From a statement issued by the Foreign Trade Promotion Cffice of Costa Rica (PROCOMER):

The development of functional meat products has become a promising opportunity for the food industry worldwide.

According to a study in the first quarter of this year by the Food Technology Institute in the US, nine out of 10 adults are making efforts to consume more nutrients and proteins, which are the focus of 57% of this section of the public, especially between 18 and 34 years of age, and again after 65 years. The main objective of this type of consumption is to find protein sources for muscle toning and strengthening bones.

Against this background, industry entrepreneurs in Latin America say that in countries such as Colombia, meat manufacturers have started a new cycle in the development of sausages to meet an emerging middle class with greater purchasing power, with new eating habits and requiring companies to produce a series of ready-to-eat and take away products, with clean labels and high nutritional value.

More on this topic

Panama Wants to Export Meat to US and Costa Rica

December 2016

Purchase of equipment for quality testing and adjustments in health checks are part of the plan that Panama will implement in order to start exporting meat.

The Ministry of Agricultural Development's plan involves changes to the health system, incorporating new technology for quality controls. The aim is to deliver, in mid-2017, the equivalency questionnaire to the Food Safety Inspection Services at the US Department of Agriculture.

Growing Preference for Meat Without Antibiotics

November 2014

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. "

U.S. Demands More Nontraditional Meat

January 2014

The rise in demand for buffalo meat, duck, venison and offal can be leveraged by Central American producers to diversify their production.

It is estimated that by the end of the year demand for non-traditional meats will reach 6% compared to 2013, with a total volume of $350 million.

Growing Consumption of "Between Meals" Products in Mexico

November 2013

Changes in lifestyles and work schedules are driving between meal snacking of biscuits, cereals, milk and drinks in convenient and easy to use packaging.

From an article by the Costa Rican Foreign Trade Promotion Office (PROCOMER):

According to a study by Kantar Worlpanel Mexico, a market research company, with 8,500 households in major cities, the most important meal for the consumers of this country is breakfast as it is eaten every day by 98% of households, however, due to accelerated lifestyles it is very common that at least one member does not have time to consume it inside the house, so products have been developed which are practical, either because of their packaging or the product itself, so that people can easily consume it on the road, at work or school.