Concern for health and a balanced diet, which goes hand in hand with the demand for food that is easy and quick to prepare, is one of the opportunities that can be taken advantage of by Central American exporters.
In the food market, the cultural variety stands out, due to the convergence of diverse culinary traditions generated by the relevance of tourism.
From January to September 2019, Central American exports of vegetables totaled $159 million, 21% more than reported in the same period in 2018, a rise that is explained by the behavior of sales to companies in the United States.
Figures from the Trade Intelligence Unit of CentralAmericaData: [GRAFICA caption="Click to interact with graph"]
The European country represents a market of 10 million inhabitants and its per capita expenditure on fruits and vegetables reaches $500 million per year, one of the highest in this category.
Procomer Costa Rica's "Fresh and Processed Foods in Portugal" study shows that in 2018, food spending in Portugal, including alcoholic beverages, reached $3,132 per capita, 20% of total consumption spending.
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"]
All of the production from 2015 produced by the union of organic banana growers will be exported to the United States.
From a statement issued by the Costa Rican Foreign Trade Promotion Office (Procomer):
The Piurana Central Association of Small Producers of Organic Banana of Peru (CEPIBO) has decided to send its entire production from 2015 to US suppliers, because they offer a better price for the fruit.
Fruits and vegetables, followed by baby food, milk and soy milk are the organic products in demand.
From a statement issued by the Foreign Trade Promotion Office of Costa Rica (PROCOMER):
Given the continuing concern about food safety, consumers in Hong Kong are seeking safer and high quality options such as those that can be found in the organic sector, since they are perceived as being more natural and nutritious compared to conventional foods.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.