The union for the sector reports that from January to March of this year, they have exported 1,200 tons of beef, and this year they expect to sell abroad around $22 million worth.
According to authorities at the Ministry of Agriculture and Livestock (SAG), during the first quarter of the year there have been good numbers in sales abroad, reporting average exports of 400 tons per month.
Although the tea which is most consumed in the South American country is black tea, there is a growing consumer preference for new flavors, varieties and formats.
From a statement issued by PROCOMER:
Chile led tea consumption with 428 cups per person per year, taking into considertion sales of retail and foodservice channels, according to Euromonitor International.It is followed by Argentina with 95 cups per capita; Uruguay, with 80 and Bolivia with 75.For 2021, the consultancy firm estimated that in Chile consumption will reach 486 cups per year.
Globally the European country is the second largest consumer of fruit juices, with a preference for natural, squeezed and pasteurized juices.
From a statement issued by the Foreign Trade Promotion Office:
Although sales have declined slightly in recent years, France ranks second in the world in terms of consumption of fruit juice.
The contraction in consumption could be attributed to a decline in purchasing power, the increasing cost of raw materials, or a change in lifestyle on the part of French consumers.
Fruits and vegetables, followed by baby food, milk and soy milk are the organic products in demand.
From a statement issued by the Foreign Trade Promotion Office of Costa Rica (PROCOMER):
Given the continuing concern about food safety, consumers in Hong Kong are seeking safer and high quality options such as those that can be found in the organic sector, since they are perceived as being more natural and nutritious compared to conventional foods.
There is an increasing preference on the part of European consumers for confectionery products made from natural raw materials free from artificial ingredients.
From a statement issued by the Costa Rica Foreign Trade Promotion Office (PROCOMER):
Europe seeks confectionery free from artificial additives
'Natural' has become a key factor for consumers of the five largest European economies (Germany, France, UK, Italy and Spain) who choose gum flavoured with fruit, candy and other products in this category.
Between January and October 2014 the South American country exported 18% more fresh fruits to the European Union, as a result of the tariff benefits arising from the agreement.
From a statement issued by the Costa Rican Foreign Trade Promotion Office (Procomer):
The tariff benefits coming from the Free Trade Agreement between Colombia and the European Union (EU) are promoting new exports, said ProColombia.
Between 2009 and 2013 the consumption of fresh fruits in the northern country increased 6%, while in the same period vegetable consumption went up by 5%.
From a statement issued by the Costa Rican Foreign Trade Promotion Office (Procomer):
The Canadian market for fresh fruits and vegetables is estimated to be worth $11.2 billion a year. The average Canadian buys fresh produce at least once a week and consumes three to five servings per day, well below the eight to ten servings recommended by Canada's Food Guide.
A report by the Foreign Trade Promotion Offices says that healthy, gourmet and halal products top the list of foods most demanded by consumers in the country.
From a statement issued by the Foreign Trade Promotion Office (PROCOMER):
A dynamic economy and the high purchasing power of consumers in Singapore opens up opportunities for Costa Rican exporters sending products to this market and other Southeast Asian countries.
Although the market is still small, it is estimated that in the coming years it will see the same rate of growth as health products, which in the past five years have increased by 37% annually.
From an article by the Costa Rican Trade Promotion Office (PROCOMER):
The market for gluten-free foods in Chile recorded sales of $40 million a year, a small part of the industry known as special foods, which was worth $2,691 million in 2012, despite this, if it grow at similar rates to the latter group (73.5% in the last five years), the future of gluten-free products in this market has great potential.
Snacks, natural oils and fats, clarity of labeling, focus on "Millennials" and amateur chefs.
From a statement issued by the Costa Rican Foreign Trade Promotion Office (Procomer):
Five factors have been pointed out as playing an important role in the food industry in 2015
The market researcher Innova Market Insights noted that there are five factors which will play an important role in the food industry in 2015: clean labels, convenience for amateur chefs, marketing for millennials, snacks, and fats and good carbohydrates.
Supermarket or "own brands" with lower prices have started to gain ground in the market for organic and healthy food products among US consumers.
From a statement issued by the Costa Rican Foreign Trade Promotion Office (PROCOMER):
Own brands of organic and natural products are gaining ground in the US
The emergence of brands such as Kroger's Simple Truth, Wild Harvest by Supervalu and Simply Nature by Aldi for organic and natural products are a clear example of how own brands are evolving, as both producers and retailers aim to satisfy consumer demand which is increasingly more concerned about wellbeing and nutrition with more healthy options at a good price, leading many supermarkets to create their own brands focusing on a balanced diet.
US beef, pork and chicken meat produced without the use of antibiotics currently represents 5% of the market and there is a growing demand from consumers.
A preference for meat that has not received antibiotics during its production process is growing in the US, where "... in 2012, 72% of people said they were extremely or very concerned about the widespread use of antibiotics in feed for animals. "
Labels including the list of ingredients on food and beverage products are now the second most important factor in purchasing decisions of consumers in Europe, after the price.
From a statement by the Foreign Trade Promotion Office of Costa Rica (PROCOMER):
The consulting firm Ingredion has conducted a study entitled The Clean Label Guide To Europe in which analysis is made of the importance of the clean label movement in Europe.
Projections are for growth of 5% a year in the demand for natural sweeteners with no calories up to 2017, occurring mainly in developed markets such as Europe, Japan and North America.
From a statement issued by the Costa Rican Foreign Trade Promotion Office (PROCOMER):
Increased global demand for natural sweeteners
Concerns about the rising levels of obesity and related health problems, in addition to taxes on sugar in different countries, have stimulated the development of the market for calorie-free sweeteners.