The Rapid Rise of Supermarkets in Costa Rica: Impact on Horticultural Markets

Irene Alvarado and Kiupssy Charmel

Development Policy Review, 2002, vol. 20, issue 4, 473-485

Abstract: The supermarket sector in Costa Rica used to be a small retail segment, financed primarily by domestic capital and consisting in the 1980s mainly of supermarket co–operatives in the capital city focused on the upper–income segment of the market. It is now a major segment, dominating half the retail sector, expanded to towns and poorer customers and composed mainly of private firms in joint ventures with foreign capital. Moreover, it has been drawn into the regional economy, with the formation of the giant chain of CSU, La Fragua and Royal Ahold, operating in five countries. This rapid development has affected various agrifood supply chains through innovations in procurement systems, as illustrated by fresh fruit and vegetables.

Date: 2002
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