PRODUCE INDUSTRY Pears NUTRITIONAL TREASURE WITH GLOBAL IMPACT By Paola Ochoa, AgTools ild pears probably originated in the mountainous regions of Eastern Europe and Western Asia, suggesting their cultivation began somewhere in between. In China, however, their cultivation dates back more Wthan 3,000 years, and this country remains, as Washington, Oregon, and California. to this day, the world's largest producer of pears. 吀栀is decline in domestic production has been partially o昀昀set En la cocina hispana, la pera ha ganado un lugar especial by sustained imports of pears from Argentina, which have gracias a su sabor dulce y versatilidad. Se utiliza en una amplia shown gradual growth in recent years. variedad de recetas, desde las tradicionales tartas y compotas During the 昀椀rst 10 months of 2024, imports of Argentine que acompañan postres y galletas, hasta las clásicas peras en pears increased by 7.58%, which has helped mitigate the impact almíbar. of the decline in domestic production and maintain supply in the U.S. market. NUTRITIONAL TREASURE 吀栀e growing importance of Argentine pears in the U.S. 吀栀ey are also protagonists in fresh salads, much appreciated market over the past year has in昀氀uenced prices of the Bartlett by Hispanic families. In these, they are mixed with tropical pear, one of the most widely grown varieties in the U.S., fruits such as mango, pineapple, or papaya, standing out for recognized for its green skin that turns yellow as it ripens. their ability to balance acid and sweet 昀氀avors. In the 昀椀rst quarter of 2024, the price per 18-kilogram box In addition to their culinary value, pears are an excellent peaked at up to $44 at the Port of Philadelphia, while the lowest source of dietary 昀椀ber, especially in their skin. A medium pear price recorded this year was $34 at the end of March. provides approximately 6 grams of 昀椀ber, which covers about Interestingly, this 2024 low price coincides with the high 20% of the recommended daily intake. As they contain no fat reached during the same period in 2023, re昀氀ecting the impact or cholesterol, they are an ideal choice for those seeking to of imports and market dynamics on prices. maintain their cardiovascular health. We can conclude that pears are a fruit rich in fiber, antioxidants, and essential nutrients such as vitamin C and GLOBAL IMPACT potassium, making them a healthy choice for maintaining a In 2023, several U.S. states, mainly Washington, Oregon, and balanced diet and promoting digestive, cardiovascular, and California, were at the forefront of pear production. metabolic health. In addition, countries such as Argentina and Chile contribute to meeting the high demand of the U.S. market through their exports at certain times of the year. 吀栀is ensures a constant In addition, the famous supply for domestic consumers. Christmas song “吀栀e Twelve During the 昀椀rst 10 months of 2023, 624 million pounds Days of Christmas” mentions of pears were traded in the United States. However, in 2024, a partridge in a pear tree, that 昀椀gure has dropped to 586 million pounds, representing which has popularized a 5.81% drop. the pear as a Christmas 吀栀is year has seen the lowest volume traded in the last seven symbol within families in the years, re昀氀ecting a notable decline in market supply. United States. 吀栀e drop has been mainly due to the decrease in production in the main pear-producing states in the United States, such 6060 NNOOVVEEMMBBEERR/ D/ DECECEEMMBBEER 2R 200224 4 AABBAASSTOTO..CCOOMM