Exporters are preparing for the new regulation that will be implemented from 2020 in the U.S. market, among which is the application of a new table of nutritional data in packaged products.
Representatives of the Guatemalan Association of Exporters (Agexport) reported that both U.S. and foreign companies exporting to the U.S., must comply with new food labeling standards.
The fair will be held in El Salvador from September 21st to 22nd and will address issues such as innovation in packaging, automation in food chains, and international industry standards.
From a statement by the Salvadoran Foundation for Economic and Social Development (FUSADES):
For the fourth consecutive year, the Ministry of Economy and the Salvadoran Foundation for Economic and Social Development, FUSADES through its Technology Innovation Program, Proinnova, and the Marketing Cell for Food and Beverages will be holding on 21 and 22 of September a Congress and fair on the most significant technology in the Food and Beverage Industry of El Salvador: Food & Tecnology Beverege Summit 2015.
Individual packages and innovation in packaging are part of the strategies used by the food industry in Latin America to improve the positioning of healthy packaged products.
From a statement issued by the Costa Rican Foreign Trade Promotion Office (Procomer):
The Latin American region has shown a preference for choosing healthier options of packaged foods.
When purchasing packaged foods, German consumers show a preference for small or personal sized packages and those which are transparent or colorful.
From a statement issued by the Costa Rican Foreign Trade Promotion Office (Procomer):
In the German market the issue of packaging is extremely important. It is not only an indispensable element for protection of the product, showing information regarding the use and conservation of food and drinks, but it is also the image that catches consumer's eyes making it a differentiator between brands . Moreover, it is one of the main signals regarding product quality, especially when it comes to new products. Consequently, continuous innovation in packaging is essential in this market.
When selecting products UK consumers pay more attention to taste, freshness, traceability and packaging rather than the price factor.
From a statement from the Costa Rican Foreign Trade Promotion Office (PROCOMER):
Buyers' needs are changing in the UK and a representative of the supermarket giant Tesco believes that retailers must understand the new opportunities that this implies.
Under the new regulations, the statement "gluten free" may be used only when the food sold to the final consumer contains not more than 20 mg / kg.
From a statement issued by the Foreign Trade Promotion Office of Costa Rica (Procomer):
The European Commission has issued Regulation No. 828/2014 to regulate the terms "gluten free" and "very low gluten" which so far have been regulsated by Regulation No.
Starting August 5, 2014, any food product which is labeled on or after this date with a caption describing it as gluten free must comply with the requirements.
From a statement issued by the U.S.Food and Drug Administration (FDA):
In August 2013, the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) released a final rule defining the characteristics required of a food carrying a label stating that it is "gluten free".
Packaged foods that are exported to the South American country must indicate levels of sugar, salt and fat.
The advertising of packaged foods containing high levels of sugar, salt or fat must contain the message "Eating healthy and exercising is good for your health." The new regulation applies to products manufactured in Chile and imported ones.
From an article by the Costa Rican Foreign Trade Promotion Office (PROCOMER):
Nutritional labels on food exported to Mexico detailing sugar, fat and salt on exports to Ecuador are part of the changes.
The Association of Producers and Exporters of Nicaragua (APEN) confirmed that from this and next year Mexico and Ecuador will implement new labeling rules for foods and beverages. Exporters will have to take into account those rules if they want to place their products in those markets.
In the Netherlands new labeling will give information on the geographical origin of perishable goods and the conditions under which it has been handled, stored and transported.
From an article by the Costa Rican Foreign Trade Promotion Office (PROCOMER):
A new sensor based label will allow, among other benefits, reduction of the risk of pesticide residues found in fruits and vegetables.
Of the 703 products surveyed by the Consumer Ombudsman in El Salvador 75% do not meet the standards set by the law.
This was announced by the chief of the institution, Yanci Urbina, during the first national Codex Alimentarius congress. Some 3,123 products were submitted to analysis, 457 were submitted for safety and 69% breached at least one technical standard or standard under the Consumer Protection Act.
Fishery and aquaculture products are to have specific rules on labeling, which will apply to both locals and imported foods.
From an article by the Costa Rican Trade Promotion Office (PROCOMER):
The 27 member states and the European Parliament (EP) have reached an agreement on the implementation of a Common Market Organization for fishery and aquaculture products (CMO), which includes specific rules that in regards to labeling local and imported products.
The increasing trend for Italian consumers to consume processed foods, is creating an opportunity for both food exporters and manufacturers of packaging.
From an article by the Costa Rican Trade Promotion Office (PROCOMER):
The economic crisis in Italy has led to Italians reducing their habit of dining out, which caused a rise in the need for processed foods which accompany and facilitate cooking at home, specifically sauces, dressings and condiments, which must always maintain the best quality for a demanding market.
Food businesses in Costa Rica are calling for the elimination of treasury guidelines preventing them from applying tax credits on packaging material for their products.
A statement from the Costa Rican Chamber of Food Industry (CACIA) reads:
The Food industry considers it urgent that the Treasury reapply tax credits on product packaging
Government is exacerbating food price crisis
Five regulations signed by the COMIECO will facilitate trade within the region and minimize the cost of economic exchange.
The Council of Ministers of Economy (Comieco) agreed to sign 5 regulations to standardize the use of packaging and labels at the regional level, in order to facilitate trade and minimize costs of economic exchange in the isthmus, reported Agencia Guatemalteca de Noticias.