When the pandemic that caused the covid-19 outbreak began, interest in vitamins and supplements rebounded in all Central American markets, but, in recent weeks, a decline in the number of Internet searches associated with the topic has been reported.
Through a system that monitors in real time changes in consumer interests and preferences in Central American countries, developed by CentralAmericaData, it is possible to project short and long-term demand trends for the different products, sectors and markets operating in the region.
From January to July 2020, companies in the countries of the region imported from Mexico infant and toddler formulas for $57 million, and 50% was purchased by companies in Honduras and Nicaragua.
Figures from the Trade Intelligence Unit of CentralAmericaData: [GRAFICA caption="Click to interact with graphic"]
In Central America about 5 million people show interest in snacks or chips on the Internet, being Lay, Doritos, Cheetos and Ruffles some of the brands with the highest positioning in the minds of consumers with high purchasing power.
An analysis of the interests and preferences of consumers in Central America, prepared by the Trade Intelligence Unit of CentralAmericaData, shows interesting results on the preferences and tastes of people in food and all types of products or services, as well as restaurant chains and activities.
In recent months, interest in fast food in the region's markets has continued to show a clear upturn, with El Salvador, Panama and Honduras recording the largest increases in interactions on the subject.
Through a system that monitors in real time changes in consumer interests and preferences in Central American countries, developed by CentralAmericaData, it is possible to project short and long term demand trends for the different products, sectors and markets operating in the region.
How many people are interested in this type of food, where they are located, how old are they and what is their monthly spending level, are some of the questions that can be answered with the use of specialized geomarketing tools.
At CentralAmericaData we have developed a geomarketing tool based on interactive maps, through which it is possible to identify where people are and what characteristics they have as consumers. The map incorporates, for any country in Central America, variables such as population, income, average monthly expenditure and consumer interests. With this information, it is possible to identify potential clients and define promotional strategies accordingly, or also explore home delivery times from any point of sale.
Interest in food and beverage products has clearly increased in recent weeks in the region's markets, with the trend being more evident in products such as baked goods, soups, liquors, fruits and vegetables, candies and fast food.
Through a system that monitors in real time changes in consumer interests and preferences in Central American countries, developed by the Trade Intelligence Unit of CentralAmericaData, it is possible to project short and long-term demand trends for the different sectors and markets operating in the region.
From January to June 2019, companies in the region imported $93 million in food for dogs and cats, and purchases from Mexican companies increased 10% over the same period in 2018.
Figures from the Trade Intelligence Unit at CentralAmericaData: [GRAFICA caption="Click to interact with graphics"]
This cannel represents 42% of total spending by U.S. consumers on food outside the home, making it the sixth country in the world with the highest per capita spending on food in this type of channel.
The study "Characterization of the foodservice channel in the United States", by Procomer Costa Rica, indicates that 33% of what Costa Rica exports to the U.S.
Innovating and developing affordable products that meet the diverse nutritional needs of the Central American market is the main challenge facing the regional industry.
The discussion of interest topics of the food and beverage industry takes place within the framework of the first Food and Beverage Industry Forum, which was held in Guatemala and was named "Challenges of the regional agenda."
In the first nine months of 2018, Central American countries imported $347 million worth of baked goods, pastries and cookies, and purchases from U.S. companies grew 3% over the same period in 2017.
Figures from the Trade Intelligence Unit of CentralAmericaData: [GRAFICA caption="Click to interact with chart"]
In the first quarter of the year sales of prepared and preserved fish from Central America totaled $34 million, and exports to the European country grew by 14% compared to the same period in 2017.
Figures from the information system on the Market for Fish Preparations and Canned Fish in Central America, compiled by the Business Intelligence Unit at CentralAmericaData: [GRAFICA caption = "Click to interact with graph"]
In the first quarter of the year, Honduras imported $24 million worth of baked goods, confectionery and biscuit products, and purchases made from companies in El Salvador grew by 11% compared to the same period in 2017.
Figures from the information system on the Market for Baked Goods, Pastry and Biscuit Products in Honduras, compiled by the Business Intelligence Unit at CentralAmericaData: [GRAFICA caption = "Click to interact with graph"]
In the first three months of the year, Central American countries imported $118 million worth of bakery, confectionery and biscuit products, and $49 million worth was purchased by companies in Guatemala and Honduras.
Figures from the information system on the Market for Baked Goods, Pastry and Biscuit Products in Central America, compiled by the Business Intelligence Unit at CentralAmericaData : [GRAFICA caption = "Click to interact with graph"]
In the first three months of the year, countries in the region imported $82 million worth of confectionery, chocolates and other preparations based on cocoa, and 48% came from the USA and Mexico.
Data from the information system on the Confectionery and Chocolate Market in Central America, compiled by the Business Intelligence Unit at CentralAmericaData: