Interest in food and beverage products has clearly increased in recent weeks in the region's markets, with the trend being more evident in products such as baked goods, soups, liquors, fruits and vegetables, candies and fast food.
Through a system that monitors in real time changes in consumer interests and preferences in Central American countries, developed by the Trade Intelligence Unit of CentralAmericaData, it is possible to project short and long-term demand trends for the different sectors and markets operating in the region.
Certified organic products, labeled with details of the importer and personal sized or or small packages are some of the preferences of Norwegian consumers when consuming coffee.
From a statement issued by the Costa Rican Foreign Trade Promotion Office (Procomer):
High concentration, with strong flavor and floury consistency are some of the features that coffee consumers in Norway are looking for.
Estimates are that the poor performance of planted acres and preference for other more profitable crops will generate a sustained increase in rice imports in Central America.
According to figures from the French Agricultural Research Center for International Development (CIRAD) in the last 20 years, "... rice consumption has doubled in the region, while production only reported a growth of 40% and yields per hectare are very low. "
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.
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."
The Russian trend of moving towards a healthier life style has positively influenced the consumption of canned vegetables, juices and nectars.
From an article by the Costa Rican Foreign Trade Promotion Office (PROCOMER):
According to a study conducted by the firm Intesco Research Group in Russia, production of canned vegetables will increase with the population growth in large cities.
Consumers in China are choosing international brands, in 2012 the consumption of coffee surpassed 70 thousand tons and in 2013 it is expected to reach more than 95 thousand tons.
From an article by the Costa Rican Trade Promotion Office (PROCOMER):
The growing demand for coffee in the Chinese market, which traditionally used to be focused on tea consumption, presents a great opportunity for exporters of this product.