El Salvador

Sales of cooking ingredients and meals rose marginally in volume terms in 2024. Despite a drop in inflation, external issues such as soaring freight prices, led to price hikes on end products and subsequently to ongoing consumer price sensitivity.…

Sales growth of consumer health in El Salvador in 2024 was positive across most categories, especially paediatric consumer health, while weight management and wellbeing was one exception. Demand for OTC remains highly seasonal, while climate change…

Tourism in El Salvador continues to surge, significantly exceeding pre-pandemic levels. President Nayib Bukele's re-election in 2024 has sustained his efforts to combat poverty and gang violence, contributing to a safer environment for both locals…

Snacks is set to see modest growth in 2024 due to rising prices caused by inflation and increasing prices of raw materials, with imported brands being especially affected. However, while price remains important, many consumers are seeking small…

Alcoholic drinks sales continued to rebound in 2023 with beer and aguardiente leading the recovery due to some consumer downtrading, while the on-trade benefited from increased tourism. Beer and spirits remain the largest categories, while wine sales…

Insight into income, wealth and expenditure of consumers and households is vital in helping businesses make strategic decisions with regards to which country (or even which region within a country) to enter, which consumer segment to target, which…

Volume sales of cigarettes grew in 2023 despite the decline in smoking prevalence. Much of this stemmed from a reduction in smuggling via gangs and wider distribution of legitimate brands. However, despite a strong reduction in contraband, illegal…

The number of households is set to increase slightly, while the average household size will remain unchanged in El Salvador over 2023-2028. Couples with children will remain the dominant household type but the fastest household expenditure growth is…

The report examines the economic landscape of El Salvador and provides information on major monetary indicators, foreign trade and government finance. The economy expanded in real terms in 2023, driven by private consumption, government spending.…

Despite ongoing inflationary pressures, sales of beauty and personal care in El Salvador in 2023 continued to grow. Products such as shampoo and toothpaste benefited from regular usage and more dynamic promotions, while pack sizes polarised between…

Inflationary pressures and raw material shortages impacted the retail prices of tissue and hygiene in 2023, though to a lesser extent than in 2022. Lower purchasing power forced consumers to reduce their spending and seek out local brands and private…

Home care sales grew strongly in 2023 though demand dipped for products that disinfect surfaces, such as bleach, floor cleaners and surface care. El Salvador relies heavily on imports to meet domestic demand therefore rising global commodity prices…

Although government finances improved in El Salvador, the state continues to exhibit authoritarian tendencies and corruption remains an issue. Whilst inflation has fallen, economic momentum is moderating and the country’s high dependence on…

Driven by natural increase, El Salvador’s population will expand at a slower pace than the Latin America region overall in 2021-2040. Meanwhile, net migration will remain negative as many emigrate. An acceleration of the ageing trend will impact…

Volume sales of staple foods saw slow growth in 2023 while values rose due to inflationary pressures. The normalisation of lifestyles in the wake of the pandemic reduced the home cooking trend and lowered demand for products such as shelf stable…

Hot drinks registered a decline in retail volume sales in 2024. Despite some recovery, foodservice failed to reach pre-pandemic levels. Coffee is the largest category due to local cultivation and the popularity of specialist coffee shops. This mature…

Retail volume sales of soft drinks slowed in 2023 over the previous year, while the on-trade made a return to pre-pandemic levels. Although rising health consciousness supported growth in juice to the detriment of carbonates, carbonates and bottled…

The San Salvador in El Salvador report provides comprehensive city level information benchmarked against other cities in the country and region. The report includes historic data and forecasts on city population, consumer expenditure, digital…

This report assesses the business environment in El Salvador, focusing on the regulatory environment, stability of the financial system, FDI intake, labour market flexibility and skillset, trade openness, mobility infrastructure, ICT adoption and…

In 2022 retail in El Salvador rebounded. Stronger macroeconomic indicators and a full return to pre-pandemic lifestyles boosted consumer demand, especially among wealthier shoppers. However, high inflation, widespread informal retailing and a…