Increase in demand for immunity-boosting spices

The global COVID-19 pandemic motivated consumers to buy food and drinks that support their immune systems. Ingredients such as vitamin C, D, zinc, probiotics and functional foods are being used more often in product formulations. The demand for spices with health benefits, such as ginger, turmeric or garlic, is increasing. Ginger and turmeric are now ingredients in an increasing number of products.

Mintel reports that the COVID-19 outbreak caused 45% of consumers in Europe to add more nutrients to their diet. Also, since the start of the pandemic, 29% reported being more interested in foods that support the immune system. Besides ingredients like vitamin C or zinc, consumers are looking for natural ingredients, including spices and herbs. These are sometimes called botanicals. For example, 51% of UK adults agree that botanical ingredients can have medical benefits. And 17% of Spanish consumers have shown more interest in learning about plant ingredients since the start of the pandemic.

Among spices and herbs, the leaders are ginger, turmeric and garlic. Import values of these spices significantly increased in 2020 compared to 2019.  For example, the import value of ginger in the Netherlands, which is Europe’s largest importer, was €125 million higher in 2020 compared to 2019.  Next to health benefits, consumers looked for joyful experiences during the pandemic as a release from stress. Innova Market Insights reports that during the lockdowns, consumers started creating treats with health in mind. Sweet spice combinations such as ginger and cinnamon were popular.

Typical uses of spices such as turmeric or ginger only involve simple processing, such as drying and cutting, before export. Now, companies process those spices in other ways too. For example, curcumin is extracted from turmeric. More and more often, consumers take curcumin as an herbal supplement. After investing in curcumin extraction facilities and laboratories, India is now responsible for more than 80% of global production. Curcumin is also widely used as a food supplement with other ingredients like black pepper or black pepper compound piperine.

Many companies use turmeric and ginger in juices and extracts. Both spices are functional ingredients in drinks. In juices, ginger has become a trendy ingredient. This is due to its positive health image and the spicy sensation you get when you drink it. An important development connected to juice functionality is the rising popularity of juice shots. These are juices with functional ingredients and vitamins. They usually come in small bottles containing about 100ml of juice.

Source: CBI Date: Octubre, 5th

Effects on Costa Rica exports

Costa Rica is well known internationally as an agricultural products provider, currently the country is the 1st pineapple exporter in the world, 3rd in banana and 2nd in cassava. The variety of soils and the 12 microclimates are the perfect mix for fresh produce with high quality and uniqueness. From roots to exotic fruits and spices, all this experience gained as exporters have opened the doors to explore more sustainable and environmentally friendly crops.

As noticed above, Europe consumer interested on new spices and health ingredients will continue to drive consumption decisions. Costa Rican companies could be the perfect allied in this journey as a high-quality fruit provider and a partner for both, companies, and consumers.

If you are interested in learning more about Costa Rica’s spices and fruit offer, please let us know at XXX