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Health Canada opened public consultations on proposed compositional requirements for infant foods and foods currently regulated as foods for special dietary use. Interested stakeholders may submit their comments until December 23, 2024.

The food retail sector in Peru is anticipated to experience 5 percent growth by the conclusion of 2024, attributed to the overall enhancement in the country's economic landscape and targeted strategies devised by both the modern and traditional food channels.

In celebration of 200 years of diplomatic relations between Brazil and the United States, the U.S. Embassy and Consulates in Brazil launched the “Bicentennial Beer”.

Colombia is the tenth largest producer of cacao globally. In 2023, Colombia produced 59,831 metric tons (MT) of cacao, with a planted area of 190,800 hectares.

Mexico’s retail sector remains a dynamic industry with sales reaching $78.4 billion in 2023. Although the majority of consumers still turn to traditional markets, modern chains like Walmart and Soriana continue to attract middle and high-income consumers.

Consumer trends in Nicaragua are shifting towards modern retail channels as remittance flows increase. Supermarkets are expanding rapidly, with one grocery store chain opening eight new locations in 2024.

The Brazilian economy grew 2.9 percent, largely supported by household consumption, which improved by 3.1 percent in 2023. Low unemployment (7.9%) and inflation (4.6%) were two major drivers for this outcome.

In the Caribbean region, sales value in the retail grocery sector increased by 3 percent in 2023. This is due in part to the rise in tourism in many markets, which is boosting economic growth. The largest grocery retail markets are Trinidad and Tobago, Guadeloupe, and the Bahamas.

In 2023, the Chilean retail food industry witnessed a moderate recovery, with total sales reaching approximately $28.5 billion, a 2.3 percent increase over 2022. The Chilean retail sector is made up of large supermarkets, mid-sized grocery stores, convenience stores, and thousands of smaller independent mom-and-pop shops.

The Dominican Republic (DR) is the third-largest export market in the Western Hemisphere for U.S. consumer-oriented products. In 2023, U.S. exports of these products to the DR exceeded $1 billion, largely due to strong demand from foreign tourism and the retail sector.

In 2023, the Guatemalan market showed significant potential for growth, with supermarkets, hypermarkets, and independent food stores expanding their locations.

Colombia is the top destination for U.S. agricultural products in South America. In 2023, U.S. exports of consumer-oriented agricultural products totaled $759 million, a decrease from 2022 due to the slowdown in economic growth in Colombia and a seven-month (now resolved) ban on U.S. poultry exports.