During the second quarter of 2021, imports of fruit and vegetable juices in Central America recovered by 18% equivalent to 88 thousand tons, representing $68 million, coming from Guatemala as the main supplier.
Figures from the Trade Intelligence Unit of CentralAmericaData: [GRAFICA caption="Click to interact with the graphic"]
The first quarter of 2021 saw an increase in frozen fruit exports by 60% to $41 million in the Central American region, with Costa Rica being the main seller with $47 million.
Figures from the Trade Intelligence Unit of CentralAmericaData: [GRAFICA caption="Click to interact with the graphic"]
Between August 2019 and December 2020, there was evidence of an upward trend in the average price of Central American frozen fruit exports, as it increased from $1.04 to $1.45 per kilo.
Figures from the Trade Intelligence Unit of CentralAmericaData: [GRAFICA caption="Click to interact with the graphic"].
Despite the complications that affected international trade due to the covid-19 outbreak, in Costa Rica in 2020, imports of grapes and oranges increased, a rise that is explained by the preference of consumers for fruits containing vitamin C.
The Foreign Trade Report of the Agricultural Sector 2019-2020, prepared by the Executive Secretariat of Agricultural Sector Planning (SEPSA), details that last year imports of fresh oranges in the country amounted to $14.8 million, 38% more than what was reported in 2019.
In the new commercial reality in which customers value food free of any virus or bacteria, producers and international distribution chains are forced to reinforce their safety systems to reduce the risk of selling contaminated products.
Months ago, it was reported that in China, processed and frozen meat products arriving from abroad were detected with the presence of the coronavirus.
Between August 2019 and June 2020, an upward trend was evident in the average price of Central American frozen fruit exports, as it increased from $1.04 to $1.45 per kilo.
Figures from the Trade Intelligence Unit of CentralAmericaData: [GRAFICA caption="Click to interact with the graphic"].
In recent weeks in Central American countries, the volume of searches and conversations on the Internet associated with fruits and vegetables began to decrease, a downward trend that continued until mid-November.
Through a system that monitors in real time changes in consumer interests and preferences in Central American countries, developed by CentralAmericaData, it is possible to project short and long term demand trends for the different products, sectors and markets operating in the region.
Due to the possible change in the regulations established by the European Union on the use of agrochemicals in the production of the fruit that enters their territory, exporters in the region are on the alert for the possible complications that this would generate in the commercialization.
In order to protect the health of consumers, European authorities could vary the maximum residue limits (MRL's) that food entering the region may contain.
Berries, cherries and citrus fruits, fruits that due to their vitamin C content are generally associated with positive effects on the immune system, reported increases in sales in the US and European markets during March, April and May 2020.
In this context of new consumption habits, which emerged worldwide due to the outbreak of covid-19, banana sales (due to its high potassium content and its contributions to health) have been extremely positive.
In Central America, it is estimated that nearly 14 million people show an interest in fast food in the digital environment. Pizza, tacos, organic food and snacks are some of the terms that have best positioned themselves in the minds of consumers with high purchasing power.
An analysis of the interests and preferences of consumers in Central America, prepared by the Trade Intelligence Unit of CentralAmericaData, shows interesting results on the preferences and tastes of people in various foods, products, services, restaurant chains and activities.
The supply of processed fruits and vegetables by Chilean companies is largely complemented by inputs from other countries, with berries, apples, kiwis, peaches and uncooked vegetables being some of the most demanded products.
During 2019, Chilean imports of fruits and vegetables amounted to Ch$200 million, 54% preserved and 22% frozen, 19% juices and 6% purées and jellies, explains a study by the Chilean Foreign Trade Promotion Agency (Procomer).
Because the Asian giant is the world's largest buyer of fresh fruit and people are willing to consume new and tropical foods, the region's pineapple producers have the opportunity to increase their business with the Chinese market.
According to a study conducted by the Foreign Trade Promoter (Procomer), China remains one of the largest producers of fruit in the world, but quality remains a problem, so they are interested in imported fruit, added to consumers looking for better quality products as part of the search for a healthier lifestyle.
An industrial plant for the processing of vegetables, fruits, grains, dairy products, roots and tubers will be built in the canton of Coto Brus, province of Puntarenas.
The Costa Rican government awarded the contract for the construction of this industrial complex to the company Vidalco Empresa Constructora. It is estimated that the overall investment will be approximately $3 million.
The drop in international prices and the climate difficulties were the main reasons for the 5% reduction in the value exported from Costa Rica last year compared to 2018.
Data from the Foreign Trade Promotion Agency (Procomer) show that between 2018 and 2019, exports of the fruit decreased from $983 million to $930 million, which is equivalent to a negative variation of 5%.
Encouraging production and raising the quality standards of the fruit are some of the challenges that Guatemala faces in order to take advantage of the multiple opportunities that exist in the international market.
It is estimated that worldwide the demand for avocado grows at a 10% annual rate and in its best season the fruit is quoted in Asian and European markets up to $1.75 per unit.
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