There is a growing trend in appliances stores and department stores to set up large format stores offering a better buying experience with "everything in one place."
This format allows to the diversification and expansion of the supply of products mainly in middle and upper middle income levels, especially in areas with high population density, which allows consumers to buy more conveniently and for stores to generate more revenue.
Despite increased competition caused by the presence of foreign brands, especially in the segment of popular beers, domestic brands have maintained their dominance in the market.
Competition in the beer market is fierce, and more so because of the arrival of the Belgian-Brazilian company InBev, the largest brewer in the world. However, Guatemalans prefer domestic beer, with the Gallo brand being the market leader.
Between 2008 and 2013 the income generated by sales in pharmacies established in the country grew by 61% reaching $405 million last year.
The four strongest and most competitive market chains have opened new points of service have expanded their investments and plan to give the same continuity in 2015, despite the fact that a slight reduction in the historical rate of growth in the sector is expected, of approximately 2%.
In a sector worth $307 million a year, 10% of the market is supplied by laboratories in the Panamanian capital, and the remaining 90% by international pharmaceutical companies.
The biggest challenges faced by domestic enterprises are the obstacles in importing raw materials, skilled labor, and delays in the registration process, among other things. "...
The Superintendency of Competition has approved a request made by the company in January 2014 to acquire eight gasoline stations in the country.
From a statement issued by the Superintendency of Competition in El Salvador:
The Board of the Superintendencia de Competencia (SC) resolved to authorize the application for a merger between Alba Petróleos de El Salvador de SEM de CV resulting from the purchase of eight service stations.
After 2013 recorded a decrease of 3.4% compared to 2012, sales of new and used cars from January to September this year increased by 6% compared to the same period last year.
Elfinancierocr.com notes that "... The Association of Importers of Vehicles and Equipment (Aivema) recorded that, in nine months, 27,161 units have been sold, including cars, pick up trucks, sports vehicles, vans and light trucks; 60 different brands in over 26 dealerships.
Whilst in Central America there has been an increase in rice consumption, local production remains too low to meet demand, forcing the need for more imports.
Taken from ReporteArroz.com - Week 38 of 2014:
ASIA
Myanmar, a potential exporter.
It is possible that Myanmar, also known as Burma, could register record high exports this year. The demand foreseen by China is more than expected, and added to the Chinese market are Europe and Africa as potential destinations to captivate. Some of the points in favor are the light regulations for transactions but one major obstacle stands in the way of the hope for the record, the quality of rice; a primary requirement for many importers, especially from Europe.
In 2013 the export supply of the region in the international market was focused on integrated electronic circuits, coffee, bananas, sugarcane and medical devices.
From a report by the Secretariat of Central American Economic Integration (SIEC):
Diversification of exports is above the thresholds of the largest Latin American exporting economies.
Climatic factors and issues related to pastures have forced ranchers to import in the first half of the year 1,753 head of cattle, which is 309% more than was imported in the same period in 2013.
Climatic factors and issues related to pastures have forced ranchers to import in the first half of the year 1,753 head of cattle, which is 309% more than was imported in the same period in 2013.
The government of Honduras has authorized the import of 25,126 metric tons of rice in order to avoid a shortage in the supply of grain in the local market.
"...After arduous deliberation, Honduras has authorized the importation of 25,126 metric tons of rice so as not to be at risk of a shortage of the grain. Although the initial request was to import a total of 30 tons, the tripartite commission only authorized the importation of 25,126 metric tons of grain. "
The dynamism and growth of the past two years is being maintained with the arrival of new competitors in a market which already totals 143 outlets in the Greater Metropolitan Area of Costa Rica.
Added to well-known brands such as Fresh Market, AM PM and Vindi, all using the convenience store format, there are now local bakeries from the Musmanni chain, branded Musmanni Super Mini, owned by Florida Ice and Farm.
In Costa Rica doubts are beginning to emerge about the trend which is set to continue in the price of rice due to the climatic phenomena affecting the region.
"... The dilemma in Costa Rica: Increase the price of rice in light of the climate crisis? Opinions are different and contrary. Conarroz, for its part, said that will not happen. On the other hand, there are voices that there will be a price rise.
Up to July 31st 2014 the number of cards in circulation amounted to 1,817,845, 5% more than at the end of April of the same year.
From a press release issued by the Ministry of Economy and Finance in Costa Rica (MEIC):
San Jose 03 September 2014. The third quarterly survey of credit cards up to July 31 shows that there are 28 issuers, 394 types of cards, 1,817,845 cards (plastic) in circulation, representing an increase of 86,172 cards from the previous study (5 %) as well as a balance of effective debt of 836,118 million colones (up 3.1% over the balance of 30 April).
Private banks in Nicaragua will be granting loans to the agricultural sector in order to address the consequences of the drought across Central America.
$383 million in will be awarded loans. Juan Carlos Argüello, president of the Association of Private Banks of Nicaragua (Asobanp) stated that the agreement was made during a meeting with officials from the Central Bank to assess the impact that the lack of rain will have on production and the country's food supply.