ebook img

Agricultural trade highlights PDF

42 Pages·1998·2.8 MB·English
Save to my drive
Quick download
Download
Most books are stored in the elastic cloud where traffic is expensive. For this reason, we have a limit on daily download.

Preview Agricultural trade highlights

Historic, Archive Document Do not assume content reflects current scientific knowledge, policies, or practices. USDA United States Department of Agricultural Trade Agriculture Wool Foreign Highlights Agricultural Service Circular Series ATH 2 98 February 1998 Bites & Bits Global Consumer Market Information for the U.S. Food and Agribusiness Community Small Stores Squeezed in JUST IN FROM TAIPEI Singapore...New multinational supermarket chains have entered Taiwan Market to Expand for U.S. PR0DUCTS...On February 20th, the Singapore, competing for the $1.5 United States and Taiwan announced a comprehensive market-opening billion retail food market, reports agreement for U.S. consumer food products. The agreement includes ATO Singapore. In October 1997, both immediate market access and phased-in commitments and will allow Royal Ahold (Dutch), NTUC immediate access for products that have been banned, such as U.S. pork, FairPrice (Singaporean), and poultry, and variety meats. In addition, the agreement calls for significant Carrefour (French) each opened new immediate tariff reductions for many other U.S. consumer food products supermarkets. Increased competition including potato products, pears, grapes, grapefruit, sunflower oil and has led to lower prices, better soup. Taiwan currently is the eighth largest market for U.S. consumer quality, and a wider range of food exports. In 1997, exports totaled a record US$596 million. products. Industry sources believe there is room for the new players and further store expansion. Currently, Historic Supermarket Opening in Korean Food Industry Weighs in on supermarkets account for 15 percent Hong Kong...Wellcome super¬ CRISIS...Supermarket sales have of Singapore’s organized retail food markets opened two new stores on improved while other sectors of the sales compared with 60 percent in February 20, bringing its store tally food industry have suffered, the United States. to 220, according to ATO Hong according to a recent roundtable inside This Issue: Kong. This is the first time the chain discussion hosted by ATO Seoul. has opened two stores in one day. Korean executives gathered from all Frozen Food Trade & The new stores feature in-store sushi sectors of the food and beverage Brazil’s Northeast and bakery operations, and U.S. industry to discuss the effect of the produce, meat, and poultry products economic crisis. Supermarkets seem Page are prominently displayed. to have benefited from the Supermarket sales are up by as much downturn, as consumers eat more Bites & Bits, continued .... 2 as 10 percent over the same time last meals at home instead of dining out. Consumer Food Trends .... 4 year and industry experts indicate Supermarket sales are up 20 percent, Regional Spotlight: that consumers are eating at home and products such as frozen pizza Brazil’s Northeast.6 more to cut expenses. Although and ramen are in demand. Sales at Frozen Food much of this business is in the lower- discount stores are also doing well. Trade Trends .11 end, lower-margin areas such as rice, Five star hotels and importers of Foreign Exchange Rates ... 30 cooking oil, and fresh produce have luxury items, such as wine and USDA Trade Show also been turning over at a higher chocolate, have been hit the hardest. Calendar.31 rate than similar periods in the past few years. Bites & Bits Global Consumer Market Information for the u.S. Food and Agribusiness Community Restaurants Cut Some Slack for represent half of total sales. Some Supermarket Heroine Stars in Korean Franchises...In response to pet owners prefer the snacks to Japanese MoviE...“Supa Onna” or the economic crisis and sharp have a functional advantage, such “Super Woman,” the latest declines in fast food and family as keeping the animal’s digestive Japanese-language movie, is not a restaurant sales, U.S. franchises tract in good condition or take-off of an American comic operating in Korea are considering preventing tooth plaque. Popular book hero battling super-villains in temporarily deferring, reducing, or products include beef sticks, the streets of New York. Recently forgiving the royalty payments of “munching rolls” of natural buffalo screened by ATO Japan’s their Korean locations until the skin, and cheese snacks. Many Executive Director, it is a economic situation improves, ATO sales are impulsive and competition whimsical tale about a Seoul reports. According to food is brisk in the category, so point-of- “Supermarket Girl” caught in an industry sources, fast food sales in purchase marketing is important. on-going retail struggle: fresh- December were down 20 to 30 oriented products versus price- percent compared to the previous Trendy Products in Kansal.ATO oriented products. And as fate December. Family restaurant Osaka reports that bagel shops, would have it, fresh products win business was off 50 to 60 percent common in metro Tokyo for years, the day. in December compared to are now turning up in other parts of December 1996. Japan. In fact, Osaka is the base Tougher Times Ahead for Hong for the Japanese Bagel Lovers’ Kong RESTAURANTS...The Federation Japanese Traders to Increase Society, which is devoted to the of Hong Kong Restaurant Owners Organic Food !mports...ATO Tokyo history of the bagel and famous says that approximately 800 reports that Nissho Iwai, one of bagel shops in the United States, restaurants may close over the next Japan’s largest trading companies, complete with a home page. nine months, according to ATO has obtained exclusive import Consumers are enjoying bagels Hong Kong. Hong Kong has more rights for 80 items from Kroger and produced domestically and from the “licensed” restaurants than any nine other North American United States. Another popular other city in the world with 10,000, companies. Products include juice, product these days is freshly-made although the actual number is jam, pasta, ketchup, and salad Belgian waffles. The waffles are estimated at more than 50,000. The dressing. Nissho Iwai plans to sold from kiosk-type stands in areas Asian currency crisis, a significant double its sales of organic products with high foot traffic, such as malls drop in tourism, and the impact of to $78 million in fiscal 1998. The and train stations, and are all the higher interest rates on stocks and company is looking to import rage with teenagers throughout property have contributed to the organically grown vegetables from Japan. decline. Fast food outlets are the Asia and Latin America. one bright spot because the meals are inexpensive, drawing the lower- FIDO Snacks IN BELGiUM...Snacks are The Year of ExPANSiON...More end, lunch-time crowd. Sales the fastest growing segment of the Mexican consumers will have the increased 11.3 percent during the Belgian dog food market, making opportunity to eat fast food in 1998 first three quarters of 1997, which up 10 percent of sales, according to as U.S. chains look to expand their were the largest gains in the food a recent report from Ag the Hague. presence, according to Ag Mexico service sector. While overall dog food sales are City. Domino’s plans to open 90 growing at 3 percent a year, dog pizza outlets during 1998, adding to U.S. Sauce is Boss in the UAE snack sales have expanded 6 the 200 stores already in operation. ...Thanks to traditional tastes, percent over the last year. The McDonald’s International plans to changing eating habits, and a snack segment is broken into open 100 new restaurant proliferation of sauce brands, ATO biscuits, which are used as rewards, throughout Mexico, more than Dubai reports that U.S. sauces and treats, meant for spoiling pets. doubling the current number of dominate the market. In 1996, U.S. Biscuits represent 98 percent of the facilities. The company will invest sales accounted for 45 percent of volume, but higher-priced treats US $100 million in the new stores. total sauce imports valued at $13.6 Trade Highlights - 2 February 1998 CMP/FAS (202) 720-7792 Bites & Bits Global Consumer Market Information for the U.S. Food and Agribusiness Community million. Demand is bolstered by a Wellcome Integrating Distribution to local tastes. The Big Mac has new interest in fiery, western-style IN Hong Kong...Wellcome super¬ been replaced by the “Maharaja foods, such as Tex-Mex products, markets plans to open its Fresh Mac,” and beef patties have been among the large Asian and Arab Food Processing Center (FFPC) in replaced with lamb patties out of population, complementing their July of this year, reports ATO respect for the local Hindu traditional taste for spicy foods. Hong Kong. The FFPC, as it is population. Two color-coded menu Red chili pepper sauce is most called by Wellcome, will integrate boards are displayed in each popular; but it is commonly found all fresh food processing and restaurant, purple for non¬ on pizzas and other items not distribution in one single and vegetarians and green for typically associated with hot sauces capital intensive location. vegetarian. Even the kitchens are in the United States. Currently, this function is spread separated, meat and non-meat across four different locations in products have dedicated European Processor Labels GMO the Special Administrative Region. preparation areas and the crews FOODS...Unilever plans to indicate Wellcome is positioning itself to wear different uniforms. on the labels of its food products remain the largest and perhaps sold in Europe if they contain most profitable food retailer in -Compiled by Carmi Lyon genetically-altered soy or com as Hong Kong. ingredients, According to press reports sent in from Ag The Hague, Two All-Lamb Patties? India’s first This information is intended for the foods and detergents group said McDonald’s restaurants opened U.S. companies looking at overseas it decided to go ahead with the step during 1996 in Delhi and Mumbai, markets and does not carry the “in the interest of consumers.” So and the company has ambitious endorsement of USDA, nor does it far, the European Commission has plans for 1998. The company represent the official view of failed to gain the support of the EU plans to add at least 13 restaurants USDA. member states for uniform EU rules to its existing chain of seven stores. on the labeling of genetically- McDonald’s, known around the For more information of modified products. world for its Big Mac, has taken information on the reports special steps to assure Indian mentioned in this column, e-mail: customers that its products are [email protected], or visit the wholesome and prepared according FAS homepage: www.fas.usda.gov. Note: ATO refers to 'Agrwultura1 Trade Office. ' Offices designated as "Ag " refer to the Agricultural Affairs Office of the U.S. embassy of the listed city. CMP/FAS (202) 720-7792 February 1998 Trade Highlights - 3 7. 9 9 1 o 6 t 9 9 1 m o e fr g n a h c e h s t a d e ut p m o c e r a s e g a nt e c r e P e: ot N Trade Highlights - 4 February 1998 CMP/FAS (202) 720-7792 Consumer Food Trade Trends Coming In the Next Issue: “Spotlight on the 1998 U.S. Food Export Showcase” The US Food Export Showcase is a cost-effective avenue to help you succeed in the international marketplace. This year’s show will take place May 3 through 5 at McCormick Place in Chicago. At the show, which is held in conjunction with the FMI International Supermarket Industry Convention and Educational Exposition, exporters can accomplish in three days what would normally require many months and thousands of dollars. FAS staff from overseas trade offices will be leading buyer delegations and will also be available at the Showcase to assist with issues regarding exporting to their areas of the world. The National Association of State Departments of Agriculture will sponsor workshops at the show on important export-related topics, including federal programs to assist exporters, the best target countries or regions for your product, and how to do credit checks on international prospects. For information on exhibiting, call the Convention Management Group at (703) 876-0900. BBrreeaakkffaasstt FFoooodd Eggs & Products nC an^ada % Mexico Japan ELM 5 Hong Kong 0 20 40 60 80 100 120 140 Mllion Dollars VWne&Beer Tree Nuts Mllion Dollars CMP/FAS (202) 720-7792 February 1998 Trade Highlights 5 - Regional Spotlight: Brazil’s Northeast The Brazilian market has come into its own in the 1990's, and the Northeastern regional economy shines as one of its major success stories. Incomes in the region are growing due to investments, newly enacted pro-business regulations, and a surge in tourism. Infrastructure improvements currently underway will improve access for imported consumer foods. U.S. exporters should consider the lucrative potential this market holds: it is geographically closer to the United States than the established consumer food markets of Sao Paulo and Rio Brazil de Janeiro, and it has traditionally been a food-deficit region. By Robert Hoff, Agricultural Trade Officer in Sao Paulo The Northeast in Perspective prosperous Center-South. Prospects increasing. Tourists contribute for continued expansion, stimulated significantly to economic growth in The Brazilian Northeast, situated in by low labor costs and infrastructure cities such as Fortaleza, Salvador, the comer of Brazil which juts out improvements, are bright. Natal, and Maceio, which all have into the Atlantic Ocean, is made up beautiful beaches. of nine states, all of which share Incomes in Northeast Growing Faster Brazil's longest regional coastline. Than National Average The Northeast is a food-deficit The population of the Northeast is region which until recently had estimated at about 45 million people; In terms of purchasing power, the largely been taken for granted by the if the Northeast were a separate per capita gross domestic product Brazilian food industry, concentrated country, it would be the third largest (GDP) in the Northeast was USD in the Center-South. However, in Latin America, after Brazil and $2,564 in 1996, about half that of because of the growth rates in Mexico. The region has three cities the Center-South. The Northeast consumption of consumer food over with populations well over a million, grew 4.1 percent in 1996 compared the last few years, many of these and eight of the nine regional with 2.9 percent for the overall enterprises have either installed or capitals exceed 500,000 inhabitants. Brazilian economy. are contemplating the installation of processing units in the Northeast. Historically considered the economic Incomes in the Northeast will most backwater of Brazil, the region likely grow faster than in the Bompreco Dominant Retailer in NE began changing in the 1980s due to Center-South because of increasing the effects of public and private domestic and foreign investment; in The largest supermarkets in the investment. During the 1990s, the the future, economic differences Northeast have stores comparable in pace of regional growth has between the two regions will lessen. quality to those in the wealthier accelerated in response to the Center-South. The availability of success of the Brazilian The growing tourist industry has a imported food in major supermarkets Government's economic stabilization significant effect on spending is a recent phenomenon, and the plan and the liberalization of the patterns in the Northeast. Most variety is narrower that found in Brazilian economy. visitors come from the Center-South, major cities of the Center-South. Argentina, and the European Union. At present, the growth rate of the The number of hotels and restaurants Imported products make up only a Northeast outstrips that of Brazil's catering to tourists is rapidly small proportion of total supermarket Trade Highlights 6 February 1998 CMP/FAS (202) 720-7792 - Regional Spotlight: Brazil’s Northeast sales (between 1 and 3 percent) and are usually much more expensive The Brazilian Northeast: Demographic and Economic Data than their local counterparts due to shipping costs. Currently, most Per Capita 1996 GDP Population products are imported through State (Capital) GDP Growth (in millions) agents in Sao Paulo or Rio de Janeiro and trucked up to the Rio Grande do Norte Northeast. As the Northeast $2,955 8.2% 2.6 (Natal) develops its own network of importers and as the infrastructure Bahia (Salvador) $2,802 3.4% 12.6 improves, these problems may be alleviated. Ceara (Fortaleza) $2,796 6.8% 6.7 In major supermarkets of the Pernambuco (Recife) $2,667 3.3% 7.4 Northeast's principal cities, available Sergipe (Aracaju) $2,573 4.6% 1.6 products include imported fresh and dried fruits, nuts, meat and fish, Pariaba (Joao Pessoa) $2,385 5.6% 3.3 wines and liquor, and a few processed food products. Alagoas (Maceio) $2,282 3.0% 2.7 Buyers in the region have indicated Maranhao (Sao Luis) $1,990 7.3% 5.2 that consumption patterns are shifting, posing opportunities for Piaui (Teresina) $1,857 5.0% 2.7 U.S. exporters. One example is consumption of apples and pears, NE Average $2,564 4.1% 44.8 once consumed solely during the traditional Christmas holiday season, they are now considered a year- Recife and sold to steak houses there U.S. products from being more round treat. and in other Northeastern cities. competitive in the Northeast. As an Other products with potential in the example, one buyer imports directly The dominant supermarket chain in HRI sector include wines, fruits, into Recife but still faces the high the region is Bompreco, the fourth beer, canned and frozen products. costs of shipping product across the largest chain in all of Brazil. United States to Miami, where it is Bompreco has 94 stores in the Modest U.S. Presence Despite loaded into containers. If product Northeast and is planning to open Relative Geographic Proximity could be shipped by vessel directly new stores in Sao Luis, Maranhao. from the U.S. West Coast, freight U.S. items at Bompreco’s newest In general, competition among costs might be reduced enough to store in Recife include baby carrots foreign food and beverage exporters sell the product at a more selling at $2.90 for 28 grams, in Northeastern Brazil is competitive price relative to its Latin Washington State pears for $.82 a significantly less than in the American competitors. pound, shelled almonds at $.60 for principal cities of the Center-South. 400 grams, and one brand of beer at The major suppliers of imported Transportation Upgrades Coming to $.50 per can (all prices quoted in products are Argentina, Chile, and Region U.S. dollar equivalents). the European Union. While the United States is relatively close to One of the major disadvantages that The growth in tourism presents the Brazilian Northeast, very few the Northeast faces is a lack of many opportunities in the hotel and U.S. products are currently available. infrastructure to receive international restaurant industry (HRI). Importers shipments. Goods are usually are looking for consistent quality and The current arrangements for imported by the established and good value. Currently, U.S. prime shipping products from the U.S. dominant importers in the markets of meat is being imported directly into West Coast have precluded some the Center-South and trucked to the CMP/FAS (202) 720-7792 February 1998 Trade Highlights 7 - Regional Spotlight: Brazil’s Northeast Ports in Center-South Region Import Most U.S. Container Shipments Northeast Port Improvements May Present New Opportunities Rio de Janeiro 13.6% Santos (Sao Paulo) Northeast 63 1% 6 4% Other Center-South 16.9% U.S. Exports to Brazil by Port of Entry Source: Based on twenty-foot equivalent containers. Port Import/Export Recording Service data. 1997 Northeast. Freight costs for this investments in the construction of EXPONOR 97 held in Salvador. service are high, and are reflected in the port of Pecem, which will serve the higher prices that Northeastern Fortaleza. The first phase of For more information on EXPONOR consumers pay for their food. construction of this port will be 98, contact: completed later this year. With incomes in the Northeast Ms. Vera Loureiro growing and regional ports Making Contacts: EXPONOR 98 Supermarket Association of undergoing privatization and Pernambuco modernization, more vessels are U.S. exporters interested in Rua Amauri de Medeiros, 186 beginning to call on the Northeast's exploring this region further may 52010-120 Recife, PE BRAZIL principal ports of Salvador, Recife, want to consider the regional and Fortaleza. There is, for supermarket exposition, EXPONOR. Phone: (55-11)421-3612 example, a direct shipping service EXPONOR 98 will be held June 14 Fax: (55-11)421-3331 between Salvador and Buenos Aires, through 17 in Olinda, near Recife. a trip which takes six to eight days FAS has not yet visited or evaluated and covers 3,500 miles. the merits of this show, but ATO For more information on selling Sao Paulo plans to make a consumer food products in In the near future, the relative recommendation following a visit to Northeastern Brazil, contact: economic isolation caused by a the upcoming show in Olinda. minimal transportation infra¬ Robert Hoff, Ag Trade Officer structure, will lessen considerably. Agents throughout the Northeast Ag Trade Office, Sao Paulo Later this year, one shipping firm have noted that EXPONOR is the Rua Padre Joa Manoel, 933 operating along the East Coast of the best way for U.S. exporters to 01411-001 Sao Paulo, SP-BRAZIL United States may begin to call on acquaint themselves with Salvador and Recife, depending on Northeastern buyers. EXPONOR is Phone: (55-11) 282-3528 the results of negotiations between it held every year and rotates among Fax: (55-11) 883-7535 and the authorities of these two the Northeast’s three principal cities ports. In addition, the public and of Salvador, Recife, and Fortaleza. private sectors are making major Last year 7,000 people attended Trade Highlights - 8 February 1998 CMP/FAS (202) 720-7792

See more

The list of books you might like

Most books are stored in the elastic cloud where traffic is expensive. For this reason, we have a limit on daily download.