Individual packages and innovation in packaging are part of the strategies used by the food industry in Latin America to improve the positioning of healthy packaged products.
From a statement issued by the Costa Rican Foreign Trade Promotion Office (Procomer):
The Latin American region has shown a preference for choosing healthier options of packaged foods.
The Taiwan Coffee Association reports that there are up to 10,000 coffee shops on the island and that each person consumes an average of 100 cups of coffee per year.
At the end of 2014, coffee exports to Taiwan were reportedly worth $2.4 million . "... El Salvador accumulated $50.52 million in sales of coffee to the world for the 2014/2015 harvest."
The growing preference for natural products explains part of the growth in sales of frozen fruit and vegetables in the United States, which exceeded $1 billion in 2014.
From a statement issued by the Costa Rican Foreign Trade Promotion Office (Procomer):
In 2006, few people were interested in the sale of frozen fruit, hidden within its own sector and packaging that was not very appealing.
Consumers increasingly prefer healthy products such as sugar obtained from coconut, apple and agave, which are considered more natural.
From a statement issued by the Foreign Trade Promotion Office (PROCOMER):
Coconut sugar has increased its popularity in many countries because it is perceived as a more natural or acceptable option than regular sugar. Despite being still a niche product, sales have increased significantly.
There is an increasing preference on the part of European consumers for confectionery products made from natural raw materials free from artificial ingredients.
From a statement issued by the Costa Rica Foreign Trade Promotion Office (PROCOMER):
Europe seeks confectionery free from artificial additives
'Natural' has become a key factor for consumers of the five largest European economies (Germany, France, UK, Italy and Spain) who choose gum flavoured with fruit, candy and other products in this category.
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.
"Clean" labels , healthy snacks, frozen and convenience foods, good fats and own name brands are some of the factors that marking out global trends this year.
From a statement issued by the Costa Rican Foreign Trade Promotion Office (Procomer):
The main trends which will probably affect the food industry in 2015, have been identified by Innova Market Insights, from analysis of the most important events in the industry.
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.
In Central and South America the use of this type of packaging grew by 50%, going from nearly 5 billion units in 2008 to 7 billion in 2013.
From a statement issued by the Costa Rican Foreign Trade Promotion Office (PROCOMER):
The market for flexible packaging (such as those used in sauces and mayonnaise) in Central and South America has experienced rapid growth over the past five years, increasing by 50% in volume, going from nearly five billion units in 2008 to 7 billion in 2013, according to a recent report by PCI Films Consulting. The largest categories of individual final consumption were mayonnaise and tomato sauce (not ketchup), each having 16% and 23% of the volumes, respectively.
Labels including the list of ingredients on food and beverage products are now the second most important factor in purchasing decisions of consumers in Europe, after the price.
From a statement by the Foreign Trade Promotion Office of Costa Rica (PROCOMER):
The consulting firm Ingredion has conducted a study entitled The Clean Label Guide To Europe in which analysis is made of the importance of the clean label movement in Europe.
Sales of beverages and low-calorie foods such as cereals and snacks, have picked up in the old continent.
From an article by the Costa Rica Foreign Trade Promotion Office (PROCOMER):
Sales of products and low-calorie drinks have risen in Europe, according to the consulting firm Mintel, after a decline in 2004. According to Laura Jones, analyst at Mintel, the rise in demand for these products is driven by the popularity of low calorie diets such as Atkins, which has led people to be more aware of the amount of calories and carbohydrates they are consuming." This increased awareness has been promoted by some consumers. In Europe recently low-calorie products have been launched which have introduced a wide range of products that are normally associated with carbohydrates."
Unlike European and South American consumers, Asians show a greater willingness to pay more for organic products.
From an article by the Costa Rican Foreign Trade Promotion Office (PROCOMER):
The Spaniards are not willing to pay more for organic products, as is clear from the last Socialogue Report prepared by IPSOS in 24 countries worldwide. Although more than half of the Spanish population (51%) are appreciative of businesses who undertake initiatives to respect the environment, only 27 % were willing to pay more for these products.
At the end of 2013 sales of these products could reach $10.5 billion which represents an increase of 44% since 2011.
From an article by the Costa Rican Trade Promotion Office (PROCOMER) :
The popularity of gluten-free products continues to grow in the United States, driven not only by people with celiac disease and those who do not suffer from wish to avoid consuming wheat protein as a preventative measure but also by those aiming to lose weight by stopping consumption of wheat-based products. According to Mintel, 35 % of buyers of gluten free products buy them because they are healthier and 27% buy them because they think it will help in their efforts to lose weight, 21% because they are low in carbohydrates and only 15% for a household member who is gluten intolerant.
A growing part of the Korean population is concerned about eating healthier, increasing the interest in organic foods.
A statement from the Foreign Trade Promotion Office of Costa Rica ( PROCOMER ) reads:
Although still small compared with other countries , the Korean market for organic products is growing rapidly . Until recently local organic products were limited to fresh vegetables, some fruit and rice, but in recent years major food industries have begun to process this type of goods.
Consumption of sea products has grown by 14.6% over the past five years, with new food trends in America and cultural aspects motivating the increase.
From an article by the Costa Rican Foreign Trade Promotion Office (PROCOMER):
According to a study by Mintel, the consumption of fish and seafood in the U.S. has grown by 14.6% in the past five years. This sector continued to grow even in the most critical period of the last economic crisis suffered by the U.S (2008-2009), a fact that was supported by American's desire to consume healthy products.