Peru demonstrates that through specific actions it is possible to turn a country's gastronomy into an engine of development, a situation that generates opportunities to export a wide and diversified offer of food products.
The international positioning of Peru's gastronomic industry is the result of more than three decades of public/private actions aimed at turning gastronomy into an engine of development, driven by civil society.
In the current context of pandemic and changing habits, consumers are beginning to prefer fresh foods over packaged or processed foods, driven by the search for health and immune system benefits.
The covid-19 outbreak led to changes in people's behavior and significant changes in consumption habits, which are reflected in the food product market.
Personalized food, health and well-being, sustainability, zero waste and taste and indulgence are the five macro trends that impact the food sector in this new commercial reality.
The pandemic resulting from the outbreak of covid-19 has essentially served as a driving force behind most of the trends that had been developing before the crisis, only slowing down those linked to sensory experiences, concerns about the use of plastic in packaging and preferences for imported options, since the context has stimulated the consumption of brands and alternatives of local origin, according to an analysis by the Costa Rican Foreign Trade Promotion Agency (Procomer).
In Central America, it is estimated that nearly 14 million people show an interest in fast food in the digital environment. Pizza, tacos, organic food and snacks are some of the terms that have best positioned themselves in the minds of consumers with high purchasing power.
An analysis of the interests and preferences of consumers in Central America, prepared by the Trade Intelligence Unit of CentralAmericaData, shows interesting results on the preferences and tastes of people in various foods, products, services, restaurant chains and activities.
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.
What to consume, what to stop consuming, which habits to adopt to improve health and to which lines of expenditure to invest more financial resources, are some of the questions that consumers in Central America are asking in the context of the new normal.
The covid-19 outbreak generated a revolution in the markets of Central America and its different economic sectors.
Foods whose properties and benefits are well defined, and are produced by companies with sustainable practices, have the greatest potential to gain ground in a market that has been rapidly transformed.
Although in recent weeks’ e-commerce and analysis of how consumers buy in times of quarantine has occupied most companies, there are other trends that could define the food market, once the most critical phases of the covid-19 outbreak are over.
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 world market for fresh and processed organic foods is one of the most dynamic today, with coffee, vegetables and tropical fruits being some of the products with the greatest business opportunities.
According to a study prepared by the Promotora de Comercio Exterior (Procomer), Switzerland is the market where the highest expenditure on organic food per person is reported, since it is estimated that consumption amounts to $325 per capita per year.
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.
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"]
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.