The production of pears in Mexico has been dropping for the last few years, opening great opportunities to other countries, such as the United States, Mexico's largest pear provider with 91% of all Mexican imports. Balance between domestic production and import volumes has brought good prices, both for pear producers and Mexican consumers.
Luis Felipe Moreno, president of Grupo PM, a firm representing the Association of Pear Producers of the United States in Mexico, explains that even if the national production was on its best levels, it would not manage to cover all Mexican domestic demand.
"Mexico used to produce over 40,000 tonnes," said Moreno, "but the Mexican pear market has a much larger potential. "The total market in Mexico reaches 107,000 tonnes on average. Mexicans consume one kilo of pears per year. "The country does not produce enough to supply its own market, hence the importance of imports."
"In 2011, only 25,000 tonnes were produced," said Moreno. "We have ensured good prices for growers by generating demand." As a result, pear prices, both domestic and imported, have increased, although locally produced fruit is cheaper and the imported one now remains stable.
Moreno affirms that Grupo PM is currently promoting pear consumption, which would also entail an increase in imports.
"We are interested in increasing pear consumption, but with a strategy focused on consumers." A part of Grupo PM's strategy involves taking part in Mexican supermarket promotions.
"Working with supermarkets brings us many advantages," explained Moreno. "It is a good channel to promote fruit." They have created new formats to serve customers from all social-economic levels; they are also convenient, as they account for a little over 30% of all fruit sales.
For more information:
Elia González
Grupo PM
+52 777 316 7370
