Colombia

Global prices of cooking oils have been rising since the COVID-19 pandemic began, with the price hikes intensified thanks to the war in Ukraine and the resultant regional shortage of sunflower oil. Though no such shortage was noted in Colombia during…

The Colombian economy began to recover in the second half of 2021, with growth reaching + 7.5% by the end of the year 2022. This was fuelled by fiscal stimuli registered in 2021, increased oil prices and a boost in food and beverages exports which…

Store cards are expected to continue their downward trajectory in 2023 in both transaction value and the number of cards in circulation. With consumers having more alternatives to choose from pre-paid, including credit or debit cards offering…

In 2023, the number of pre-paid cards in circulation is expected to grow steadily. Closed loop pre-paid cards, particularly transportation cards, will remain the most important. This growth is driven by increased mobility as hybrid work schemes lose…

The use of debit cards continues to grow strongly in Colombia, supported by increased online purchases and cautious consumer behaviour. While credit card issuance remains stagnant, pre-paid cards, particularly closed loop transportation cards, are…

The use of debit cards continues to grow and they remain the most important payment method behind cash. Further robust growth is expected in 2023 both in the number of cards in circulation and value of transactions. The performance of debit cards has…

In 2023, the issuance of credit cards is expected to remain almost flat, with no significant increase. Growth rates for the number and value of transactions are also expected to decelerate compared to the previous year. The value of transactions,…

The Colombian economy felt the effects of a slowdown in the first semester of 2023 due to a restrictive monetary policy, compounded by a significant increase in interest rates at the end of 2022. This caused credit card interest rates to rise above…

In the early months of 2023, a challenging macroeconomic climate, coupled with low consumer confidence, high interest rates to curb demand and soaring inflation, as well as political uncertainty, resulted in a marked deceleration in the issuance of…

The sustainability trend in womenswear in Colombia reflects a growing awareness of environmental and social responsibility among both consumers and fashion brands. Colombian women are increasingly seeking clothing options that are eco-friendly,…

Brand loyalty remains a prominent aspect in the Colombian sportswear industry, with consumers often expressing strong preferences for established global brands, such as Nike and adidas due to their reputation for quality and performance. However,…

As society has now reopened in the wake of the pandemic and men have returned to their places of work and can once again enjoy social gatherings, items, such as outerwear, have become more necessary than underwear and nightwear. With limited budgets,…

Colombian jeans have gained worldwide recognition due to their exceptional quality, innovative designs, and impeccable fit. Renowned for their attention to detail, Colombian brands are known to have mastered the art of creating jeans that flatter…

Executive events, forums and union meetings have been reactivated post pandemic, and the trend in hosiery is the use of trendy stockings with vibrant colours and patterns: stripes, dots, cartoons and even fruits. Some businessmen mix them with the…

Colombian consumers' widespread adoption of sneakers/trainers, particularly white sneakers, can be attributed to their willingness to embrace global fashion trends. The growth of sneakers sales helped drive general growth of footwear in 2023. White…

Size changes, also known as growth spurts, play a significant role in promoting purchases in the childrenswear category in Colombia. As children rapidly grow, parents and caregivers frequently need to update their children's wardrobes with new…

The fashion industry in Colombia represents 9.4% of the total industrial GDP and employs around 600,000 people. The industry continues to grow post-pandemic, recovering from supply problems, regaining consumers as trend followers resume activities.…

The use of local materials is of utmost importance in Colombian accessories as it fosters a sense of cultural identity and pride. Utilising materials that are indigenous to the region celebrates the country's rich heritage and craftsmanship. By…

In 2023, retail volume sales of yoghurt and sour milk products is being negatively affected by multiple factors, such as increases in prices and disruption of raw materials. Nevertheless, the healthy aspects of yoghurt, which is associated with…

Consumers have moved away from soy drinks and towards tastier plant-based milk based on almonds, oats, rice and coconut or blends, even though both segments are considered a niche, with a strong price barrier to overcome. Plant-based dairy has also…