From March 1 to 5, 2021, the Colon Free Zone will hold its first multisector virtual trade fair, in which 200 exhibitors will participate and participants will be able to access product catalogs and receive direct attention from suppliers.
The trade fair will feature a wide variety of mass consumption products, regional distribution logistics services and value-added products, informed the Colon Free Zone (CFZ).
Whether as a fresh or dry product, there are multiple trading opportunities in markets such as the US, UK, Germany and Japan, which are the main importers of this plant globally.
When sold as a food ingredient, raw material or cosmetic, in the medium and long term there are greater opportunities for internationalization to greater added value can be given to the product, highlights a report prepared by the Promotora de Comercio Exterior de Costa Rica (Procomer).
Betting on food that involves an industrial process, focusing on markets that are not saturated and on the trends that predominate among consumers are some of the strategies that could multiply the income of agricultural producers.
It is estimated that the sale of dried pineapple reaches a value on the international market of 1,600% higher than the price achieved by selling it fresh. In the case of dried mango, the difference amounts to 1.512%.
Concern for health and a balanced diet, which goes hand in hand with the demand for food that is easy and quick to prepare, is one of the opportunities that can be taken advantage of by Central American exporters.
In the food market, the cultural variety stands out, due to the convergence of diverse culinary traditions generated by the relevance of tourism.
Because the Asian giant is the world's largest buyer of fresh fruit and people are willing to consume new and tropical foods, the region's pineapple producers have the opportunity to increase their business with the Chinese market.
According to a study conducted by the Foreign Trade Promoter (Procomer), China remains one of the largest producers of fruit in the world, but quality remains a problem, so they are interested in imported fruit, added to consumers looking for better quality products as part of the search for a healthier lifestyle.
Following the spread of the virus globally and the suspension of some production in China, several garment companies in the region have reported increases in their orders.
The spread of the epidemic has stopped much of the economic activity of the Asian giant, which is the largest exporter of textiles in the world. This situation has forced buyers to look for alternatives.
Encouraging production and raising the quality standards of the fruit are some of the challenges that Guatemala faces in order to take advantage of the multiple opportunities that exist in the international market.
It is estimated that worldwide the demand for avocado grows at a 10% annual rate and in its best season the fruit is quoted in Asian and European markets up to $1.75 per unit.
The marketing of organic shrimp, vegetable meat, Monk Fruit and carob are some of the innovative market opportunities that Guatemalan exporters have identified for this year.
For the "Best Markets, Products & Services 2020 Study", prepared by the Market Development and Trade Promotion Department of AGEXPORT, 27 high potential markets for Guatemalan products and services exports were selected, identifying 18 countries and 9 states of the United States, which together with the 351 tariff items generate more than 900 commercial opportunities for the Guatemalan exportable supply and international markets, informed the sector's union.
60% of the beauty and personal care products offered on the island are imported, which added to the intense tourist activity that takes place in the country, lays the foundation for many opportunities in this business.
Jamaica, which has hotel and beach spa infrastructure, attracts nearly 4.5 million visitors each year, who purchase different types of items, among which are personal care products, according to a report by the Costa Rican Foreign Trade Promotion Agency.
During 2018, sales of packaged foods in the United Kingdom exceeded $84 billion, and 36% corresponded to private label products, which have quickly entered this market.
The study "Trends and requirements of private label buyers in the food sector in the United Kingdom", prepared by Procomer Costa Rica, indicates that the United Kingdom stands out as the second country in Europe with greater penetration of private label.
In markets such as North America and Western Europe, a consumer segment wants the grain to meet aspects such as ethical and sustainable sourcing, and its production process to be certified.
According to the study "Trends and Opportunities for value-added coffee exports" conducted by the Differentiated Coffees Committee of AGEXPORT, reveals how to change the strategies for marketing good quality coffee with higher value added (roasted), for the next coffee harvest of 2,019 - 2,020 and those to come.
The conflict between the U.S. and China could lead to business opportunities for companies in the region as a result of the tariff policies being implemented by the two world powers.
The trade war between the United States and China, two of the world's largest markets, is essentially about the authorities imposing tariffs on a number of products that both countries produce and sell abroad.
The Asian giant represents a market of 1.345 million consumers and is the world's second largest importer of the agrifood sector, with $126 billion per year.
The study "Food Market in China", compiled by Procomer Costa Rica, indicates that in the Asian country 50% of agrifood imports are from the agricultural sector, in products such as soybeans (which corresponds to the main of the entire agrifood sector), barley and rice.
The European country represents a market of 10 million inhabitants and its per capita expenditure on fruits and vegetables reaches $500 million per year, one of the highest in this category.
Procomer Costa Rica's "Fresh and Processed Foods in Portugal" study shows that in 2018, food spending in Portugal, including alcoholic beverages, reached $3,132 per capita, 20% of total consumption spending.
The plan to impose a 5% tariff on Mexican products entering the U.S. would open up opportunities for Central American countries to increase their sales to the U.S., but there are fears that similar measures could be taken against the region.
On May 30, President Trump announced on his Twitter account that he plans to impose a 5% tariff on Mexican products entering the U.S.