New health and hygiene protocols in the establishments and the commitment to attract national tourists in an environment where short trips will be preferred, are some of the trends predicted in the new "normality" that will come after the quarantine period.
Given the quarantines decreed by most governments worldwide, it is anticipated that the habits of tourists will change dramatically in the short and medium term, as the crisis of covid-19 will leave consequences among consumers.
The restrictions on mobility decreed in the region open up new opportunities for sales points such as small self-service shops, grocery stores and corner shops, which can make use of home delivery service schemes to boost their sales in this context.
In the current context of health crisis, large supermarket chains have implemented safety and hygiene protocols, which force consumers to assume long waiting times to do their shopping.
In the new commercial scenario generated by the covid-19 crisis, some Guatemalan companies in the plastics industry are manufacturing masks, face masks, gloves and special suits for medical use.
The activity of the sector has fallen considerably due to the restrictions imposed by the outbreak of covid-19, and it is estimated that in the country only 60% of companies engaged in the manufacture of plastic products are working.
In the context of the current health emergency, Costa Rican companies working in the production of food and cleaning supplies have had to considerably increase their operations to cover the growing demand.
The covid-19 outbreak caused consumers to increase spending on basic necessities such as food and cleaning supplies in recent weeks, forcing companies in these sectors to work overtime, invest in equipment and hire more workers on a temporary basis.
Within this context of health emergency, the mobility restriction measures decreed by the governments have forced people to change their consumption habits, a situation that forces companies to look for ways to deliver the products to their customers.
In order to adapt to this new economic reality and derived from the outbreak of covid-19 in Central American countries, companies have been forced to rely on marketing channels that until a few weeks ago were not among the most important in their commercial strategy.
Analyzing the economic and financial situation of the company, implementing a resistance plan, identifying what products customers need and what opportunities can be exploited in this context, are some of the tips for businesses in the new and complex reality.
In response to the arrival of the covid-19 virus in the region, Central American economies have taken different measures, in scenarios ranging from severe mobility restrictions, as in Guatemala or Honduras, to others that are less strict but equally negative for economic activity, as in Costa Rica.
Because of the restrictions on movement decreed in Central American countries, orders in applications dedicated to home delivery have increased considerably.
The services of electronic delivery platforms such as Hugo and Uber Eats, among others, are among the few sectors that will be able to circulate in El Salvador after Nayib Bukele announced on March 21 the home quarantine, which will last 30 days.
From July 7-10, Guatemalan companies focused on mass consumption will meet with Dominican buyers to learn about local market trends.
The event is organized by the Guatemalan Association of Exporters (Agexport) and is aimed at national companies interested in marketing mass consumption products, food service and private brands.
Guatemala's annual exports to the Dominican Republic amount to nearly $120 million, and among the main products marketed are sugar, several types of medicines, palm oil, and personal hygiene items, among others.
Following the spread of the virus globally and the suspension of some production in China, several garment companies in the region have reported increases in their orders.
The spread of the epidemic has stopped much of the economic activity of the Asian giant, which is the largest exporter of textiles in the world. This situation has forced buyers to look for alternatives.
Costa Rican businessmen who export cassava-based snacks agree that the product is accepted in different markets worldwide and that there are still opportunities to be exploited.
According to managers of the Costa Rican Chamber of Exporters, local companies engaged in the production of such products have the competitive advantage that the country harvests high quality cassava, because the sweet taste and levels of softness differentiate them from other manufacturers.
The Guatemalan Congress ratified the protocol of accession of Guatemala to the European Free Trade Association, formed by Switzerland, Norway, Iceland and Liechtenstein.
This trade agreement is a complementary instrument for Guatemalan products such as vegetables, fruits, flowers, ornamental plants, honey, spices, oils, fish and differentiated products to have easier access to Europe.
Recruiting the best staff to operate the points of sale and reducing the costs of the initial investments to set up a franchise are some of the challenges faced by franchisers, who expect better sales in 2020.
Access to financing, containment of operating costs, and maintaining profitability levels are other issues of concern to franchisors in Guatemala.
Encouraging production and raising the quality standards of the fruit are some of the challenges that Guatemala faces in order to take advantage of the multiple opportunities that exist in the international market.
It is estimated that worldwide the demand for avocado grows at a 10% annual rate and in its best season the fruit is quoted in Asian and European markets up to $1.75 per unit.
Starting to sell beef on the Guatemalan market and evaluating the possibility of signing a trade agreement between the two economies are part of the initiatives proposed by the South American country.
During his visit to Guatemala, Brazilian Foreign Minister Ernesto Araujo stated that another of the South American country's interests is to participate in the organic coffee business.
The world market for fresh and processed organic foods is one of the most dynamic today, with coffee, vegetables and tropical fruits being some of the products with the greatest business opportunities.
According to a study prepared by the Promotora de Comercio Exterior (Procomer), Switzerland is the market where the highest expenditure on organic food per person is reported, since it is estimated that consumption amounts to $325 per capita per year.