Imports of these products have been banned after detecting the presence of vegetable fat in 83 varieties of ice cream imported from Spain, Nicaragua, Mexico and Costa Rica.
Clarifying that the presence of vegetable fat is not harmful to health, the Panamanian Food Safety Authority (AUPSA) reaffirmed the ban on imports of dairy products containing vegetable fat.
Five brands dominate this increasingly competitive segment of the dairy market, which has doubled its sales in the last five years.
Sales of single portion ice creams in supermarkets, grew by 88% between 2009 and 2014. Ice cream based on milk and water reported higher sales, achieving $50 million last year. The companies that dominate this market are Dos Pinos, Coronado, Pops, Monteverde and Sarita, and joining them are foreign brands which are venturing into this area.
The international franchise Pinkberry has announced the opening of two branches and plans to open another ten throughout the year.
In line with the growth of franchising in the field of restaurants, ice cream parlours and coffee shops in the country, the company Royal Food Services announced the opening of its first two Pinkberry branches, specializing in the manufacture of frozen yogurt.
For thirty days, the company that dominates 90% of the market will not place its products on the market due to works taking place at its processing plant.
Grupo Estrella Azul, a major national producer of dairy products, has halted ice cream operations for a month due to a modification and maintenance plan at its plant in Transístmica. The brand has a 90% share of the market and according to reports has managed to stockpile a 10 to 12 day supply for while the plant is out of operation.