With budgets stretched, consumers remain highly price conscious
As food inflation and cost-of-living struggles persist, and global supply uncertainty intensifies (exacerbated by the US administration's trade approach), Costa Ricans are seeking affordable staple foods. High prices were already a challenge for the industry due to climate change and geopolitical conflict. While unit price fluctuations in staple foods in 2025 are not as strong as those seen previously, consumers remain highly price conscious and look for promotions or cheaper products.
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Overview:
Understand the latest market trends and future growth opportunities for the Staple Foods industry in Costa Rica with research from Euromonitor International's team of in-country analysts – experts by industry and geographic specialisation.
Key trends are clearly and succinctly summarised alongside the most current research data available. Understand and assess competitive threats and plan corporate strategy with our qualitative analysis, insight and confident growth projections.
Data and analysis in this report provides further detailed coverage dedicated to a comprehensive range of core packaged food categories.
If you're in the Staple Foods industry in Costa Rica, our research will help you to make informed, intelligent decisions; to recognise and profit from opportunity, or to offer resilience amidst market uncertainty.
The Staple Foods in Costa Rica report includes:
- Analysis of key supply-side and demand trends
- Detailed segmentation of international and local products
- Historic volume and value sizes, company and brand market shares
- Five year forecasts of market trends and market growth
- Robust and transparent research methodology, conducted in-country
This report answers:
- What is the market size of Staple Foods in Costa Rica?
- Which are the leading brands in Staple Foods in Costa Rica?
- How are products distributed in Staple Foods in Costa Rica?
- How is the rise of e-commerce and/or the expansion of modern grocery retail impacting traditional retail?
- What are the key health and wellness concerns driving, or challenging, sales in Staple Foods?
- How significant are vegan and vegetarian dietary requirements in determining sales growth in Costa Rica?
- How has COVID-19 impacted consumer demand? To what extent have lockdown, home seclusion and stockpiling boosted sales? Will the longer term economic repercussions of the pandemic stimulate or suppress future growth?
- Where is future growth expected to be most dynamic?
- How significant will values-based claims, such as sustainability and ethical labelling, be in supporting future growth and brand equity?
Staple Foods in Costa Rica
With budgets stretched, consumers remain highly price conscious
KEY DATA FINDINGS
Consumer Price Index (IPC) shows a decline in prices for several categories
Impact of declining tourism and contraband
Health and wellness driving demand for better-for-you products
Influence of social media and convenience
Increased interest in healthy and functional foods
Global flavours to gain traction
Rising influence of social media
Consumers appreciate the freshness of artisanal products
Cía Numar SA benefits from its widely recognised and trusted brands
Supermarkets lead, offering a wide product range, lower prices and convenience
Convenient e-commerce’s penetration continues to grow
Low prices attract
COUNTRY REPORTS DISCLAIMER
Baked Goods in Costa Rica
KEY DATA FINDINGS
Artisanal baked goods becoming increasingly specialised, but consumers continue to value the convenience of packaged options
Packaged options compete with fresh/unpackaged varieties
Packaged leavened bread’s growth supported by consumer demand for convenience
Low-priced, private label products will continue to attract consumers
Higher-income consumers will look for cleaner alternatives in packaged baked goods
Packaged options for more artisanal burger and hotdog buns could gain popularity
Bimbo de Costa Rica SA leads, catering to diverse consumer preferences
Supermarkets provide a convenient one-stop shopping experience and lower prices
Ongoing expansion of retail e-commerce as consumers value convenience
Breakfast Cereals in Costa Rica
KEY DATA FINDINGS
Waning demand as consumers switch to alternative products
Breakfast cereals are seeking to regain their appeal
Muesli and granola are capturing consumer attention
Expansion of convenient and creative packaging options could drive growth
Simpler ingredients expected in the better-for-you space
Functional ingredients could attract consumers
Alimentos Jacks de Centro América celebrates its 61st anniversary
Offering affordable cereal options drives strong growth of Alimentos Jacks in 2025
Supermarkets offer a wide variety of imported and local breakfast cereals
Expansion of e-commerce
Processed Fruit and Vegetables in Costa Rica
KEY DATA FINDINGS
Increased product variety and convenience trend fuel growth
Expansion of shelf stable options and consumer demand for convenience drive growth
Shelf stable beans popular in meals and as a snack
Private label to increase its offering
Growth of organic, preservative-free options
Processed fruit and vegetables could offer varieties that are not available in the country fresh
Leading Distribuidora Lucema SA offers a wide selection of canned fruit and vegetables
Supermarkets remain the leading distribution channel
E-commerce expands as consumers have grown more confident in online shopping
Processed Meat, Seafood and Alternatives To Meat in Costa Rica
KEY DATA FINDINGS
Ongoing popularity of chilled processed red meat
Processed meat, seafood and alternatives continue to grow as consumers search for protein
Health and wellness trend encourages higher-income consumers to eat more fish
Private label expansion
Simpler ingredients lists are sought after for plant-based alternatives
Growth of international products
Cargill’s broad portfolio and well-known brands support its lead in 2025
Dynamic Centro Internacional de Inversiones
Supermarkets have a wider selection of brands and presentations
Consumers value the convenience of e-commerce
Rice, Pasta and Noodles in Costa Rica
KEY DATA FINDINGS
Affordable and filling pasta, rice, and noodles are essential items amid ongoing financial pressure
Rice, pasta and noodles benefits from consumers seeking affordable options
Noodles offer convenience and diversity
More product variety expected to continue to attract consumers
Expansion of organic and clean-label offerings
More affordable specialty products would attract consumers
Leading Grupo Pelón distributes a wide variety of well-known brands
VIGUI continues to innovate and diversify its product line
Small local grocers lead, benefiting from a widespread presence in the country
E-commerce continues to expand among consumers who value convenience
COUNTRY REPORTS DISCLAIMER
The following categories and subcategories are included:
Staple Foods
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- Packaged Flat Bread
- Unpackaged Flat Bread
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- Packaged Leavened Bread
- Unpackaged Leavened Bread
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- Packaged Cakes
- Unpackaged Cakes
- Dessert Mixes
- Frozen Baked Goods
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- Packaged Pastries
- Unpackaged Pastries
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- Sweet Pies and Tarts
- Frozen Cakes, Sweet Pies and Tarts
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- Hot Cereals
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- Children's Breakfast Cereals
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- Flakes
- Muesli and Granola
- Other RTE Cereals
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- Shelf Stable Beans
- Shelf Stable Fruit
- Shelf Stable Tomatoes
- Shelf Stable Vegetables
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- Frozen Fruit
- Frozen Processed Potatoes
- Frozen Processed Vegetables
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- Shelf Stable Processed Red Meat
- Shelf Stable Processed Poultry
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- Chilled Processed Red Meat
- Chilled Processed Poultry
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- Frozen Processed Red Meat
- Frozen Processed Poultry
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- Shelf Stable Seafood
- Chilled Processed Seafood
- Frozen Processed Seafood
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- Chilled Meat and Seafood Substitutes
- Frozen Meat and Seafood Substitutes
- Shelf Stable Meat and Seafood Substitutes
- Tofu and Derivatives
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- Chilled Noodles
- Frozen Noodles
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- Instant Noodle Cups
- Instant Noodle Pouches
- Plain Noodles
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- Chilled Pasta
- Dried Pasta
- Rice
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Staple Foods
NOTE: Couscous, polenta and quinoa are excluded from staple foods.
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This report originates from Passport, our Staple Foods research and analysis database.
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