COUNTRY PROFILE
Discover more about the El Salvador market including overviews about the retail, food service, and food processing sectors. Events, resources, and more are linked throughout the profile.
$363.2 Million
in export value, In 2024, the U.S. was the third largest supplier of consumer-oriented products
$273.2 Million
imports of U.S. processed foods in 2024 grew by 26%
6.6 Million
was El Salvador’s population in 2024
USDA’s Office of Agricultural Affairs, (OAA) in San Salvador, hereinafter referred to as “FAS Post San Salvador” reports that El Salvador is the fifth largest market for consumer food products from the U.S. In 2024, U.S. exports of consumer-oriented products to El Salvador grew by 21% and totaled US$363.2 million, which was a new record high.
El Salvador is the fifth largest export market in Central America for processed food products from the U.S., importing US$217.4 million from the U.S in 2023, a decrease of 5%. In 2024 El Salvador imports of U.S. processed foods grew 26% to US$273.2 million, also a new record high.
Top U.S. processed food exports to El Salvador in 2024 included:
$2.6 Billion
estimated total of retail sales of packaged food products in 2024
$363 Million
Reaching a new record high with U.S consumer orientated imports as of 2024
$3.1 Billion
expected growth of the packaged food market by 2029
Euromonitor estimated that the retail sales of packaged food products in El Salvador would reach US$2.6 billion in 2024. They also forecast the packaged food market to grow to US$3.1 billion by 2029.
U.S. consumer-oriented products continue to feature prominently in Salvadoran retail outlets, registering a new record high of US$363 million of imports in 2024, growth of 21% and a new record high. According to the latest study available from a local marketing firm, supermarkets in El Salvador account for approximately 40% of all food retail sales in El Salvador, valued at US$1.7 billion. Retail outlets are the preferred venue to purchase food items for Salvadorans, mainly because is a more comfortable shopping experience, and offer special promotions that are not available at other food shopping venues.
FAS Post San Salvador reports that categories of interest are: organic foods and beverages; dairy substitutes: vegetable “milks”; cereal or oatmeal with ancient grains such as quinoa, chia, and amaranth; lactose-free/gluten-free/sugar-free beverages; whole wheat bread and/or seeds-base products: granola bars, flaxseed products; artisan-made and special sauces and condiments; energy boosters: shakes, juices, energy bars, natural juices, both regular and reduced sugar content (targeting children); specialty dairy products; sugar-free and gluten-free cookies, candy, baking mixes, etc.; deli meats and specialty seafood and ready to serve platters
El Salvador imported US$3.3 billion in agricultural products in 2023
FAS Post San Salvador reports that by the end of 2023, El Salvador’s hotel and restaurant (HRI) sectors showed strong growth, reflecting the full recovery of its tourism industry. According to the latest Euromonitor data, Salvadorans spent US$2.6 billion in the hotels and catering sector in 2023.
FAS Post San Salvador reports that high value products offer good market opportunities in El Salvador include that since El Salvador is a major consumer of baked products, so there is still potential for baked items and inputs. Other products with high demand are dairy, fruit and vegetable juices, condiments and sauces, premium beef cuts, and deli meats.
$641 Million
El Salvador’s global imports of agricultural intermediate products reached US in 2023
2nd
The U.S. was the second largest supplier of intermediate food products to El Salvador during 2023
3.4 Billion
El Salvador imported approximately US$3.4 billion in agricultural products in 2022
FAS Post San Salvador reports that El Salvador’s global imports of agricultural intermediate products reached US$641 million in 2023. The snack industry has helped El Salvador to keep its regional leadership status, as well as the production of juices and carbonated beverages. The manufacturing of sweet bread targeted to Salvadorans living abroad has positively impacted the growth of imports for baking inputs.
Although the food industry in El Salvador is not as developed as in some other Central American countries, it has become a regional leader in the production and export of snacks, juices, and carbonated beverages. As a result, Salvadoran food manufacturers rely heavily on imports of food ingredients.
FAS Post San Salvador reports that there is still potential for many U.S. ingredients to increase market share in El Salvador, specifically dairy, beef, bakery ingredients/goods, fresh fruits and vegetables. In addition, the baking industry has a growing demand for preserved fruits and nuts for healthy snacks or baked goods. Another trend is for healthy, reduced sugar foods and beverages, creating a potential market for natural sweeteners, assorted flavor juices, and fruit extracts.
