Food and beverages
More than 300 products exported by 2023
El Salvador is consolidating its position as a key destination for food production and exports, thanks to its access to high-quality inputs grown under sustainable practices. Its strategic location in the heart of Central America facilitates access to international markets, taking advantage of trade agreements that open doors to more than 1.2 billion consumers in the United States, Latin America, the European Union, and soon the People’s Republic of China.
With a tropical climate and stable temperatures throughout the year, in addition to its fertile volcanic soils, El Salvador offers optimal conditions for constant agricultural production, standing out for its unique flavors and aromas. The diversity of microclimates and the different elevations of its volcanic soils allow for the production of differentiated inputs, ideal for the manufacture of value-added food products.
We also have highly competitive tax incentives, strong government support, and a solid track record in exporting these products, making El Salvador the ideal partner to boost your business in the region.
Exported in 2023
Export destinations (2023)
In agro-industrial, food and beverage sector exports, 2023
Share of the sector in total exports of goods, 2023
The food and beverages sector in El Salvador offers a number of investment opportunities in several key areas
ALCOHOLIC AND NON-ALCOHOLIC BEVERAGE PROCESSING
- Juices
- Carbonated beverages
- Coffee beverages
alcoholic beverages
FOOD PROCESSING
- Confectionery products
- Bakery and bakery products
- Miscellaneous food preparations
- Specialty coffee
- Organic and healthy foods
LOGISTICS INFRASTRUCTURE
- Distribution centres
- Refrigeration System
Investing in
El Salvador
Strategic Nearshoring and Market Access
- El Salvador positions itself as a key destination for nearshoring, offering a strategic value proposition with preferential access, logistical advantages, extensive export experience, and proximity to major food product consumer markets in the Americas.
- The safest country in the Western Hemisphere in 2024, with a dollarized economy providing stability and certainty for investors seeking profitable opportunities.
- Local and regional availability of key inputs such as sugar, cacao, palm oil, and high-quality coffee, grown with sustainable practices, offers a competitive edge to reduce costs and strengthen an efficient and reliable supply chain.
- El Salvador provides a robust ecosystem supporting the food industry, with an established sector specializing in packaging, industrial machinery, and specialized technology. This infrastructure, combined with the sector’s experience and track record, offers a strong foundation for growth and competitiveness in food production.
- Advanced technological platform, including the construction of a submarine cable, deployment of 5G, and collaboration with Google to accelerate digital transformation, driving automation and industrial process optimization.
- Modernized and digitized customs, featuring an integrated system that facilitates regional trade and commerce with the United States, supported by an agreement with U.S. Customs and Border Protection.
- Tailored skill development programs for businesses and incentives for hiring in strategic sectors, provided by the Government of El Salvador.
- The most attractive free zone regime in Latin America, offering up to 45 years of tax exemptions and accessible requirements for investment.
- Tax incentives for renewable energy generation projects, supporting economical and sustainable production, backed by one of the most diversified energy matrices in Latin America and the Caribbean.
- Legal and tax stability, with a stable political environment and the option of legal stability contracts for up to 20 years for investments exceeding USD 15.4 million in fixed assets.
If you wish to invest in another sector, you can also seek advice from our specialists.