Projections are for the period 2014-2019 of an average annual growth of 5% in sales of organic chocolate in the country.
From an article by the Costa Rican Foreign Trade Promotion Office (PROCOMER):
In 2013, the chocolate confectionery industry in America had sales of $18,459 million, representing an average annual growth of 3.7% since 2009.
The segment of organic chocolate in the US had the strongest growth since 2009, as its sales increased by an average of 4.9% annually. It is expected that by 2014 sales in this segment will reach $185 million; also projected was that the average annual growth between 2014 and 2019 will be 5%, making it as the most dynamic segment of the US chocolate industry, a situation that has been attributed to a growing trend in the North American country to consume products certified organic for health and wellbeing reasons.
Supermarket or "own brands" with lower prices have started to gain ground in the market for organic and healthy food products among US consumers.
From a statement issued by the Costa Rican Foreign Trade Promotion Office (PROCOMER):
Own brands of organic and natural products are gaining ground in the US
The emergence of brands such as Kroger's Simple Truth, Wild Harvest by Supervalu and Simply Nature by Aldi for organic and natural products are a clear example of how own brands are evolving, as both producers and retailers aim to satisfy consumer demand which is increasingly more concerned about wellbeing and nutrition with more healthy options at a good price, leading many supermarkets to create their own brands focusing on a balanced diet.
58% of Canadian families buy organic food at least once a week, making it an attractive market for companies producing these products.
The demand for organic food has grown in recent years both in Europe and in North America, where countries such as Germany, Switzerland, the United States and Canada are buying more and more organic food which is free of pesticides, dyes and other chemicals in order to improve their health.
Changes in food consumption patterns and preference for organic products are forcing the egg industry to modify its production techniques.
The demand for "specialty eggs" from hens that are free range or fed with organic products and a tendency to consume only egg whites in order to avoid cholesterol is revolutionizing the industry, forcing producers to develop new forms of production.
The delay in approving regulations for the production and certification of organic products is preventing the sector from growing.
Four years ago the Ministry of Agricultural Development (MIDA) promised to regulate the rules on the production and marketing of organic food, and the provisions for inspection and labeling requirements. However, no progress has been made on the issue, which has prevented the growth of this sector.
Weather events and seasonal changes in consumer habits have caused a scarcity of products such as cucumbers and strawberries.
From an article by the Costa Rican Foreign Trade Promotion Office (PROCOMER):
Organic vegetables and free range eggs are gaining popularity to the extent that are scarce in major supermarket chains.
Spokespeople for the ShopRite stores in New Jersey, said the supply crunch is being felt throughout the retail segment and can be explained by an increase in demand in a context of limited availability. This diagnosis of scarcity is also supported by the Safeway chain, whose spokesperson said the shortage could last until the fourth month of 2014.
Products entering the South Korean market must apply for certification from the Health Authority of that country.
From the 1st of January the Asian nation has required that imported organic products have a certificate, which must be requested from the Sanitary Authority of Korea (QIA) .
From an article by the Costa Rican Foreign Trade Promotion Office (PROCOMER) :
Organic and natural pet foods are the most in demand globally.
Natural and organic pet food has had great growth in the market. Between 2002-2012 premium brands increased their share by 68%, according to statistics provided by Euromonitor International.
From an article by the Costa Rican Foreign Trade Promotion Office (PROCOMER):
Greater awareness of health issues is affecting pet owners who are opting for organic or natural pet foods made from fresh products and which do not contain preservatives.
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.
During 2012, organic food sales totaled more than $1.374 billion, 14% more than in 2011.
From an article by the Foreign Trade Promotion Office of Costa Rica (PROCOMER):
Dutch consumer spending on organic food in 2012 reached more than 1 billion euros, up 14% compared to the previous year, of which 90% was purchased from the supermarket chains Heinjn Albert and Jumbo while the rest was sold in specialty stores and markets.
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.
An announcement has been made of new nutritional standards to be implemented in schools across the country, which include foods groups such as whole grains, low-fat dairy, fruits, vegetables and protein.
From an article by the Costa Rican Trade Promotion Office (PROCOMER):
The Secretary of Agriculture of the United States, Tom Vilsack, announced that under new nutrition standards to be applied in schools across the country, Smart Snacks in School, students will have a greater choice of healthy foods.
A good marketing strategy in promoting organic products is to include ethical statements to help producers to differentiate themselves from their competitors.
From an article by the Costa Rican Trade Promotion Office (PROCOMER):
A study in five European countries which was recently published in the magazine Appetite, suggests including ethical statements in the promotion of organic products is a good marketing strategy for differentiating yourself.