Fresh Vegetables - Costa Rica

Costa Rica

Highlights

Revenue in the Fresh Vegetables market amounts to US$742.30m in 2024. The market is expected to grow annually by 5.59% (CAGR 2024-2029).
In global comparison, most revenue is generated China (US$101bn in 2024).
In relation to total population figures, per person revenues of US$141.50 are generated in 2024.
In the Fresh Vegetables market, volume is expected to amount to 426.80m kg by 2029. The Fresh Vegetables market is expected to show a volume growth of 3.6% in 2025.0.
The average volume per person in the Fresh Vegetables market is expected to amount to 71.8kg in 2024.

Key regions:

Market definitionIn-Scope/Out-of-scopeMarket structureMethodology

The Fresh Vegetables Market in Costa Rica is experiencing minimal growth, influenced by factors such as changing consumer preferences, competition from imported goods, and varying climatic conditions affecting local production and supply chains.

Customer preferences: Consumers in Costa Rica are increasingly prioritizing health and sustainability, leading to a growing demand for organic and locally sourced fresh vegetables. This shift is influenced by a younger demographic that values transparency in food sourcing and is more inclined to support environmentally friendly practices. Additionally, the rise of urban gardening and community-supported agriculture reflects a cultural movement towards self-sufficiency and connection with local farmers. These trends are reshaping purchasing behaviors, as consumers seek fresher, nutrient-dense options that align with their lifestyle choices.

Trends in the market: In Costa Rica, the fresh vegetables market is experiencing a significant shift towards organic and locally sourced produce, driven by a health-conscious consumer base that prioritizes sustainability. This trend is particularly pronounced among younger generations who are increasingly demanding transparency in food sourcing. Urban gardening initiatives and community-supported agriculture are flourishing, fostering a deeper connection between consumers and local farmers. As these trends gain momentum, industry stakeholders, including retailers and producers, must adapt by enhancing supply chains, promoting local partnerships, and investing in marketing strategies that highlight the benefits of fresh, nutrient-dense options.

Local special circumstances: In Costa Rica, the fresh vegetables market is shaped by its rich biodiversity and favorable climate, allowing for year-round cultivation of a wide variety of produce. The cultural emphasis on "pura vida" promotes a lifestyle that values health and sustainability, further driving demand for organic options. Additionally, regulatory support for sustainable agriculture practices encourages local farmers to adopt eco-friendly methods. These local factors create a unique market dynamic, fostering a strong preference for fresh, locally sourced vegetables while simultaneously enhancing community ties between consumers and producers.

Underlying macroeconomic factors: The Fresh Vegetables Market in Costa Rica is significantly influenced by macroeconomic factors such as global agricultural trends, national economic stability, and trade policies. The increasing global demand for organic produce has prompted local farmers to adapt their practices to meet international standards, thereby enhancing export opportunities. Additionally, Costa Rica's stable economic growth, supported by fiscal policies that favor sustainable agriculture, creates an environment conducive to investments in the sector. Fluctuations in commodity prices and exchange rates can also impact market performance, affecting both production costs and consumer prices, ultimately shaping the dynamics of local vegetable supply and demand.

Data coverage:

The data encompasses B2C enterprises. Figures are based on the total consumer spending on food, which comprises all private household spending on food that is meant for at-home consumption (out-of-home consumption is not accounted for).

Modeling approach:

Market sizes are determined through a top-down approach, building on specific predefined factors for each market segment. As a basis for evaluating markets, we use resources from the Statista platform as well as in-house market research, national statistical offices, international institutions, trade associations, companies, the trade press, and the experience of our analysts. In addition, we use relevant key market indicators and data from country-specific associations, such as GDP, consumer spending, and consumer price index. This data helps us estimate the market size for each country individually.

Forecasts:

In our forecasts, we apply diverse forecasting techniques. The selection of forecasting techniques is based on the behavior of the relevant market. For example, the exponential trend smoothing is well suited for forecasting the Food market with a projected steady growth. The main drivers are GDP per capita and consumer spending per capita.

Additional notes:

The data is modeled using current exchange rates. The impact of the COVID-19 pandemic and the Russia-Ukraine war are considered at a country-specific level. The market is updated twice a year.