Because there are customers who demand gluten-free food, vegan food or dishes that adapt to the ketogenic diet, companies in Costa Rica can exploit new market niches.
The number of consumers who demand specialized food is rising in the Costa Rican market, so some restaurants have changed their menus to meet the demands of customers.
Operating Company dedicated to the manufacture of gluten-free and sugar-free products, OHNE brand.
The OHNE brand has 8 product lines: square bread, sweet lemon cookies with chia, chocolate with blueberries and sweet cookies with sunflower seeds, sesame sticks, empanizer, banana cake, all made without gluten, without sugar, without soy and dairy-free, ingredients that are intolerant for this market segment.
In 2016 exports of fresh and chilled vegetables from countries in the region amounted to $143 million, and sales to the US grew by 9% compared to 2015.
Figures from the information system on the Fresh or Chilled Vegetables Market in Central America, compiled by the Business Intelligence Unit at CentralAmericaData: [GRAFICA caption = "Click to interact with the graph"]
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.
Food distribution companies have recorded an increase in sales of products which are low-calorie, natural and gluten free.
Rita Gutierrez, manager of Marketing and Corporate Affairs at Grupo Rey told Martesfinanciero.com that "... For two years we have noticed a significant increase in demand for healthy products on the shelves of supermarkets, as consumers have changed their lifestyle and are looking for a new ways of eating.
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.
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.
The U.S. supermarket chain Whole Foods is to increase from 9 to 40 the number of points of sale of organic products in Canada.
From an article by the Costa Rican Trade Promotion Office (PROCOMER):
John Mackey, CEO of Whole Foods, the largest U.S. chain of organic products, announced that the number of its supermarkets will go from 9 to 40 or more in Canada, as they expect their organic food market to continue to evolve as it has done so far.
Exporters are implementing techniques to elaborate low-fat, low in sugar products that do not contain artificial colors, because consumers in the U.S., Europe and Central America are more inclined to buy healthy products.
From an article by the Costa Rican Trade Promotion Office (PROCOMER):
According to the Food and Beverage Commission of the Guatemalan Association of Exporters (Agexport), this year a 10% growth in exports is planned for these products, through a strategy of adding healthy raw materials to products.
In Germany the demand for organic food is booming and sales have tripled between 2006 and 2012.
From an article by the Costa Rican Trade Promotion Office (PROCOMER):
German consumers spend $9 billion a year on organic food. Although the agricultural area for organic food in the German market has doubled in 2012, rising domestic demand has meant that the vast majority of these products, especially fruits and vegetables, must be imported.
Consumers are beginning to perceive how some companies use labels like "Organic" simply to differentiate the product and put a higher price on it.
From an article by the Costa Rican Trade Promotion Office (PROCOMER):
According to a survey by the consulting firm Harris Interactive, more than half of U.S. consumers think that products labeled as organic are just an excuse for companies to charge higher prices for them, with men being who are more skeptical about these types of products than women.
Innovative flavors, everything that is natural and healthy as well as "clean labels" and low prices are some of the factors driving the demand for snacks.
From an article by the Costa Rican Trade Promotion Office (PROCOMER):
The event Snaxpo 2013, a trade show specializing in the snack industry, held in March, was the stage for industry leading companies such as Kerry Ingredients & Flavors (KIF) to raise major challenges facing manufacturers of snacks and the ingredients for them.