Vanilla market in Central America

Earlier Report Observations

From 2018 to 2020, vanilla production and market volume in Central America expanded steadily, with output rising from 495 t to 589 t. This growth occurred amid persistent biotic and abiotic challenges such as fungi and drought, which affected crop quality, and was supported by the region's strong export orientation, with a significant share of production destined for international markets. The increasing consumer preference for natural and organic food flavors also contributed to underlying demand.

In 2021, production reached a peak of 610 t, but the domestic market volume dipped slightly to 586 t as a surge in exports reduced local availability. Global supply and demand fluctuations, driven by weather-related production challenges, played a role in trade patterns. The following year, 2022, saw a sharp contraction in both production and market volume, falling to 515 t and 518 t respectively, primarily due to climatic and agronomic factors that disrupted the supply chain and affected vanilla bean availability.

By 2023, the market showed signs of stabilization, with production at 508 t and market volume at 507 t. This was underpinned by rising disposable incomes and robust demand from end-use sectors like alcoholic beverages, soft drinks, confectionery, and baked goods, with international companies such as Nestlé and General Mills actively sourcing natural vanilla in the region.

Production vanilla in Central America

In kind, 2017-2020, t

Top producers of vanilla, 2017-2020

World map of production of vanilla, 2017-2020

Vanilla production in Central America has grown for the second year in a row. In 2020, the region produced 588.7 tonnes of vanilla, marking a 12.8% increase from the previous year. Over the period from 2017 to 2020, production rose by 14.3%, with an average annual growth rate of 4.6%. The lowest production level was recorded in 2018 at 494.7 tonnes, which also saw the largest decline of 3.9%.

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

Exports vanilla from Central America

Exports in kind, kg

The data shows irregular changes, pointing to a volatile market environment. Export volumes reached their lowest point in 2019 at 84 kg and peaked in 2018 at 894 kg, with a 10.6-fold difference between these years. In 2020, Central America exported 767 kg of vanilla, a sharp increase of 809.5% compared to the previous year. The largest decline occurred in 2019, dropping by 90.6%.

Annual dynamics of product's exports from Central America in kind, 2017-2020, kg

From 2017 to 2020, Canada and the United States remained the leading markets for vanilla exports in volume, together accounting for 82.2% of total flows, while other partners played a supplementary role.

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, $ US

The data reveals irregular changes, indicating a volatile market environment. Export values hit their lowest point in 2019 at 16 461 US dollars and peaked in 2018 at 56 676 US dollars, with a 3.4-fold gap between these years. In 2020, vanilla deliveries from Central America totaled 28 565 US dollars, up 73.5% from the previous year. The largest decline was in 2019 at 71.0%, while the largest increase occurred in 2018 at 105.3%.

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

Between 2017 and 2020, the United States, Dominican Republic, and Venezuela formed the main cluster of markets for vanilla exports in value terms. The United States accounted for 62.2% of exports, the Dominican Republic for 14.0%, and Venezuela for 9.1%, together representing 85.3% 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 vanilla to Central America

Imports in kind, kg

There were noticeable fluctuations in market performance during this period. Import volumes dropped to their lowest point in 2018 at 2 432 kg and peaked in 2019 at 9 159 kg, with a 3.8-fold difference between these years. In 2020, vanilla imports into Central America totaled 2 573 kg, down 71.9% from 2019. The largest increase was recorded in 2019, rising by 276.6%.

Annual dynamics of product's imports to Central America in kind, 2017-2020, kg

Throughout 2017 to 2020, the United States, Spain, and China were the key partners for vanilla imports in volume to Central America. The United States represented 35.1% of imports, Spain 15.9%, and China 8.6%, jointly accounting for 59.6% 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, $ US

The data shows irregular changes, reflecting a volatile market environment. Import values reached their lowest point in 2018 at 24 291 US dollars and peaked in 2017, with a 3-fold gap between these years. In 2020, vanilla deliveries to Central America totaled 43 977 US dollars, a decrease of 24.9% year-over-year. The largest decline was in 2018 at 67.1%, while the largest increase occurred in 2019 at 140.9%.

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

From 2017 to 2020, the United States, China, and Free Zones were the largest suppliers of vanilla to Central America in value terms. The United States accounted for 36.9% of imports, China for 22.7%, and Free Zones for 10.0%, together forming 69.6% of total imports.

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

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