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.
Between 2009 and 2013 the consumption of fresh fruits in the northern country increased 6%, while in the same period vegetable consumption went up by 5%.
From a statement issued by the Costa Rican Foreign Trade Promotion Office (Procomer):
The Canadian market for fresh fruits and vegetables is estimated to be worth $11.2 billion a year. The average Canadian buys fresh produce at least once a week and consumes three to five servings per day, well below the eight to ten servings recommended by Canada's Food Guide.
"Clean" labels , healthy snacks, frozen and convenience foods, good fats and own name brands are some of the factors that marking out global trends this year.
From a statement issued by the Costa Rican Foreign Trade Promotion Office (Procomer):
The main trends which will probably affect the food industry in 2015, have been identified by Innova Market Insights, from analysis of the most important events in the industry.
It is estimated that the global market for health products will have grown by 25% by 2017, with the US leading the demand for these foods, ahead of Japan and European countries.
From an article by the Costa Rican Trade Promotion Office (PROCOMER):
According to a report prepared by the consulting firm Leatherhead Food Research the global functional food market will be worth $54 billion in 2017, representing a growth of 25% compared with data for 2013.
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."
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.
During 2012, organic food sales totaled more than $1.374 billion, 14% more than in 2011.
From an article by the Foreign Trade Promotion Office of Costa Rica (PROCOMER):
Dutch consumer spending on organic food in 2012 reached more than 1 billion euros, up 14% compared to the previous year, of which 90% was purchased from the supermarket chains Heinjn Albert and Jumbo while the rest was sold in specialty stores and markets.
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.
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.
Statistics on the consumption of soft drinks, especially fruit juices, reveal significant growth in 2011 and 2012.
From an article by the Costa Rican Trade Promotion Office (PROCOMER):
Statistics on the consumption of soft drinks in the United Arab Emirates (UAE), especially of fruit juices, reveal significant growth in 2011 and 2012. These trends are becoming stronger and reflect a multicultural society, aware of the importance of consuming healthy drinks, which has fueled the growth of this market segment.