Through geospatial data analysis techniques, CentralAmericaData carried out an analysis of five Walmart distribution centers in Florida, United States, with the aim of identifying patterns in the supply chains of these five centers and their relationships with commercial establishments and other logistics complexes in the State.
Through this analysis, whose objective is to show how geospatial data science techniques can be applied to solve problems in the logistics sector, the existing relationships between Walmart distribution centers and their supply sites were identified and characterized, so that different large commercial chains can evaluate and at the same time improve processes in their respective supply chains.
By analyzing the large volumes of anonymous data generated by mobile devices, it is possible to establish whether a distribution center has a commercial relationship with other logistics complexes, and even with establishments that serve the end consumer.
Using the most advanced Big Data tools, it is possible to understand the behavior of the supply chains of companies in the retail sector, since by monitoring delivery parts and counting mutual visits between suppliers and vendors, it is possible to identify and establish which are the most important relationships between distribution centers and points of sale to the end consumer, such as stores.
In the region, it is estimated that more than 4 million people show interest in the digital environment for supermarkets, being Walmart, Pricesmart, Paiz, La Torre, La Colonia and Super Selectos, some of the chains that have better positioned in the minds of consumers.
An analysis of the interests and preferences of consumers in Central America, prepared by the Trade Intelligence Unit of CentralAmericaData, gives interesting results on the preferences and tastes of people in various products, services, store chains, brands and activities.
As part of the FTA signed between the two countries, since January 1, 2020 beef and pork from the U.S. do not pay tariffs or taxes on entry into Costa Rica.
According to the Free Trade Agreement signed, the relief of beef and pork will be valid for 15 years, while the so-called black parts of the chicken, such as thighs and others, will be released until January 1, 2022, in this case for the term of 17 years.
Walmart will market high quality coffee in Costa Rica under the brand Great Value, owned by the supermarket chain, a product that will be manufactured with beans from Tres Rios, Naranjo and Tarrazú.
Representatives of the company informed that Great Value is offered in supermarkets of the formats Walmart and Masxmenos, in presentations of light and dark roast of 340 grams ground and in grain.
The company announced that the new service center specializing in finance and accounting, which will be in Heredia, arises as a result of an alliance with the chain Walmart.
Genpact, a multinational professional services company dedicated to digital transformation, reported that from its new service center in Costa Rica, will support Walmart's operations in Latin America.
Authorities in Costa Rica confirmed their judgment against Walmart's request to buy the supermarket chain Gessa, ending the case through administrative channels.
At the beginning of December 2018, the Commission for the Promotion of Competition (Coprocom) denied Walmart the request to purchase the Gessa group. Days later, the two companies involved in the transaction filed two appeals to overturn the decision.
In response to the brake placed by the Commission for the Promotion of Competition on the purchase of Gessa by Walmart, in Costa Rica both companies presented two independent appeals that seek to revoke the blockade of the transaction.
Last week, the Commission for the Promotion of Competition (Coprocom) denied Walmart the purchase request of the supermarket group Gessa, and just days later, on December 10th, the two companies participating in the transaction filed two appeals to overturn the judgment.
Walmart El Salvador is investing $24 million in the construction of two new stores, which will be located in Antiguo Cuscatlán and Ahuachapán.
The supermarket chain reported that this year they are making investments in the construction of two new stores in the departments of La Libertad and Ahuchapán, and also carry out remodeling work in another existing sales point in the municipality of Santa Tecla.
In Costa Rica, the pig farmers' association has filed a complaint alleging that importers such as Walmart, Cargill and Sigma Alimentos are manipulating pork prices in the local market.
The Costa Rican Chamber of Porculturists (Caporc) filed a complaint with the Consumer Protection and Advocacy Commission (Coprocom), arguing that "...three multinational companies make up 65% of total pork imports, and that this concentration demonstrates significant market power that undermines free competition and market transparency."
Walmart El Salvador plans to invest $19 million this year in opening five new stores and remodelling others in different areas of the country.
The multinational chain said that the five new stores that will be ready this year correspond to the formats Maxi Despensa and Despensa Familiar.Regarding this first store format, two branches will be constructed, one in Soyapango and another in San Vicente.
In the last 6 years imports have grown at an annual rate of 12%, going from $16 million in 2010 to $31 million in the first ten months of this year.
Greater sophistication in the consumption of these products, more demands than before in terms of quality and brands, are some of the reasons for increased toy imports in the country.
The supermarket chain has announced that it is preparing to open twelve new stores in 2016, including one in the Walmart format in Tegucigalpa, in which it plans to invest $12 million.
Currently the American supermarket chain Walmart operates 82 outlets in Honduras, and expects to close 2016 with at least 100 stores in four formats that it is currently operating.In the case of the larger format store, Walmart, Hernan Muntaner, vice president of Perishables and Agroindustrial Development for Walmart of Mexico and Central America, told Laprensa.hn that"... 'the project will be built in Tegucigalpa, with an estimated investment of 12 million dollars between land and construction'."
An increased supply of imported pork has caused a general price reduction and increased annual per capita consumption by two kilos.
Demand for pork in Costa Rica increased from 11 kilograms (kg) per capita in 2014 to 13 kg per capita in 2015, according to figures from the Costa Rican Chamber of Pork Producers (Caporc) cited by Nacion.com.
Negotiations are being promoted with the US chain for the installation of a distribution center for Latin America in the Colon Free Zone.
Editorial
Panama reserves supermarket operations for local companies, so there could be confusion over the news report from Prensa.com, which states that "... Through a letter signed by Panamanian President Juan Carlos Varela, a group of businessmen, headed by the general manager of the Colon Free Zone (CFZ), Surse Pierpoint- are seeking to attract the attention of executives at Walmart US to install a distribution center for Latin America in Panama ", indicating the Colon Free Zone (CFZ) as 'the right place'."