China is the newest export market for USA pears, and 2016-17 will be the fourth full season of market access. “Last season, exports dropped due to the exchange rate devaluation and economic slowdown in China,” Correa explained. “We expect to see a bounce-back in China since we are expecting to have more larger size pears this season which are preferred in China. China is also the industry’s top red pear export market — for Starkrimsons and Red Anjous. Red pears make up about 50-55 percent of the total export volume to China.”

Vietnam is another emerging market for USA pears. “It is a much smaller market compared to China, but it is showing good potential for growth,” he stated. “The Pear Bureau has been active in the market for nine years.”

He was asked about markets which may be showing a decline or closing to imports of USA pears. “In 2016-17, we will no longer be conducting promotions in Europe — Sweden, Germany and the United Kingdom,” he replied. “The Economic Union Maximum Residue Limits regulations have closed the market to USA Pears where it is too risky to ship to Europe. The market had been in decline for several years, and so the latest reduction of the MRL level on ethoxyquin was the last straw.”

Green Anjou is the most popular export variety followed by the Bartlett, Red Anjou and Bosc.

“That somewhat mirrors the production levels,” Correa commented. “The green Anjou represents probably around 65-70 percent of the export volume.”