Although the tea which is most consumed in the South American country is black tea, there is a growing consumer preference for new flavors, varieties and formats.
From a statement issued by PROCOMER:
Chile led tea consumption with 428 cups per person per year, taking into considertion sales of retail and foodservice channels, according to Euromonitor International.It is followed by Argentina with 95 cups per capita; Uruguay, with 80 and Bolivia with 75.For 2021, the consultancy firm estimated that in Chile consumption will reach 486 cups per year.
Two companies are vying for the local market and exporting more than 40 different types of tea to Central America, the US and recently to China.
Mondaisa, one of the competitors, reports that demand in the international market is growing 20% a year, while in the local market it is growing by 11% a year. Meanwhile Manzate recorded an overall growth of 12%, and in the local market of about 6%.
Keeping pace with economic growth and growing consumer sophistication, Panamanians are developing a taste for tea, which is generating business opportunities.
From January to July 2014, 218,000 kilos of tea were imported valued at more than $1 million. Of this total, fermented black tea was the most imported, followed by green tea. More than 65 varieties on offer in this emerging market in Panama were imported from China, Sri Lanka, India, Japan and South Africa.
Projected consumption of beverages such as water, ready to drink tea and juices will generate about 65% of new sales in 2018 in developed countries.
From a statement issued by the Foreign Trade Promotion Office of Costa Rica (PROCOMER):
Healthy drinks are a priority in developed markets
The global beverage market is splitting into two macro markets: one composed of consumers in emerging economies demanding by big brands and traditional products such as carbonated beverages, and the other in developed markets looking for healthy drinks.
On November 19th, eight Guatemalan companies will travel to the Asian nation with the aim of promoting the sale of Guatemalan coffee and tea.
Prensalibre.com reports: "This is the second mission from Guatemala that will go to Taiwan so far this year and in this activity Guatemala tea will also be offered".
According to the economic counselor of the Embassy of Taiwan, Eugenia Yang, Guatemalan coffee has been well accepted in that country and they are looking to increase trade relations in order to expand into the Asian continent.
In Costa Rica sales generated by ready to drink tea rose from $14.6 million in 2007 to $39.2 million in 2012.
Elfinancierocr.com reports: "Although it began as a business which imported sports drinks in 1994, Corporación Desinid found its main niches in the manufacture of iced tea for industry". The powdered version of the product allowed it to link up with large chains such as PriceSmart with a private brand name which drove this growth.
Guatemala, Honduras, Panama, Nicaragua and El Salvador are being represented at the International Fair for Coffee, Tea and Spirits, being held in Taipei.
From today, November 25th to the 28th, a group of young business people will be promoting coffee, rum and cigars, with the aim of increasing exports to that country.
According to an article in Reuters: "Consumption and import of coffee has experienced a sharp rise in Taiwan, rising from $35 million spent in 2004 to $69 million in 2009, said organizers of the fair.
The sophistication of Costa Rican society has brought about a marked increase in tea consumption, evident on the supermarket shelves where tea is occupying more and more space.
In an article on Elfinacierocr.com, one businessman recounts his venture in launching tea in a very established coffee market.
With a growth of 200% over the past 5 years, the consumption of tea in all its varieties has achieved increasing popularity in Costa Rica.
EmSula was honored internationally by Pepsi Lipton as Lipton’s New Market of the Year for 2008.
For the prize, Pepsico Multinational compared more than 50 countries in Latin America, the Caribbean, Asia and Europe in terms of consumer expectations, projection, quality and acceptance of Lipton tea.
According to an article in laprensahn.com, "This award was described as ‘big leagues’ by the executives of PepsiCo International.
Beverage Industry Digital Magazine established in 1942, the oldest Spanish trade journal and the only beverage trade magazine serving the Latin American beverage market. It serves soft drink bottlers, brewers, bottled water...