In 2016 Central America purchased 1.2 million tons of solid soybean waste, 10% more than in 2015, and the vast majority came from the US.
Figures from the Information System on the Solid Waste Soybean Oil Market in Central Area compiled by the Business Intelligence Unit at CentralAmericaData: [GRAFICA caption="Click to interact with the graphic"]
The Food and Drug Administration has evaluated two varieties of apples and six potatoes which have been genetically modified and concluded that they are "as safe and nutritious as their conventional counterparts."
From a statement issued by the Food and Drug Administration of the United States (FDA):
The Food and Drug Administration of the United States (FDA) has completed its evaluation of two apple varieties which have been genetically engineered by Okanagan Specialty Fruits, Inc., and six potatoes genetically designed by JR Simplot Company and concluded that these foods are as safe and nutritious as their conventional counterparts.
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.
In the United States the importance of the price factor continues to decrease when it comes to choosing products and there is a growing tendency to buy food to improve "quality of life".
From a statement issued by the Costa Rica Foreign Trade Promotion Office (PROCOMER):
The perception of the American consumer about healthy food is changing, which could have an effect on the food industry, as companies seek to adapt in order to make greater gains in a very dynamic market, concluded an investigation by the consultancy AlixPartners.
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.
The Ministry of Environment and Natural Resources has presented a guide on the technical criteria for the design and construction of butchers and slaughterhouses and the management of wastewater and solid waste.
From a statement issued by the Ministry of Environment (MARN):
Slaughterhouses are the first link in the meat industry, because it is in them that meat for human consumption is obtained, therefore they need to operate using quality standards and all facilities must meet the requirements of proper operation, in order to ensure the health of the population and environmental protection.
Central America must improve the quality standards of its products, learn more about the consumers and simplify processes in order to take advantage of the opportunities of the Agreement with the European Union.
In order to maximize the opportunities provided by the Association Agreement which has been signed with the European Union (EU), Central American companies must have a better understanding of the European market, which has more than 500 million consumers who are demanding in terms of quality and food safety. Furthermore, it is essential to simplify export procedures in order to expedite the process of obtaining permits and other procedures which are reducing export competitiveness in Central America.
While some studies question the real benefits of a gluten free diet, overall retail sales have doubled since 2007, reaching $2.1 billion in 2013.
Responding to a consumer trend towards products considered natural and healthier the food industry has increased production of these products in order to take advantage of the growing market niche.
"Global retail sales of products specifically formulated to be gluten free have nearly doubled since 2007, reaching $2.1 billion last year, according to Euromonitor International. In Latin America, they grew by 6.3% between 2012 and 2013 to $94.8 million. The market research company projects that sales in this category of products in the region will amount to $127.3 million by 2018. "
New legislation establishes the same inspection processes for food imports and exports and domestically produced foodstuffs.
From a press release issued by the American Institute for Cooperation on Agriculture (IICA):
Exporters in Latin America and the Caribbean who market their products in Canada will probably have to improve their agricultural health and food safety (AHFS) controls if Canada approves a proposal aimed at modernizing its regulations.
"Global Gap" and "Fair Trade", are the most required certifications when exporting agricultural products.
From an article by the Costa Rican Foreign Trade Promotion Office (PROCOMER):
The most sought after quality seals this year by the major agricultural export markets are Global Gap, which applies to fruits and vegetables, and Fair Trade, which ensures companies are socially responsible, said Armando Bonifaz, specialist in certifications marks and general manager of the certifying entity BCS OKO Garantie.
In the European Union the maximum level of perchlorate in fruits and vegetables is 0.5 mg / kg, and 0.2 mg / kg in citrus fruits, tubers, grapes, spinach, melons and watermelons.
From an article by the Costa Rican Foreign Trade Promotion Office (PROCOMER):
The Standing Committee on the Food Chain and Animal Health of the European Union has agreed to set maximum permitted levels of perchlorate in food and has asked all member states of the European Union and traders to monitor compliance with these standards, especially in the case of fruits and vegetables from greenhouses.
The Trade Facilitation Office of Canada is to give a webinar about changes to the food inspection regime in that country.
A statement from the Costa Rican Trade Promotion Office (PROCOMER) reads:
Webinar on changes to food inspection system in Canada
The Canadian Trade Facilitation Office (TFO) will run on November 6 at 10:30 am (Ottawa time), a webinar on the impact on both importers and exporters of changes to the food inspection regime in the country.
The European Commission has published its study entitled "Eurobarometer" with information on European consumers.
A statement from the Costa Rican Trade Promotion Office (PROCOMER) reads:
The European Commission published last July the results of their study called "Eurobarometer" which contains general aspects about the European market, and also has information on the food consumption patterns of Europeans in its section on the safety and quality of food. This research involved more than 26,000 citizens from the European Union (EU), and determined that the quality and price of food is much more important than the food’s origin and brand. "The quality certifications are very important for buyers, and an increase has been detected in relation to the recognition of the different EU quality logos" the study authors said.