Grapes market in Central America

Earlier Report Observations

The grape market in Central America remained stable between 2018 and 2020, with volume hovering around 480 000 t. This stability was supported by growing consumer demand for healthy superfoods like grapes and a continued shift toward organic and natural produce. Technological advances in cultivation also helped maintain product quality. In 2020, the global increase in grape market value and the region's focus on producing high-quality, export-competitive fresh grapes contributed to steady market conditions despite minor fluctuations.

Market volume jumped to 550 900 t in 2021, primarily because a sharp drop in exports left more grapes available domestically. This export decline was driven by intensified competition from other Latin American suppliers such as Peru, Chile, and Mexico, which affected trade flows. Rising production costs in the region also pushed growers to adopt more efficient, technified farming methods. In 2022, the market receded to 511 700 t as exports recovered and import volumes rose. During this period, producers focused on differentiating their offerings through new grape varieties and extending the supply season via protected horticulture.

The market contracted sharply to 323 300 t in 2023, as a surge in exports diverted a large portion of production abroad. This export growth was facilitated by ongoing improvements in product quality, stronger industry relationships, and optimized supply-chain logistics, which made Central American grapes more attractive on international markets. The launch of new table-grape varieties tailored to health-conscious snacking trends further supported external sales.

Production grapes in Central America

In kind, 2017-2020, K t

Top producers of grapes, 2017-2020

World map of production of grapes, 2017-2020

Central America's grape production volume declined after two years of improvement. In 2020, the region produced 473.9 K t of grapes, representing a 4.0% decrease from the previous year. Looking at the period from 2017 to 2020, production grew by 11.6%, which translates to an average annual increase of 3.7%. The highest production level was recorded in 2019 at 493.4 K t, with the largest year-on-year increase of 9.4% also occurring that year.

Annual dynamics of production in Central America in kind, 2017-2020, K t

In value, 2017-2020, M $ US

In 2020, the value of grape output in Central America reached 1 046 M $ US, marking a 1.1% increase compared to 2019. Over the 2017-2020 period, production value rose by 23.9%, with a compound annual growth rate of 7.4%. The most significant decline was observed in 2019 at 0.2%, while the largest increase occurred in 2018 with a 22.9% jump.

Annual dynamics of production in Central America in value, 2017-2020, M $ US

Exports grapes from Central America

Exports in kind, K t

Central America exported 126.1 K t of grapes in 2020, which is 9.9% lower than in 2019. The lowest export volume was recorded in 2018 at 86.3 K t, while the peak was in 2019 at 140.0 K t. The most substantial decline happened in 2018 with a 30.2% drop, and the largest increase occurred in 2019 with a 62.2% rise.

Annual dynamics of product's exports from Central America in kind, 2017-2020, K t

From 2017 to 2020, the United States was the nearly exclusive buyer of grapes from Central America, accounting for 97.4% of total exports in volume terms.

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

World map of product's exports from Central America in kind, 2017-2020

Exports in value, M $ US

In 2020, foreign grape supplies from Central America amounted to 278.3 M $ US, reflecting a 5.2% reduction compared to the previous year. Over the 2017-2020 period, exports increased by 13.3%, with a compound annual growth rate of 4.2%. The lowest value was recorded in 2018 at 198.5 M $ US, and the highest in 2019 at 293.6 M $ US. The most significant decline was in 2018 with a 19.2% decrease, while the largest increase was in 2019 with a 47.9% surge.

Annual dynamics of product's exports from Central America in value, 2017-2020, M $ US

During 2017–2020, the United States was by far the primary destination for grape exports from Central America in value terms, making up 97.3% of total flows.

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

World map of product's exports from Central America in value, 2017-2020

Imports grapes to Central America

Imports in kind, K t

Imported grape volumes in Central America increased for the second consecutive year. In 2020, imports totaled 133.8 K t, showing a modest gain of 4.0% compared to the previous year. Over the 2017-2020 period, imports grew by 15.2%, with a compound annual growth rate of 4.8%. The lowest volume was recorded in 2018 at 114.7 K t, with the largest decline that year at 1.3%. The most significant increase occurred in 2019 with a 12.3% rise.

Annual dynamics of product's imports to Central America in kind, 2017-2020, K t

From 2017 to 2020, the United States (52.5% of imports in volume), Chile (22.8%), and Peru (21.6%) formed the main group of sources for grape imports to Central America, together accounting for 96.8% of total flows.

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

World map of product's imports to Central America in kind, 2017-2020

Imports in value, M $ US

Central America's grape import value increased for the third consecutive year. In 2020, imports amounted to 300.6 M $ US, which is 6.7% higher than the previous year. Over the 2017-2020 period, imports rose by 21.1%, with a compound annual growth rate of 6.6%.

Annual dynamics of product's imports to Central America in value, 2017-2020, M $ US

From 2017 to 2020, the United States (54.4% of imports in value), Chile (22.0%), and Peru (20.8%) together accounted for 97.2% of total import value, remaining the key sources for grapes to Central America.

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

World map of product's imports to Central America in value, 2017-2020