The market of wholesale supermarkets in Costa Rica continues to grow, mainly driven by the opening in recent years of convenience stores, bakeries, 'sodas' (small low end restaurants), restaurants and hotels. Some establishments have reported an average annual growth of 20% in sales.

An example of this is the case of Mayca, who according to a report by Elfinancierocr.com, "in the past two years has doubled its number of outlets and now projects it will close 2014 with 10 stores and a 14% growth in sales."

Meanwhile, Universal de Alimentos, "in February went from operating a distribution center measuring 2000 m² to one measuring 6,500 m², and in 2013 sales grew by nearly 20%."

As for the membership supermarket chain Price Smart, "nearly 20% of its sales comes from institutional clients, which were not part of its approach when it came to the country 15 years ago."

Source: elfinancierocr.com

More on this topic

$10 million Investment in Food Distribution

February 2018

Mayca food service company plans to invest $10 million over the next 2 years in the construction of seven new points of sale in Costa Rica.

Following last week's opening of branch number 13 in San Ramón, representatives of the company announced that they will be investing in the construction and operation of seven other stores in 2018 and 2019, which will bring the total number of points of sale to 20. Mayca is owned by Sysco Corporation, which completed the acquisition process in November of last year.

Nicaragua: $15 million Investment in Supermarket

August 2015

The Pricesmart chain has started construction of its second supermarket in Managua, whose start of operations is planned for November this year.

The new wholesale store will have an area of ​​27 000 m2, of which 5000 will be for sale areas and 9000 for warehouses, administrative offices and other areas.

Costa Rica: Food Service Company Sells 50% of its Shares

May 2014

Half of the capital of the wholesale supermarket chain Mayca will pass into the hands of the U.S. company Sysco Corporation.

From a press release issued by Sysco Corporation:

Sysco enters into partnership with Costa Rica Mayca Distribuidores

HOUSTON and HEREDIA, Costa Rica, May 13, 2014 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Sysco Corporation (NYSE:SYY), North America's leading foodservice distributor, today announced that it has reached an agreement to purchase 50 percent of Mayca Distribuidores S.A ("Mayca") of Costa Rica and Mayca's three other affiliates for an undisclosed price. According to the terms of the agreement, Sysco will own one-half of the stock in privately held Mayca.

PriceSmart Invests $20 million in Costa Rica

October 2013

The store chain for members only has opened its sixth location in the country, with an area of 21 thousand square meters.

This is the 18th branch of PriceSmart in Central America and the largest of all that have been established in Costa Rica. The property comprises of two levels and a parking lot for 320 vehicles.