Classification
Product TypeProcessed Food
Product FormQuick frozen (diced/cut)
Industry PositionProcessed Fruit Product
Market
Frozen diced strawberry in Guatemala is best characterized as an import-dependent frozen fruit product supplied largely through international trade flows under HS 081110 (frozen strawberries). In 2023, Guatemala imported about USD 18.26 million of frozen strawberries, with Peru and Egypt among the largest supplying origins by value. Domestic strawberry cultivation exists in Guatemala’s central highlands and includes export-oriented berry operations, but this does not appear to eliminate reliance on imported frozen strawberry supply. Market access and continuity depend heavily on sanitary import authorization, customs filing, and strict cold-chain control for frozen distribution.
Market RoleNet importer (import-dependent market)
Domestic RoleDomestic fresh strawberry cultivation exists, but frozen strawberry supply for the Guatemalan market is largely import supplied (HS 081110).
Specification
Physical Attributes- Presented as cut (diced) strawberries; Codex recognizes cut styles and requires the style to be described on the label
- Good colour; free from foreign flavour and odour
- Practically free from sand/grit and extraneous vegetable material (e.g., stalks, calyces, leaves)
Compositional Metrics- If prepared with dry sugars, Codex specifies total soluble solids in extracted liquid (thawed, comminuted sample) within 18–35% m/m (as sucrose) by refractometer at 20°C
- If prepared with syrup, Codex specifies total soluble solids in extracted liquid within 15–25% m/m (as sucrose) by refractometer at 20°C
Grades- Codex provides defect tolerances (e.g., disintegrated fruit, blemished fruit, dissimilar varieties) and references sampling plan acceptance (AQL 6.5) for lot acceptance
Packaging- Label should indicate style (e.g., cut) and packing medium when applicable (e.g., with named sweetener/syrup)
- Retail packs should include information for keeping and thawing; bulk packs must show product name and manufacturer/packer identification (or accompanying documents, per Codex)
Supply Chain
Value Chain- Overseas processor/packer → refrigerated transport (reefer) → Guatemala customs clearance → cold storage/distributor → retail/foodservice/industrial use
Temperature- Codex quick-freezing process definition specifies freezing such that the maximum crystallization range is passed quickly and the product reaches -18°C at the thermal centre after stabilization
- Codex recommends handling conditions that maintain quality during transportation, storage, distribution, and retail
Freight IntensityHigh
Transport ModeSea
Risks
Regulatory Compliance HighImports and commercialization of processed foods in Guatemala can be blocked or delayed if MSPAS sanitary import authorization and/or sanitary registration requirements are not satisfied, including label documentation (e.g., Spanish labeling/translation expectations for imported products).Before shipment, confirm with the Guatemalan importer that the MSPAS import permit pathway and Registro Sanitario pathway (as applicable) are approved and that labeling files (including Spanish complementary label/translation when needed) match MSPAS requirements.
Logistics MediumFrozen diced strawberry is highly cold-chain dependent; temperature excursions during international refrigerated transport or local distribution can cause quality loss (ice crystal damage, drip loss) and increase food-safety risk if thaw/refreeze occurs.Use validated reefer set-points and temperature monitoring, require continuous temperature records, and align receiving specs to Codex quick-frozen handling expectations (including maintaining frozen state and quality through distribution).
Food Safety MediumGuatemala’s berry sector has a documented history of Cyclospora-linked outbreaks tied to Guatemalan raspberries and an FDA import alert for raspberries from Guatemala, which can elevate scrutiny and due-diligence expectations for berry supply chains.Strengthen supplier approval (water quality and sanitation controls, validated wash/sanitation programs, HACCP documentation) and maintain rapid traceback capability for each imported frozen strawberry lot.
Plant Health MediumAn emerging strawberry disease (Neopestalotiopsis sp.) has been reported by Guatemala’s ICTA in strawberry-producing areas in Chimaltenango, with producers reporting significant incidence; this can reduce domestic raw strawberry availability for any local freezing/processing plans.If pursuing local sourcing, require agronomic disease management plans and monitor ICTA/MAGA technical updates; maintain import diversification to avoid domestic supply shocks.
Sustainability- Water-quality and sanitation controls in berry supply chains are a material compliance theme; historic cyclosporiasis outbreaks in North America were linked to Guatemalan raspberries, and U.S. FDA maintains an import alert specific to raspberries from Guatemala due to Cyclospora
FAQ
Which countries are the main external suppliers of frozen strawberries to Guatemala?For HS 081110 (frozen strawberries) in 2023, the largest suppliers to Guatemala by import value were Peru and Egypt, followed by China, Chile, and Turkey (with smaller volumes from other origins).
What are the key permits/authorizations commonly needed to import frozen strawberry products into Guatemala?Imports of processed foods typically require MSPAS sanitary import authorization (import permit), and products intended for commercialization generally require an MSPAS sanitary registration (Registro Sanitario). For regulated plant products, Guatemala’s MAGA phytosanitary import permit process may apply and references documentation such as a phytosanitary export certificate from the country of origin’s NPPO.
What temperature handling benchmark is referenced for quick frozen strawberries?Codex STAN 52-1981 states that quick freezing is not complete until the product reaches -18°C at the thermal centre after stabilization, and it emphasizes maintaining quality through transportation, storage, distribution, and retail handling.