INITIAL CONCEPT: As Europe is very important market for the Central American food industry, an analysis of the consumption patterns of its inhabitants is always relevant.

As an article in Gondoladigital.com reports, "To gain a foothold in this market, it is necessary to differentiate by offering products with added value in health, functionality, comfort, and quality of life according to the latest innovation study conducted by SymphonyIRI. "

The study refers to the Spanish market, saying "The functional food market has remained stable over the past two years, reaching sales in the year ending in October 2011 of 2,900 million euros with a market share slightly over 7% of the mass market, increasing sales by 2% compared to the same period last year. The key to launching new products or expanding the supply is to meet consumer needs and make a value proposition, both in the sense of quality and price, that he can not refuse. It is important to note, as with launches in recent years, a positioning similar to the average price in the category is one of the key factors for an innovation being successful. "

Source: International Trade Office (Costa Rica)

More on this topic

Functional Foods Market Growing

December 2014

It is estimated that the global market for health products will have grown by 25% by 2017, with the US leading the demand for these foods, ahead of Japan and European countries.

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

According to a report prepared by the consulting firm Leatherhead Food Research the global functional food market will be worth $54 billion in 2017, representing a growth of 25% compared with data for 2013.

Trucks Imports in El Salvador

September 2013

During 2012, the country imported $101.3 million worth of trucks for the transport of goods, an increase of approximately 22% compared to 2011, when the figure was $ 83.2 million.  

A report on Truck Imports in El Salvador by CentralAmericaData offers a very detailed vision of the market for this product in the country.

Dairy Imports in El Salvador

July 2013

The dairy product most commonly imported is Cheese in the country, far surpassing imports of milk or yogurt.

In 2012 the country imported $213.9 million in dairy products, an increase of 9% over the previous year.

Within this industry, the category reporting the highest growth in percentage terms was the Fresh (unripened) Cheese, with an increase of over 900%.

Opportunities for Coconut Water in the EU

June 2012

Current consumption in the European market has reached $65 million and is still growing, estimated to reach $200 million in 5 years.

A statement by PROCOMER reads:

The market for coconut water in the European Union has an estimated value of USD 65 million, and according to projections, anticipated sales could reach $200 million over five years but there is no intensive advertising or marketing being undertaken.