Pear demand is strong this season but facing challenges due to lower production domestically. “With less volume of pears out of the Northwestern U.S. than in previous years, we are looking for alternative sources to handle the demand. Europe and China are serving us well although with different varieties,” says Chris Sarantis of Canadawide, which distributes product through Quebec, Ontario and the Maritimes in Canada.
"Europe and China are serving us well although with different varieties,” says Chris Sarantis
Lunar New Year is around the corner on January 22 this year. “Asian pears demand is picking up with retailers looking to promote Asian-themed products. Even though they fall into the pear category, retailers don’t necessarily promote or market them as aggressively as they do a domestic Bartlett, Bosc or Anjou pear. Those varieties normally take up a lot of real estate in the produce area and the Asian pears take up less space,” says Sarantis. Retailers generally look at promoting produce items around the different ethnic holidays and pears are one of many fruits that are popular at this time of year along with pomelos, cherries and lychees. In pears, Canadawide is shipping Ya pears, Golden Pears and Brown pears from China.
Sarantis says with less volume of pears out of the Northwestern U.S. than in previous years, it is looking for alternative sources to handle the demand.
Logistics improved somewhat
Generally, the supply of pears from China is good this year. “The biggest challenge is always the transit due to the transit time which is still pretty substantial as it takes upwards of four weeks to get it here,” says Sarantis. Last year was more of a challenge. “You still have to plan for it well in advance otherwise it won’t get here in time for the holidays.”
Asian pear demand is picking up with retailers looking to promote Asian-themed products.
Also on imports, Canadawide is receiving Abate pears from Spain and Italy as well as Rocha pears from Portugal. “Rocha is the one variety that has shown the largest increase in terms of opportunities because the pricing structure was not as affected as it was with Northwestern pears,” says Sarantis. “With domestic pears seeing higher pricing over last year given the smaller volume, imported pears like Rocha are a great alternative to promote. Asian pears, which are priced similarly to last year, are also great to promote.”
For more information:
Chris Sarantis
Canadawide
Tel: (514) 382-3232
[email protected]
www.canadwidefruits.com
