Five brands dominate this increasingly competitive segment of the dairy market, which has doubled its sales in the last five years.
Sales of single portion ice creams in supermarkets, grew by 88% between 2009 and 2014. Ice cream based on milk and water reported higher sales, achieving $50 million last year. The companies that dominate this market are Dos Pinos, Coronado, Pops, Monteverde and Sarita, and joining them are foreign brands which are venturing into this area.
In the past five years, retail sales of ice cream have increased by 71%
The franchise model and market segmentation has been the scheme which artisanal ice cream shops have used to maintain their share in a market where 85% belongs to only one competitor, the cooperative Dos Pinos.
"12.2% is divided between Monteverde, Pops and Diaz, and 3.1% between other small local competitors," noted an article in Elfinancierocr.com.
The Costa Rican ice cream chain, American Ice Cream Co., plans to open ten new stores within a period not exceeding three years.
Since entering the market in Florida, USA, the chain has already established two ice cream parlors and for its expansion process it is preparing a master plan of franchises.
"With this plan the company can grant operating licenses for different U.S.
American Ice Cream Co., owner of Pops, opened its first outlet in Palm Beach, Florida.
Sergio Abreu, president of the company, said the opening of the premises required an investment of $ 300,000. The company plans to open two additional locations in Florida this year.
"Abreu said there are discussions with American businessmen in the country to open another outlet in Washington DC," reported Nacion.com.