A study by DHL foresees a 10% increase in international e-commerce over the next five years, with China, Mexico and Australia the markets where the greatest growth is expected.
From the study published by DHL:
About the market
According to Euromonitor International, global sales amounted to €616 billion in 2013.
The three best-selling online markets are the U.S., China and Japan.
Supermarket chains are increasing their supply of health care and wellness products, especially those that are natural or organic.
From a statement issued by the Foreign Trade Promotion Office of Costa Rica:
Panama, unlike other Latin American countries, is a net importer of food products, within this category, supermarkets have specifically increased their supply of products geared towards health and wellness of Panamanians.
Changes in food consumption patterns and preference for organic products are forcing the egg industry to modify its production techniques.
The demand for "specialty eggs" from hens that are free range or fed with organic products and a tendency to consume only egg whites in order to avoid cholesterol is revolutionizing the industry, forcing producers to develop new forms of production.
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.
The consumption of energy drinks and "Ready to Drink" coffee increased by 14.3% and 9.5%, respectively.
During the period 2011-12 energy drinks increased sales more than any other segments with 14.3%, followed by ready to drink (RTD) coffee with 9.5 %, bottled water 5.8 % and RTD tea with 9%.
From an article by the Costa Rican Foreign Trade Promotion Office (PROCOMER):
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.
Changes in lifestyles and work schedules are driving between meal snacking of biscuits, cereals, milk and drinks in convenient and easy to use packaging.
From an article by the Costa Rican Foreign Trade Promotion Office (PROCOMER):
According to a study by Kantar Worlpanel Mexico, a market research company, with 8,500 households in major cities, the most important meal for the consumers of this country is breakfast as it is eaten every day by 98% of households, however, due to accelerated lifestyles it is very common that at least one member does not have time to consume it inside the house, so products have been developed which are practical, either because of their packaging or the product itself, so that people can easily consume it on the road, at work or school.
The special tax on soft flavored fizzy drinks opens an opportunity to market fruit-based drinks or vegetables.
From an article by the Costa Rican Foreign Trade Promotion Office (PROCOMER):
Due to the alarming statistics on obesity in Mexico (a country that ranks first in the world with this condition) and the fact that soda drinks occupy third place worldwide as one of the main causes of this problem, according to the agency Euromonitor), the Finance Committee of the Chamber of Deputies of Mexico, has approved a special tax on flavored drinks equivalent to 1 peso per liter. This action was taken as a measure to put pressure on people to reduce consumption of these beverages and replace them with healthier ones.
To enhance market access domestic coffee making machine manufacturers are associating themselves with single-dose infusions.
From an article by the Costa Rican Trade Promotion Office (PROCOMER):
The business of coffee capsules has shown continuous growth and leading brands have closed partnerships deals with manufacturers of coffee making machines in order to push for a larger share of the market.
At the end of 2013 sales of these products could reach $10.5 billion which represents an increase of 44% since 2011.
From an article by the Costa Rican Trade Promotion Office (PROCOMER) :
The popularity of gluten-free products continues to grow in the United States, driven not only by people with celiac disease and those who do not suffer from wish to avoid consuming wheat protein as a preventative measure but also by those aiming to lose weight by stopping consumption of wheat-based products. According to Mintel, 35 % of buyers of gluten free products buy them because they are healthier and 27% buy them because they think it will help in their efforts to lose weight, 21% because they are low in carbohydrates and only 15% for a household member who is gluten intolerant.
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.
A growing part of the Korean population is concerned about eating healthier, increasing the interest in organic foods.
A statement from the Foreign Trade Promotion Office of Costa Rica ( PROCOMER ) reads:
Although still small compared with other countries , the Korean market for organic products is growing rapidly . Until recently local organic products were limited to fresh vegetables, some fruit and rice, but in recent years major food industries have begun to process this type of goods.
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.