The use of unique codes that can be scanned with a mobile device, so that consumers know all the product information and companies interact with their customers, are part of the innovations that some packages already have.
Currently, consumer interest in products that are manufactured with environmental and social responsibility has grown. More and more customers want to have more details about the production processes and the origin of the goods.
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).
As of October this year, the U.S. country will begin one of the phases of implementation of the new front labeling on food and non-alcoholic beverages, under the Labeling Law NOM-051 of the Ministry of Health.
One of the arguments that support the amendments to the Standard is the situation of health and welfare of citizens in the country. According to data from the National Health and Nutrition Survey (ENSANUT) 2018 (to date, the latest report released), 35.6% of children between 5 and 11 years old are overweight and obese. Meanwhile, children and young people between 12 and 19 years old report 38.4%, according to the Guatemalan Association of Exporters (Agexport).
Mayca food service company plans to invest $10 million over the next 2 years in the construction of seven new points of sale in Costa Rica.
Following last week's opening of branch number 13 in San Ramón, representatives of the company announced that they will be investing in the construction and operation of seven other stores in 2018 and 2019, which will bring the total number of points of sale to 20.Mayca is owned by Sysco Corporation, whichcompleted the acquisition process in November of last year.
While sales to other regions grew by around 15% between 2012 and 2017, exports to Central American countries show an increase of almost 30% compared to the same period.
Data from Procomer indicates that"...The value of sales by this industry to Central America rose by 28% when comparing the amount accumulated from January to July 2012 with the same period in 2017.Meanwhile, sales to all regions increased by 15%."
In 2016 countries in the region imported $36 million worth of sauces and ingredients for their preparations from Mexico, registering an increase of 8% compared to 2015.
Figures from the information system on the Central American Market for Sauces and ingredients for their preparation, compiled by the Business Intelligence Unit at CentralAmericaData: [GRAFICA caption = "Click to interact with the graph"]
Recyclable and biodegradable bottles and packaging with a "second life" are some of the packaging trends arising in the food industry.
From a report by PROCOMER:
In the food sectorpackagingas a conceptis becoming increasingly present and brands are targeting their strategies towards green and practical practices. Experts believe that this is a crucial part of brand perception as it is a major point of contact with the consumer.Specialistshave detailed upcoming trends in packagingwhich are being backed by the food sector:
A growing demand for this type of food in the European country has been indicated, but there also the challenges related to non-tariff requirements, the atomization of sales channels, and cultural trading style.
From the summary of a report by PROCOMER: "Spanish Market Potential for Health Foods":
Overall, the opportunities will involve promotional effort, perhaps more than the average done for other countries or regions, which must include:
Food manufacturers have a period of three years to comply with the rule requiring the elimination of artificial saturated fats from processed foods.
From a statement issued by the Embassy of Taiwan in Guatemala:
The Food and Administration (FDA) reported on 7 August that following the latest changes in the United States eliminating artificial saturated fats in processed foods, food manufacturers will be given a period of three years to comply with the standard and eliminate these substances from their products.
Individual packages and innovation in packaging are part of the strategies used by the food industry in Latin America to improve the positioning of healthy packaged products.
From a statement issued by the Costa Rican Foreign Trade Promotion Office (Procomer):
The Latin American region has shown a preference for choosing healthier options of packaged foods.
When purchasing packaged foods, German consumers show a preference for small or personal sized packages and those which are transparent or colorful.
From a statement issued by the Costa Rican Foreign Trade Promotion Office (Procomer):
In the German market the issue of packaging is extremely important. It is not only an indispensable element for protection of the product, showing information regarding the use and conservation of food and drinks, but it is also the image that catches consumer's eyes making it a differentiator between brands . Moreover, it is one of the main signals regarding product quality, especially when it comes to new products. Consequently, continuous innovation in packaging is essential in this market.
A new type of biodegradable container has been developed for products containing liquid or solid fat which prolongs the shelf life of the food.
From a statement issued by the Costa Rican Foreign Trade Promotion Office (Procomer):
Biomat research group at the University of the Basque Country, has developed a new biodegradable packaging for fatty products, both liquid and solid, made from agro-industrial by-products, thereby contributing to sustainable consumption of raw materials and by-product recovery. The container is transparent and at the same time, an excellent barrier to ultraviolet light and gases such as oxygen. Multilayer laminates are usually used as a barrier to gases, however, the product developed by Biomat group is monolayer, thus greatly reducing its cost. Furthermore, it can be heat sealed and is printable.