The Costa Rican Foreign Trade Promoter (PROCOMER) is analyzing the foreign trade potential of mangosteen, pitahaya, soursop, passion fruit, cape gooseberry, ipecacuanha, peach-palm and starfruit.
According to Marta Esquivel, director of trade intelligence at PROCOMER, consumers are increasingly aware of the importance of having a balanced nutrition and they are incorporating more fresh and organic products into their diet, which represents an opportunity to export agricultural products such the ones mentioned before.
Esquivel declared that based-on-fruit-and-vegetables processed foods benefit the industry, due to parents’ concern about healthy and easy-to-carry food. In fact, organic, without preservatives and carbon-neutral origin fruits and vegetables stand out.
Costa Rica has products with quality and freshness that can be exported and meet the consumers’ needs,
declared Esquivel.
According to the study, the trends, indicated by region, are:
-Europe, the Middle East and Africa (EMEA): there is a greater awareness of food waste, which has allowed the consumer to advocate for fresh and processed products that do not pollute the environment, and which, even because of their appearance, may be Considered as waste.
-Asia: just like in the United States, Canada and Europe, there has been an increase in the consumption of organic products. Australia and New are consuming fruit and vegetable snacks . Those products that combine flavors and types of fruits are booming.
-North America: the development of products focused on culinary applications have been very dynamic, since consumers have less time to cook.
-Latin America: awareness is becoming stronger in the region. Convenience products include grilled vegetables, pre-cut fruits, fry mixes, frozen fruit and fruit blends. Easy-to-eat products are becoming more and more popular.