Frozen preserved vegetables market in Costa Rica

Earlier Report Observations

The Costa Rican market for frozen preserved vegetables grew from 28 047 tonnes in 2018 to 30 399 tonnes in 2019, driven by increasing consumer interest in products perceived as nutritious and convenient, particularly among younger demographics. This trend was reinforced by the growing recognition that frozen items could match the nutritional value of fresh produce. However, market volume contracted to 26 377 tonnes in 2020 as Costa Rican producers, bolstered by export promotion efforts from entities like PROCOMER, significantly increased overseas shipments, reducing the supply available for domestic consumption.

A sharp market recovery to 33 183 tonnes occurred in 2021, fueled by the entry of new product segments such as complete and healthy ready meals, which catered to more health-conscious consumers. The following year, market volume saw a modest decline to 32 283 tonnes, coinciding with a notable increase in the value of Costa Rican frozen fruit and vegetable exports, which reached $81.6 million, indicating a diversion of supply to international markets. By 2023, the market expanded again to 34 111 tonnes, supported by the global growth of the frozen food sector and the active participation of local companies in major international trade fairs to diversify their export channels.

Preliminary data for 2024 shows a continued upward trajectory in imports, which reached 39 226 tonnes, reflecting sustained demand and the ongoing strengthening of the national agri-food industry through state support and the adoption of digital tools for international commercialization.

Production frozen preserved vegetables in Costa Rica

In kind, 2017-2020, t

Top producers of frozen preserved vegetables, 2017-2020

World map of production of frozen preserved vegetables, 2017-2020

Costa Rica's production of frozen preserved vegetables increased for the second consecutive year. In 2020, the country produced 732.3 t of frozen preserved vegetables, marking a significant 26.8% rise compared to the previous year.

Annual dynamics of production in Costa Rica in kind, 2017-2020, t

Exports frozen preserved vegetables from Costa Rica

Exports in kind, t

The market exhibited volatility during the observed period. In 2019, exports reached their lowest point at 877 t, with a 33.4% decline. The following year, in 2020, exports surged to 2 680 t, representing a substantial 205.7% increase from 2019. This resulted in a 3.1-fold variation between the peak in 2020 and the trough in 2019.

Annual dynamics of product's exports from Costa Rica in kind, 2017-2020, t

From 2017 to 2020, the United States was the nearly exclusive buyer of frozen preserved vegetables from Costa Rica, accounting for 95.5% of total exports in volume.

Structure of product's exports in kind by countries, 2017-2020

World map of product's exports from Costa Rica in kind, 2017-2020

Exports in value, K $ US

Cross-border shipments of frozen preserved vegetables from Costa Rica declined for the second consecutive year. In 2020, exports amounted to 1 405 K $ US, down by 20.3% from the previous year. Over the 2017-2020 period, exports decreased by 31.8%, with a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of -12.0%. The highest value was recorded in 2018 at 2 260 K $ US, which saw a 9.6% increase. The largest decline occurred in 2019, with a 22.0% drop.

Annual dynamics of product's exports from Costa Rica in value, 2017-2020, K $ US

Throughout 2017 to 2020, the United States dominated the export structure in value terms, consistently representing 94.6% of total flows.

Structure of product's exports in value by countries, 2017-2020

World map of product's exports from Costa Rica in value, 2017-2020

Imports frozen preserved vegetables to Costa Rica

Imports in kind, t

After a two-year rise, imports of frozen preserved vegetables into Costa Rica declined. In 2020, import volume stood at 28 325 t, reflecting a moderate 7.7% decrease from the previous year. Between 2017 and 2020, imports increased by 3%, equivalent to an annualized rate of 1.0%. The peak was in 2019 at 30 698 t, which saw a 6.6% increase.

Annual dynamics of product's imports to Costa Rica in kind, 2017-2020, t

From 2017 to 2020, Canada (32.3% of imports in volume), the United States (23.8%), and Belgium (22.2%) together accounted for 78.2% of total imports in volume of frozen preserved vegetables to Costa Rica, making them the primary sources.

Structure of product's imports in kind by countries, 2017-2020

World map of product's imports to Costa Rica in kind, 2017-2020

Imports in value, K $ US

In 2020, imports of frozen preserved vegetables into Costa Rica were recorded at 30 506 K $ US, showing a sharp 15.7% drop from the previous year. Between 2017 and 2020, imports decreased by 6.9%, equating to an annualized rate of -2.3%. The maximum value was in 2019 at 36 176 K $ US, which experienced an 11.6% increase.

Annual dynamics of product's imports to Costa Rica in value, 2017-2020, K $ US

From 2017 to 2020, Canada (38.3% of imports in value), the United States (29.7%), and Belgium (15.3%) formed the main group of sources for imports in value terms of frozen preserved vegetables to Costa Rica, with a combined share of 83.3% of total flows.

Structure of product's imports in value by countries, 2017-2020

World map of product's imports to Costa Rica in value, 2017-2020