In the United States the importance of the price factor continues to decrease when it comes to choosing products and there is a growing tendency to buy food to improve "quality of life".
From a statement issued by the Costa Rica Foreign Trade Promotion Office (PROCOMER):
The perception of the American consumer about healthy food is changing, which could have an effect on the food industry, as companies seek to adapt in order to make greater gains in a very dynamic market, concluded an investigation by the consultancy AlixPartners.
It is increasingly common to find in major Chinese cities imported food stores and supermarkets with wide ranges of products like chocolates, cheeses and beers.
From a statement issued by the Costa Rica Foreign Trade Promotion Office (PROCOMER):
The transition China has experienced has allowed imports to go from being expensive and difficult to being readily available.
High quality and well priced food and spirits are on the list of products for which demand has increased from Indian consumers with higher purchasing power.
From a statement issued by the Costa Rica Foreign Trade Promotion Office (PROCOMER):
The luxury market in India is growing, and it is estimated that by 2017 it will reach a value of $1.8 billion, showing a growth relative to the current level of $1.4 billion, with the categories of fashion, cars and food being the most dynamic. It follows a study by the Associated Chambers of Commerce and Industry of India, Assocham and Yes Bank.
In 2014 papaya imports increased by 15% compared to 2013, maintaining the upward trend seen since 2011 and reflecting the increased consumption of the fruit in the country.
From a statement issued by the Costa Rica Foreign Trade Promotion Office (PROCOMER):
US consumers, according to new food trends, are reacting positively to the attributes of fruits such as papaya, since it has a high content of vitamins and nutrients needed to stay healthy.
Canned tuna is preferred over presentations in glass or tetra pak containers, with increased demand reported in varieties of yellow and albacore tuna.
From a statement issued by the Costa Rican Foreign Trade Promotion Office (PROCOMER):
The consumption of canned tuna in the Middle East is concentrated in Kuwait, the UAE and Saudi Arabia, which depend entirely on imports, coming mainly from Thailand (86.4%), Italy (7.4%) and other Southeast Asian countries among these, the Philippines and Indonesia, with 6.6%.
From January 4th this year exports will be permitted of Australian mangos to the North American country, with focus initially being given to the premium segment.
From a statement issued by the Foreign Trade Promotion Cffice of Costa Rica (PROCOMER):
In an alert given in November 2014 the upcoming opening of the US market for mangoes from Australia was reported.
Imports of this type of chocolates are favored by free trade agreements that Chile has, having allowed the import of chocolates from different countries.
From a press release issued by the Foreign Trade Promotion Office of Costa Rica (PROCOMER):
Chile is one of the countries with the highest demand for chocolate in Latin America, with a consumption of 3 kilos per capita per year, matching levels of some European countries.
The Central Cruise Summit 2015 will be held in El Salvador, from 13 to 15 May, where it is expected that 15 corporations from the Florida Caribbean Cruise Association will be involved.
The Salvadoran Chamber of Tourism (CASATUR) hopes to have the participation of 30 union members who will be publicizing various tour packages offered by shipping lines.
Through government incentives farmers in the State of Quintana Roo are increasing organic pineapple crops and their derivatives.
From a statement issued by the Costa Rican Foreign Trade Promotion Office (Procomer):
The cultivation of organic pineapple and other fruit derivatives is starting to consolidate in the region of Quintana Roo, with support from the federal and state governments as well as the participation of a group of citizens from Manuel Ávila Camacho, in the town of Bacalar .
The varieties of yellow melon and "toad skin" are those which achieved the best prices in the international market during the 2013/2014 season.
From a statement issued by the Costa Rican Foreign Trade Promotion Office (Procomer):
The "yellow" and "toad skin" melons achieved the best prices in the 2013-period 2014 over the last five years in Spain, according to data from the Ministry of Agriculture, Fisheries and Rural Development of Andalusia, developed by Hortoinfo .
Foreign sales of electronics and the electrical sector fell by 19%, 3.6% in the food industry, 2.4% in the chemical and pharmaceutical industry, 9.2% in textiles, 7% in paper and cardboard, and 1.8% in rubber.
At the end of 2014 exports from the industrial sector amounted to $8.389 million representing $382 million less than in 2013, when revenues were $8.771 billion.
The European country has tripled its consumption of organic products since 2000 and despite being the largest European producer in this sector, the growing demand exceeds local supply.
From a statement issued by the Costa Rican Foreign Trade Promotion Office (Procomer):
The German organic food market is the world's second largest, after the United States, with sales which have soared in recent years and reached a record 7,500 million euros in 2013, almost a third of total sales of organic food in the European Union.
Between January and October 2014 the South American country exported 18% more fresh fruits to the European Union, as a result of the tariff benefits arising from the agreement.
From a statement issued by the Costa Rican Foreign Trade Promotion Office (Procomer):
The tariff benefits coming from the Free Trade Agreement between Colombia and the European Union (EU) are promoting new exports, said ProColombia.
When purchasing packaged foods, German consumers show a preference for small or personal sized packages and those which are transparent or colorful.
From a statement issued by the Costa Rican Foreign Trade Promotion Office (Procomer):
In the German market the issue of packaging is extremely important. It is not only an indispensable element for protection of the product, showing information regarding the use and conservation of food and drinks, but it is also the image that catches consumer's eyes making it a differentiator between brands . Moreover, it is one of the main signals regarding product quality, especially when it comes to new products. Consequently, continuous innovation in packaging is essential in this market.
Between 2009 and 2013 the consumption of fresh fruits in the northern country increased 6%, while in the same period vegetable consumption went up by 5%.
From a statement issued by the Costa Rican Foreign Trade Promotion Office (Procomer):
The Canadian market for fresh fruits and vegetables is estimated to be worth $11.2 billion a year. The average Canadian buys fresh produce at least once a week and consumes three to five servings per day, well below the eight to ten servings recommended by Canada's Food Guide.