In the last few months, the interest in wine in the digital environment has been increasing, a rise that can be explained by the behavior of consumers in all markets of the region.
Through a system that monitors in real time the changes in the interests and preferences of the consumers in the countries of Central America, developed by CentralAmericaData, it is possible to project trends of demand in the short and long term, for the different products, sectors and markets that operate in the region.
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.
In Costa Rica, the population with the highest average income shows interest in rabbits, reptiles and horses, and two out of ten consumers show interest in birds as pets.
An analysis of consumer interests and preferences in Costa Rica, compiled by CentralAmericaData's Trade Intelligence Unit, provides interesting results on the characteristics and people who show interest in pets. [GRAFICA caption="Click to interact with graphics]
The slowdown in the region's economies and political uncertainty are changing the way consumers in markets such as Guatemala, Costa Rica and Honduras make purchasing decisions.
The White Rabbit group carried out a study on buyer behavior in Guatemala, Honduras and Costa Rica, called "A New Guide to Understanding the Consumer", which analyses the perceptions prevailing in these markets in the region.
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.
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.
In Central and South America the use of this type of packaging grew by 50%, going from nearly 5 billion units in 2008 to 7 billion in 2013.
From a statement issued by the Costa Rican Foreign Trade Promotion Office (PROCOMER):
The market for flexible packaging (such as those used in sauces and mayonnaise) in Central and South America has experienced rapid growth over the past five years, increasing by 50% in volume, going from nearly five billion units in 2008 to 7 billion in 2013, according to a recent report by PCI Films Consulting. The largest categories of individual final consumption were mayonnaise and tomato sauce (not ketchup), each having 16% and 23% of the volumes, respectively.
Labels including the list of ingredients on food and beverage products are now the second most important factor in purchasing decisions of consumers in Europe, after the price.
From a statement by the Foreign Trade Promotion Office of Costa Rica (PROCOMER):
The consulting firm Ingredion has conducted a study entitled The Clean Label Guide To Europe in which analysis is made of the importance of the clean label movement in Europe.
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. "
In 2014 the consumption of fresh produce went down, the frequency of trips to the shops changed and the preference for large supermarkets has returned.
From a statement issued by the Costa Rica Foreign Trade Promotion Office (Procomer):
According to a study by Kantar Worldpanel, 2014 represents a year of inflection as far as consumer trends are concerned. The four main changes are:
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.
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.