Consumption and sale of quail eggs in Costa Rica.

Abstract

The Costa Rican coturniculture sector is yet in development. Production, economic or marketing aspects associated with the activity have not been previously documented in the existing literature. The objective of this study is to generate information about marketing and consumption patterns of quail eggs in Costa Rica. The investigation took place between January and December 2019 in the Greater Costa Rican Metropolitan Area. Survey was applied to 14 producers evaluating the commercial environment, while the consumption patterns of quail egg were evaluated in a sample of 300 people. Most of the producers (10) are dedicated to the exclusive production of eggs mostly in farms that do not exceed 200 birds (11), mainly housed in artisanal cages (10), where the use of production records has not been implemented (11). They essentially use poultry feed (13) without distinction of the productive stage of the bird (11), without reproductive management in six of the cases, or using consanguineous crosses (5). The egg is sold mainly in packages of 24 units ($2.42 each package) and canned 200 g ($2.5). In terms of purchase, most consumers expressed that they don´t purchase quail eggs (74%), with sporadic consumption even among those who do obtain it (51.4% once a month). When purchased, the preferred presentation the fresh packaged egg (46.8%) and is prepared mainly as hardboiled egg (66.2%). The production and consumption of quail eggs in Costa Rica is low-tech and low diversified, which is consistent with a profile of small producers and low consumption patterns.