The FDA has determined that partially hydrogenated oils are not considered safe, opening up a space to others with smaller amounts of saturated fat, such as palm oil.
From a statement issued by the Foreign Trade Promotion Office:
In June 2015 the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) of the United States determined that the partially hydrogenated oils (PHOs), the main source in the food industry of saturated fat will not be considered safe (known as GRAS status) in food. The intensification of regulatory controls for saturated fats is causing a reformulation of the food industry, opening the door to more sustainable resources such as oil palm.
From September 22nd to 25th, the XVII edition of the Buyers Trade Mission will bring together in Costa Rica exporters and 180 international buyers from 30 countries.
From a statement issued by the Costa Rican Foreign Trade Promotion Office :
San Jose, July 31, 2015. A platform for companies with export potential to showcase their products to different countries around the world and be able to diversify their business, from inside of Costa Rica.
On August 17th and 18th seven food exporting companies will be showcasing in El Salvador products such as tea, juices, sauces, chocolates, coffee, spices and nutritional supplements.
The Foreign Trade Promotion Office of Costa Rica is organizing the activity, which is aimed at importers, distributors and buyers of Salvadoran food. The meetings will be held at the Holiday Inn hotel in San Salvador, from 8 am to 5 pm.
US food companies dealing with energy, security, automotive, medical and pharmaceutical products will be meeting with Central American companies in Guatemala City on June 22nd.
The group arriving in Guatemala City on June 22 is composed of representatives of 25 companies from different productive sectors, who will participate in talks with diplomatic authorities and meet with companies from Guatemala and the region who are in interested in exploring business opportunities.
On July 2nd, Guatemala City will be hosting the 3rd edition of the business meeting between companies from Central America and Mexico.
From a statement issued by the Guatemalan Exporters Association (AGEXPORT):
On July 2, 2015 at the Westin Camino Real, the 3rd. edition of AGEXPORT 's Macro Meeting for Central America and Mexico will be held, in which small and medium enterprises in the region will hold for a full day, business meetings with international buyers, with the goal of augmenting the exports of participating SMEs.
On May 25th and 26th Central American and Japanese businessmen will be gathering together in Guatemala City to discuss business opportunities.
From a statement issued by from the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Guatemala (Minex):
Welcome to the II Business Forum SICA-JAPAN, "Towards a New Partnership in a Dynamic Global Environment", to be held on 25th and 26th of May 2015, in Guatemala City.
If Central America does not add more value-through diversification and industrialization to its currently limited supply of agricultural products it will be difficult for it to capitalize on the growth of these markets.
A study by the Association for Research and Social Studies analyzes Central American trade relations with India and China, and concludes that it is necessary to achieve a higher level of industrialization and diversification of the export supply in order to capitalize on the growing markets of these two countries.
One in four Americans use "encapsulated" or individually portioned coffee machines , changing consumer trends related to the drink in the country.
From a statement issued by the Costa Rica Foreign Trade Promotion Office (Costa Rica):
Machines for preparing individual portions of coffee made popular by Keurig Green Mountain Inc. are currently being used by one in four Americans and are changing coffee consumption patterns.
In 2014 average household spending on soft drinks, beers and soft drinks increased by 17%, while that of dairy products grew by 8%.
From a statement issued by the Foreign Trade Promotion Office of Costa Rica:
The purchasing power of the population of Panama has been strengthened in recent years, thanks to the rapid economic growth of this country, which according to World Bank figures, has an annual per capita income of over $10,000.
South Korea is an increasingly attractive trade partner for countries in the region, because of increased Korean investments in Latin America, and the high purchasing power of its inhabitants.
In recent years, the economic awakening of China has generated a lot of interest in the region and in the world and overshadowed, in a way, opportunities and the business potential that the stable and thriving South Korean economy has.
The promise of a lifting of the embargo by the US government has generated great expectations for investors and entrepreneurs from around the world.
The Governor of New York is traveling Cuba to explore the business opportunities that could arise from the lifting of trade restrictions imposed by the US government 50 years ago.
An article on Elpais.com items , outlines that "...The Solomon Islands and the Arab Emirates have opened embassies, and the Cuban diaspora who are dreaming up fabulous ventures and transfering money to relatives on the island to buy local land and buildings and rent shops are legion . "
With the participation of over 600 companies from over 35 countries Panama's most important trade fair in Central America has been inaugurated.
From a statement issued by the Chamber of Commerce, Industry and Agriculture of Panama:
With the participation of over 600 companies gathered in more than 850 exhibition booths representing over 35 countries from North, South and Central America, the Caribbean, Europe and Asia, the Chamber of Commerce, Industries and Agriculture of Panama (CCIAP), today inaugurated Expocomer 2015, the thirty-third version of the most important trade show in Panama and the region.
Since 2011 the import of fruit pulp in the Andean country has seen average annual growth rates of 30%.
From a statement issued by the Costa Rican Foreign Trade Promotion Office (PROCOMER):
Imports of fruit pulps in Peru grew by 79% in 2014 compared to 2013, which adds to sustained growth seen since 2011 (on average 31% annually). Imports are mainly from the USA, Brazil and Argentina.
The Commercial Office of Central America CATO has a website where Central American companies can promote their products to export to the Asian island.
With the aim of promoting Central American SMEs and boosting Taiwanese investment, the Commercial Office of Central America together with the Embassy of Honduras in Taiwan has inaugurated the website www.cato.com.tw , which allows entrepreneurs in the region to showcase their products in the Taiwanese market.
On July 2 in Guatemala City regional entrepreneurs will be meeting with their Mexican counterparts to explore business opportunities.
From a statement issued by the Guatemalan Exporters Association (-AGEXPORT-):
In order to support SMEs starting to export or those who have already exported but want to diversify, AGEXPORT, through its Department of Promotion and Trade Information has created the Macro Rueda Central America and Mexico, with the aim of supporting improved competitiveness of SME's and linking them up to natural markets such as Central America and Mexico.