Costa Rica: Demand for imported beers grows by 12% in 2010

Foreign or imported beers are gaining ground against Costa Rica's domestic brews as consumers prefer the taste and quality of imported brews that are now not priced out of reach, Insidecostarica reported on August, 29.

The most recent data from the Promotora de Comercio Exterior (Procomer) show that in 2009 the value of imports fell about 33% or US$3.9 million dollars. But by 2010 the figure increased by US$14 to US$4.5 million dollars. In terms of volume, the figure rose 12% between 2009 and 2010.

Data provided by Procomer also show that the majority of beer is imported in the country from Mexico, United States, Nicaragua and Germany.

The popularity of imported beers is also due to pricing. Imported beers on supermarket shelves are priced at between 600 and 1,000 colons, depending on brand, origin and supermarket, while domestic beers run between 500 and 600 colons.

Automercado reports an 80% increase in sales for imported beers for this year over the same period last year. Gessa (Perimercado) reports half of that.

Imported beers are also making their way into bar and restaurant coolers. Mexico's Corona has been a long time favourite - at one time the only choice - for imported beers. Today, however, depending on the type and location of restaurant or bar, German, American, Nicaraguan beers are served up.

31 August, 2011