Classification
Product TypeProcessed Food
Product FormShelf-stable (aseptic carton/can/pouch)
Industry PositionProcessed Agricultural Product
Market
Tomato purée/paste in Guatemala is an import-dependent packaged food category, with UN Comtrade (via WITS) showing HS 200290 imports of about USD 19.24 million in 2023 versus exports of about USD 0.082 million. Import supply is concentrated, with Chile the dominant source in 2023 and the United States and China also supplying. Retail availability includes tomato purée in aseptic carton formats (e.g., Pomi) and tomato paste/pasta de tomate in small packs from multiple brands sold through modern retail (e.g., Paiz/Walmart formats). Market access is compliance-driven: imported processed foods require MSPAS sanitary registration and must meet Central American RTCA labeling and related technical requirements.
Market RoleNet importer (import-dependent consumer market)
Domestic RoleDomestic consumption cooking ingredient sold primarily as shelf-stable tomato purée/paste in retail packs
SeasonalityYear-round availability driven by shelf-stable formats and ongoing import supply rather than a local harvest window.
Risks
Regulatory Compliance HighNoncompliance with MSPAS sanitary registration requirements and RTCA-aligned labeling (including Spanish labeling and complementary label/translation requirements for imported products) can block commercialization and cause clearance delays or rejection in Guatemala.Secure MSPAS Registro Sanitario before launch; validate RTCA-compliant Spanish labeling and align the customs/registration dossier to MSPAS and SAT requirements before shipment.
Logistics MediumGuatemala’s tomato purée/paste supply is import-led and sea-freight exposed; freight-rate volatility and shipping disruptions can raise landed costs and create intermittent retail availability risks.Diversify approved origins/suppliers, maintain safety stock for key SKUs, and contract freight early for peak seasons.
Supply Concentration MediumImport supply concentration (notably reliance on Chile for HS 200290 imports in 2023) increases vulnerability to origin-specific disruptions (crop/processing constraints, policy shifts, or logistics shocks affecting the dominant supplier).Qualify secondary origins (e.g., U.S. and other suppliers already present in trade data) and dual-source key pack formats.
Food Safety MediumNonconformance with Central American RTCA microbiological criteria and additives requirements for processed foods can trigger enforcement actions, withdrawal, or rework (e.g., relabeling) for imported tomato purée/paste.Implement supplier QA verification against RTCA microbiological and additives requirements and maintain batch-level documentation for importer due diligence.
FAQ
Is Guatemala a net importer of tomato purée/paste?Yes. UN Comtrade data accessed via WITS shows Guatemala imported about USD 19.24 million of HS 200290 in 2023, while exports were about USD 0.082 million, indicating a strongly import-dependent market.
Which countries were the main suppliers of Guatemala’s tomato purée/paste-type imports in 2023?WITS (UN Comtrade) shows Chile as the dominant supplier of Guatemala’s HS 200290 imports in 2023, followed by the United States and China among the listed top origins.
What is a key regulatory requirement to sell imported tomato purée/paste in Guatemala?MSPAS sanitary registration (Registro Sanitario de Alimentos) is required before a processed food can be commercialized in Guatemala, and the application requires compliant labeling including Spanish labeling and complementary labeling/translation for imported products where needed.