Colombia's exotic fruit exports increased by 6%

According to the United Nation's Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO),

Colombia ranks 22nd among the 223 countries in the world with the greatest
potential for land expansion for agricultural use without affecting the natural forest
area of the territory, with 9 million hectares still arable. This ranking is headed by
China, Australia, and the United States.

One of the most outstanding advantages of the country is that it can produce fresh
fruits in times when other nations have no production thanks to the climatic variety,
thermal floors, and nutrient-rich lands it has.

Colombia's exotic fruit exports, which are made up of a dozen varieties, including
pomegranate, soursop, gulupa, passion fruit, pitahaya, tree tomato, and cape
gooseberry, amounted to 74.3 million dollars and increased by 6% between
January and November 2019, when compared to the same period of 2018.

The star product was the cape gooseberry, with external sales of 32.8 million
dollars during the first 11 months of 2019 and an 8% increase in sales when
compared to the same period of 2018.

It was followed by gulupa, with a stable interannual behavior and sales for 30.8
million dollars.

However, despite ranking 12th, curuba exports (also known as banana

passionfruit), grew the most between 2018 and 2019 achieving an increase of 31%
and sales for $38,785.

A similar thing happened with pomegranate, which ranked third with a total of 4.6
million dollars and registered a growth of 22%.

According to Procolombia, the main destination market for these fruits is the
Netherlands, with purchases for 49.7 million dollars between January and
November 2019 and an increase of 14%. It is followed by the United Kingdom, with
4.2 million and an increase of 33%.

The other countries that bought exotic fruits from Colombia last year were Belgium,
Canada, France, the United States, Spain, Germany, Brazil, Italy, Hong Kong, Arab
Emirates, Russia, Switzerland, Singapore, Portugal, Aruba, and Curacao.

Aruba & Curaçao

 

Export Guide to the Consumer Food Market

September 1997

Prepared for the U.S. Department of Agriculture

by Fintrac Inc.

This guide is one of ten individual guides available (not including a summary
guide), covering the following countries and territories: Aruba and Curacao;
the Bahamas; Barbados; British Territories, comprising Anguilla, the British
Virgin Islands, the Cayman Islands, and the Turks and Caicos; the Dominican
Republic; Guadeloupe and Martinique; Haiti; Jamaica; and the Organization
of Eastern Caribbean States, comprising Antigua and Barbuda, Dominica,
Grenada, St. Kitts-Nevis, and St. Vincent and the Grenadines.

For more information, contact USDA/FAS offices in the Dominican Republic

and Miami:

Kevin Smith, Agricultural Counselor

 (for the Dominican Republic, Jamaica, and Haiti)
 
 Mailing American Embassy
Address:
       Santo Domingo, Dominican Republic (FAS)
       Unit 5530
       APO AA 34041
 Other Leopoldo Navarro #1
Mailing
Address:
       Apt. 4
       Santo Domingo, Dominican Republic
 Tel:     809-688-8090
 Fax:     809-685-4743
 e-     [email protected]
mail:
 Margie Bauer, Director
 (for all other countries covered by these guides)
 
 Mailing Caribbean Basin Agricultural Trade Office
Address:
       USDA/FAS
       909 SE 1st Avenue, Suite 720
       Miami, FL 33131
 Tel:     305-536-5300
 Fax:     305-536-7577
 e-     [email protected]  
mail: t

  List of Abbreviations Used

 
BVI   British Virgin Islands
CARICOM Caribbean Community (comprised of Antigua &
Barbuda, the Bahamas, Barbados, Belize, Dominica,
Grenada, Guyana, Haiti, Jamaica, Montserrat, St.
Kitts-Nevis, St. Lucia, St. Vincent & the Grenadines,
Suriname, Trinidad & Tobago). The Bahamas is not a
member of the common market.
CET   Common External Tariff (applied by CARICOM)
CIF   Cost, Insurance, Freight
DR   Dominican Republic
EU   European Union (comprised of Austria, Belgium,
Denmark, Finland, France, Germany, Greece, Ireland,
Italy, Luxembourg, the Netherlands, Portugal, Spain,
Sweden, the United Kingdom)
FAS   Foreign Agricultural Service (USDA)
FOB   Freight on Board
GATT   General Agreement on Tariffs and Trade
HRI   Hotel, Restaurant, Institutional
HS   Harmonized System (product classification system for
customs tariffs)
ICI   Informal Commercial Importer
KG   Kilograms
KM   Kilometers
MT   Metric tons
NA   Netherlands Antilles
NES   Not Elsewhere Specified
NZ   New Zealand
OECS   Organization of Eastern Caribbean States (comprised
of Antigua & Barbuda, the British Virgin Islands,
Dominica, Grenada, Montserrat, St. Kitts-Nevis, St.
Lucia, St. Vincent & the Grenadines). Anguilla and
the British Virgin Islands are associate members.
US   United States of America
USDA   United States Department of Agriculture
USDOC United States Department of Commerce
USVI   United States Virgin Islands
WTO   World Trade Organization
VAT   Value Added Tax

 
Table of Contents

Basic Facts (Geography, Demographics,

Infrastructure)...................................1
Consumer Trends and Attitude Towards
Imports.............................................2
The Wholesale Food
Sector............................................................................2
The Retail Food
Sector...................................................................................3
Business Relationships/Choosing a
Partner.......................................................5
Laws and Regulations Concerning Imported
Food...........................................5
Tariffs and Other
Taxes...................................................................................6
Contacts for Regulatory
Information................................................................7
Consumer Food
Imports.................................................................................8

Basic Facts (Geography, Demographics,

Infrastructure)
Aruba and Curaçao are two Caribbean islands which are part of the Dutch
realm. Aruba is 19.6 miles long by 6 miles across and is located 19 miles
north of Venezuela. The terrain is basically flat, with beaches along the west
coast and some hills in the northeastern sector. The capital city is Oranjestad,
where most of the 83,651 Arubans live. Major ethnic divisions are European
(Dutch), European/Arawak Indians and African. Dutch is the official
language, although English, Spanish, and Papiamentu (a local patois) are
widely spoken.

Tourism and oil refining are the major industries in Aruba. For the last ten
years, the government has focused on tourism development after economic
shocks in the oil industry. From 1991 to 1995, GDP grew an average of nearly
10 percent per year and in 1995, the number of visitors reached 912,873,
pumping $521.2 million into the local economy. Aruba's GDP per capita was
estimated at $16,380 in 1995. The currency is the Aruba Florin, which is tied
to the Dutch Guilder.

Curaçao is the largest island of the Netherlands Antilles. It is 38 miles long

and varies between 2 and 8 miles in width. Its capital city is Willemstad. The
population numbers more than 170,000, most of whom are of African or
mixed African and European descent. In all, this island is represented by more
than 50 different ethnic backgrounds. As with Aruba, the official language of
Curaçao is Dutch, but English, Spanish and Papiamentu are widely spoken.

Curaçao's economy is based on petroleum refining, tourism, international

trade and distribution and financial services. GDP has modestly grown at an
average of over 2 percent since 1992. Curaçao is ranked among the top ten
most popular cruise ship destinations in the Caribbean. The total number of
visitors to the island in 1995 reached almost 400,000 and contributed an
estimated $210.8 million to the local economy. Curaçao's GDP per capita was
estimated at $11,319 in 1995. The currency used in Curaçao is the
Netherlands Antilles Florin, which is tied to the Dutch Guilder.

Both of these islands enjoy well-developed road and port systems. Aruba has
three sea ports, Barcadera and Oranjestad being the major ones. The Port of
Oranjestad, a container port and cruise ship terminal, is accessible to all types
of vessels. There are plans to convert the Port of Oranjestad to a cruise ship
facility, and leave all cargo and free zone activities to the Port of Barcadera,
which will be able to berth two large container vessels and one bulk cargo
carrier simultaneously. Some of the major shipping lines are Compagnie
Generale Maritime, Europe West Indies Lines, and Crowley American
Transport.

Aruba's major airport is Aeropuerto Internacional Reina Beatrix, located about

2.5 miles east of Oranjestad. The airport has a 9,000-foot runway.

Curaçao had four main seaports: St. Annabaai, Willemstad, Caracasbaai and
Bullenbaai. All of these offer extensive docking facilities and services. St.
Annabaai, Curaçao's largest port, has one of the most modern and efficient
container terminals of the Caribbean Basin and Latin America, while
Willemstad is the favorite among cruise lines. Major shipping lines include
Caboven, Compagnie General Maritime, Crowley American Transport and
Europe West Indies.

Hato International Airport has a 3,410 meter long runway. The highway
system has 590 miles of paved roads and another 404 miles of gravel roads.

Consumer Trends and Attitude Towards Imports

In both Aruba and Curaçao, trends and buying preferences tend to follow the
US and European markets. Arubans and Curaçaoans aggressively hunt for
bargains, but at the same time many people shop for brand name and product
quality. Consumers are familiar with US and European (mainly Dutch) food
products and a general consensus that both are superior in quality. Many
people travel abroad and acquire tastes and fashions which they bring back
into the islands. Also, affluent young people attend universities in the United
States, Holland and other countries in Europe and acquire knowledge of brand
name food products in those countries.

The emergence of large size supermarkets is a result of the tourism growth

that these islands have been experiencing. The construction of supermarket
chains have revolutionized the food retailing industry, as consumers are now
offered more choices at more favorable prices at one convenient location.

Curaçaoans and Arubans are usually paid at the end of the month, so families
usually make one big monthly trip to the supermarket as well as several small
ones during the month, especially for perishable items. Emergency shopping
is usually done at the mini-markets or small stores. The use of major credit
cards and debit cards is common, though many consumers still prefer cash.
Women tend to make most of the food buying decisions for the family.

The Wholesale Food Sector

Aruba

The largest wholesalers in Aruba are Frasa International Trading NV, Lee Tai
Trading, Compra NV and Consales Aruba NV. All of these companies act as
manufacturers agents and distributors. Compra and Consales are the two
largest wholesalers, and they account for over 30 percent of the market share,
operate their own fleets of trucks, and use computerized inventory systems.
Both have been in service for over 40 years.

The Eight Continent (which represents Polar Beer/Venezuela and Culip

Products/Denmark), Unisales Corp.(Campbell/US, Heinz/US and Hain
Natural Foods/US), and Martijn Trading Company (Mars/US, Pedigree Pet
Foods/US, Uncle Ben's /US and McCormick/US) are smaller wholesalers who
represent big companies. Their warehouses may be only 10,000 to 20,000
square feet in area. Some have cold storage facilities while others specialize in
the importation of dry goods only.

These wholesalers supply the small retailers, chain of supermarkets, and the
HRI (hotel, restaurant, and institutional) trade. However, some of them serve
and specialize in a particular sector. Usually, wholesalers import directly from
the manufacturer but at times, they also import from Florida wholesalers.

Curaçao

The largest wholesalers in Curaçao include Consales Curaçao, J.P. Maal &
Co., Posner's Agencies Curaoo and C. Winkel & Zomen. These are all
manufacturers' agents who carry a wide range of products. Posner's, for
example, represents Proctor and Gamble and Del Monte and has a large
warehouse with walk-in coolers and freezers.

Some of the smaller wholesalers like

Glohan NV, Cormar, Fraal Import &
Export, Feme Import and Bofrei
specialize in particular products like
candy, biscuits, juices, snack foods, etc.
They have smaller warehouse space and
some may not have cold storage facilities
or trucks, but they may still be the
exclusive distributors for certain
manufacturers. Feme, for example,
imports yogurt and Nutricia brand
products from Holland and distributes them to many small mini-markets, and
supermarkets on both Curaçao and Aruba.

Future of Wholesale Distribution

As the supermarket industry in Aruba and Curacao continues to grow, changes

are occurring in the wholesale food sector. Most of the large supermarkets and
some of the smaller wholesalers now import some of their food supplies from
Florida wholesalers. As one supermarket executive says, "for certain products,
the jobbers in South Florida are able to give me more favorable prices than the
local wholesalers, so I buy from them." Thus, local wholesalers are being
forced to either drop their prices or risk losing customers. At the present time,
an estimated 40 percent of all the food imported from the US is brought in via
US wholesalers, rather than direct from the manufacturer.

The Retail Food Sector

Food retailers in Aruba and Curaçao can be grouped into three types of
outlets; large supermarkets, mini-markets, and small shops.

The large or chain supermarkets have stores with areas over 30,000 sq. ft.,
selling both food and non-food items. The layout of the stores are similar to
US supermarkets, with separate deli, bakery, meat, frozen, seafood and
produce sections, as well as scanners and electronic inventory control systems.
Supermarkets have anywhere from seven to 16 registers and over 10 aisles,
ample parking space and a trained management staff. Competition among
supermarkets is fierce with promotion and advertisement playing a big role in
marketing strategies.

Smaller supermarkets range in area between 6,000 and 20,000 sq. ft., with an
average size of about 10,000 sq. ft. In general, they operate with four or five
registers, usually without scanners. Frozen and cold items are sold as well as
some specialty items. Competition among these stores is not as intense as that
between larger supermarkets since budget constraints limit promotional
expenditures.

The small shops usually have an area of 2,000 sq. ft. or less. Some are
organized into chains of stores. Most of them, however, are independent
family-owned businesses whose strength is convenience; they cater to
consumers who live nearby, are in a rush, or just buying a few items.

Aruba

Over 150 food retailers participate

in the retail food distribution market
in Aruba. However, the leading
supermarkets like Certified
Groceries (two stores), Kong Hing
Supermarkets (two stores), Ling &
Sons, Supermercado Favorito and
Pueblo Food Center account for
over 50 percent of all sales. An
80,000 sq. ft. store from Certified
Groceries is expected to be opening
soon, making it the biggest grocery
store in Aruba. The majority are located in the Oranjestad metropolitan area,
alongside the hotels in Druit Bay, Manchebo Beach and Palm Beach.

Small markets or "mini-markets" are abundant and can be found all over the
island. There are over 100 of these stores. In general they operate with one or
two registers, have limited floor space and usually lack freezers and
warehouse space. These are very much like convenience stores, used mainly
by consumers needing a few items. Some of these mini-markets carry more
products than others, depending on their size, but usually they only carry basic
foods items like milk, rice, bread, baby food, beef, drinks, etc.

Curaçao

Curaçao has 5 major supermarkets: Centrum Supermarkets (2), Esperamos

Supermarket, Las Vegas Supermarket, Mangusa Supermarket (2) and Pita
Supermarket (2). As in Aruba, these supermarkets also account for over half
of all food sales. These are located mostly around the Willemstead
metropolitan area.

There are about 25 mini-markets which cater more to the local and rural
population. These markets carry a less diversified range of products than the
supermarkets. Prices at these markets are usually higher than at the
supermarkets, but convenience is their major asset.

About 100 other small grocery stores are spread all over the island. These
stores, many of which go by the name 'Toko', sell mainly basic foodstuffs. In
general, they are family-owned business that operate on a cash sale basis.

Future of Retail Distribution

The large supermarket sector is increasing in both Aruba and Curaçao at the
expense of the small grocery store. Price is usually the determinant factor, and
the small stores cannot compete with the low prices and product diversity that
is being offered by the supermarkets. Smaller businesses may survive by
carrying a selected number of products for more niche markets, but the trend
toward supermarket growth is expected to continue.

Business Relationships/Choosing a Partner

Aruba and Curaçao are fairly developed markets with healthy supermarket
sectors. Many supermarkets are interested in importing directly, but local
wholesalers are still able to offer the widest possible distribution of product.
Many supermarkets are buying from Miami wholesalers (see "The Caribbean:
A Summary Export Guide to the Consumer Food Market" for more
information and a list of contacts). Most wholesalers and retailers have
established relationships with their suppliers and usually are on 30-day credit
terms, though this will depend on the particular case.

Laws and Regulations Concerning Imported Food

In Curacao, separate health regulations are enforced for bread, milk, cheese,
butter, margarine, cooking fat, ice cream, soda-water, lemonade syrup and
lemonade. In addition, a new Food Act is being prepared. There are no
labeling or packaging regulations enforced in Aruba or Curaçao, but new
legislation has been proposed. All products imported from the US should meet
USDA and USFDA guidelines for food safety, pesticide residues, etc.

Current trademark laws state that the oldest user has exclusive rights to a
trademark. Registration with the Bureau of Industrial Property is not
compulsory but advisable.

Import Procedure (Permits/Licenses Required)

Aruba
In order to import from abroad, no licenses or permits are required, though an
agency must be registered with the Aruba Chamber of Commerce. All meats
imported into the Island of Aruba must comply with USDA phytosanitary
regulations. Since imports from the United States are usually of good
condition, they are not generally inspected thoroughly upon arrival. An
inspection may be carried out by the Department of Public Health if deemed
necessary.

Curacao

Import registration is required for certain essential products such as rice, tea,
coffee, baby food, powdered and evaporated milk, vegetable oils, margarine,
certain vegetables, sugar, meat and fish, alcoholic beverages, peanut butter,
chicken and chicken eggs. Meat products are officially inspected upon arrival
and only admitted to the market after approval. Contact the Veterinary Service
prior to importing.

Negative lists are maintained and updated monthly by the Curacao

Department of Economic Affairs. Certain food items are often (if not always)
prohibited from importation, such as eggs, some grains, vegetables including
cucumber, aubergines, sweet and hot peppers, eggplant, spinach, and black-
eyed peas. Exemptions can sometimes be granted by the Department of
Economic Affairs if local production cannot meet local demand. Imports of a
number of products that are also produced locally are subject to additional
tariffs.

At customs, an importer is required to provide two invoices and when

registration is required, a third invoice is required for the Department of
Economic Affairs. An invoice should state the value of the goods (f.o.b or
c.i.f.) and other normal commercial information such as marks, numbers,
consignee's name, etc.

Four copies of the bill of lading are required, showing the name of the shipper,
name and address of consignee, port of destination, description of goods,
listing of freight and other charges, number of bills of lading in the full set,
and date and signature of the carrier's official acknowledgment of receipt on
board of the goods for shipment.

Tariffs and Other Taxes

Aruba

Tariffs on most food and beverage items range from 7.5 percent to 12 percent,
except certain items which are duty-free: beef, lamb, meat preparations,
sardines, milk and cream, certain varieties of potatoes, citrus fruit,
watermelon, mangoes, coconuts, papayas, coffee, cereal grains, flour,
vegetable materials, lard, margarine, molasses, and breakfast cereals. Some
items have higher import tariffs, such as: oysters and other crustaceans (22-30
percent) and prepared tomatoes and other prepared vegetables (22 percent).
Tariffs on imported alcoholic beverages range from about $17 per 100 liters of
cider (non-stout beer is $28 per 100 liters) up to $232 per 100 liters of
champagne.

Curacao

Food and beverage products imported into Curaçao are subject to four types of
tariff: import duties (calculated over c.i.f. value), excise duties (on beer and
spirits), economic levy (on products that are already locally manufactured),
and expenditure tax (also called "sales tax").

Most imported food items, including most fruits and vegetables, cereal, soup,
spaghetti, tea, and spices, receive a 10.5 percent import tax. Many products
can be imported duty-free, such as: beef, chicken, some baby foods, potatoes,
dried peas and beans, some grains, olive and sesame oils, milk (powdered
milk duty-free only in containers less than 2.5 kg), cream, and cheese. Other
import duty rates include the following: citrus fruits, 5 percent; sugar, 4.5
percent; fish, 4.5 percent; fruit juice, ground coffee, yogurt, and bread, 5.5
percent; non-chicken poultry, 17 percent; oyster, 17 percent; prepared fish or
poultry, 18.5 percent; rice, 25 percent; beer, 28¢ per liter; and margarine, at
about 3¢ per kilogram. Import duties on margarine, butter, sugar, beverages
and alcohol are not based on c.i.f. value, but on weight or quantity.

Special excise duties are applied to imports of alcoholic beverages in addition

to other taxes. Beer receives about 67¢ per liter in excise tax (in addition to
28¢/liter import duty, 50¢/liter levy tax, and a 6 percent sales tax). Duties on
stronger spirits vary depending on the alcohol content of the product. For a
spirit that is 50 percent alcohol content, there will be about $16.80 per liter in
excise tax, plus import duties, sales tax, and levy tax.

Some products also are protected by economic levy (resulting in an additional

tariff rate), such as: bacon ($1.11/kg), ham ($1.12/kg), powdered milk in
containers larger than 2.5 kg ($1.00/kg), ice cream ($1.28/liter), yogurt
(39¢/liter), wheat flour (14¢/kg), cornmeal flour (19¢/kg), rice (25 percent),
margarine (50¢/kg), edible oils except olive and sesame (33¢/liter), bread (4.5
percent), bread dough (24.5 percent), sweetened fruit juices (33¢/liter), malt
(42¢/liter), beverages without alcohol (50¢/liter), beer (53¢/liter).

Most food items, those in particular that are considered primary necessities of
life, such as meat, poultry, grains, and rice, receive no expenditure tax, while
most beverages are subject to a 6 percent sales tax.
Contacts for Regulatory Information
Aruba
 
Customs Office
L.G. Smith Blvd. 84-88
Oranjestad, Aruba
Tel: 297-8-21800 x288
Contact: Addison Croes
 
Veterinary Department
Veterinaire Dienst
Barcadera 1
Oranestad, Aruba
Tel: 011-2978-50400
Contact: Dr. Wools
 
Department of Public Health
Hospital Spraat #4
Oranjestad, Aruba
Tel: 011-2978-24200
Fax: 011-2978-26433
Contact: Dr. J. van Veen, M.D. PhD, director
 
Curaçao
 
Curaçao Chamber of Commerce and Industry
P.O. Box 10
Curaçao, Netherlands Antilles
Tel:(599-9) 461-3918
Fax: (599-9) 461-5652
Contact: Vanessa Toré 
Customs Office
Douane Kantoor
Brionwers
Riykseenheids Boulevard
Curaçao, Netherlands Antilles
Tel: (599-9) 461-6350
Fax: (599-9) 465-0186
 
Department of Economic Affairs
Departement Van Economische Zaken
Scharlooouag 106
Curaçao, Netherlands Antilles
Tel: (599-9) 465-6236
Fax: (599-9) 465-6316
Contact: Natoushka Isenia

 
Consumer Food Imports
Consumer food and beverage imports for the Caribbean territories of the
Netherlands are estimated to exceed $340 million annually.(1) This total
includes Aruba and the Netherlands Antilles (Curacao, Bonaire, St. Maarten,
Saba, and St. Eustatius). Of these, Aruba, Curacao, and St. Maarten are the
largest markets due to relatively high populations of both residents and
tourists. Saba and St. Eustatius have very small populations (combined 3,100)
and are typically supplied from neighboring St. Maarten.

Table 1 shows estimated total imports and supplier shares for major consumer
food and beverage import categories. Figures 1 and 2 show the import mix of
various food and beverage imports and import share of major suppliers,
respectively.

The US exported nearly $100 million of consumer food and beverage items to
these markets in 1996, with Aruba accounting for 25 percent and the
remainder going mostly to St. Maarten and Curacao. The US, EU (mostly the
Netherlands), and Venezuela are the largest suppliers to the markets.
Excluding non-juice beverage items, the US has a 46 percent market share,
followed by the EU (29 percent), Canada (3 percent) and other countries (23
percent). Venezuela's exports are strongest to neighboring Curacao and Aruba.
Other key suppliers include Argentina (mostly meat), Brazil (mostly meat),
Norway (mostly fish), New Zealand (dairy and some meat), and Colombia
(coffee and sugar). Beverages (mostly beer, wine, and spirits) account for
nearly half of the total imports of consumer food and beverage products. The
EU (mostly the Netherlands, France, and the UK) account for 85 percent of
total imports, followed by the US (9 percent) and other countries (6 percent,
mostly Venezuela and small amounts of wine from Chile).
Current and reliable import statistics for these markets are not available. Total imports and supplier shares were estimated using
export US, Canadian, and EU export statistics along with historical Netherlands Antilles’ import data obtained from the UN. Total
imports may be underestimated for certain items, particularly for fresh fruits and vegetables. Consumer foods are defined for the
purposes of this market study as the following two-digit Harmonized System categories: 02 (Meat, Fresh, Frozen and Dried), 03
(Fish And Seafood, Fresh, Frozen and Dried), 04 (Dairy and Eggs), 07 (Vegetables, Fresh, Frozen and Dried), 08 (Fruit And
Nuts), 09 (Coffee, Tea, Mate And Spices), 16 (Preparations Of Meat and Fish), 17 (Sugars And Sugar Confectionary), 18
(Cocoa And Cocoa Preparations), 19 (Preparations Of Cereals), 20 (Preparations Of Vegetables and Fruits), 21 (Miscellaneous
Edible Preparations), 22 (Beverages, Spirits And Vinegar).

Table 1

Suppliers of Consumer Food Products to Aruba & the Netherlands Antilles,

1996, US$000
Imports Estimated Market Share Largest "Other" Suppliers
US$ 000s* US EU Canada Other

Products
2 Meat
(fresh/frozen/dried 53,907 49%7% 3% 41% Arg., Brazil, Australia, NZ
)
3 Fish & Seafood
(fresh/frozen/dried 5,652 40%11% 1% 48% Norway, Venez., Sur., Col.
)
4 Dairy and Eggs 26,782 5% 88% 1% 6% NZ, Venezuela, Trinidad
7 Vegetables
(fresh/frozen/dried 8,308 56%27% 1% 17% Venez.
)
8 Fruit and Nuts
(fresh/frozen/dried 7,503 55%3% 0% 43% Venez., Colombia
)
9 Coffee, Tea,
4,728 18%46% 0% 37% Colombia, D.R., Venez.
Mate & Spices
16 Preparations of
11,668 32%44% 1% 23% Argentina, Brazil, Asia
Meat and Fish
17 Sugars & Sugar
6,814 43%38% 11% 8% Col., Venez., Trinidad
Confectionary
18 Cocoa & Cocoa
3,419 50%41% 0% 9% Switzerland, Venez.
Preparations
19 Preparations of
12,758 51%31% 0% 18% Venez., Colombia
Cereals
20 Preparations of
16,963 60%19% 13% 8% Venez.
Vegetables/Fruits
21 Misc. Edible
24,470 74%17% 1% 9% Venez.
Preparations
22 Beverages,
157,422 9% 85% 0% 6% Venez., Chile
Spirits & Vinegar
   340,396 28%55% 2% 15%  
Note: Total imports and market shares estimated from 1996 export statistics of
US, EU, and Canada, and historical import statistics for the Netherlands Antilles.

Because of limited domestic production in Aruba and the Netherlands

Antilles, most consumer food and beverage items can be considered good
prospects for overseas suppliers. US export prospects, therefore, are
dependent on competitiveness with other suppliers. For instance, US meat
exports will face strong competition from South American producers as well
as from Australia and New Zealand. The EU and New Zealand control most
of the market for milk and cheese items, and Venezuela is the US' primary
competitor for fresh fruits and vegetables. While the US holds a majority of
market share for processed cereals, fruit, vegetables, and other products,
competition for individual items is strong from the EU (mostly the
Netherlands), Canada, and Venezuela. Table 2 details some of the best
prospects for US exports to Aruba and the Netherlands Antilles.

Table 2

Best Prospects for US Exports to Aruba and the Netherlands Antilles

Product Notes
Fresh Fruits & Main items for US are temperate fruits (apples, grapes,
Vegetables pears, stone fruit, and berries etc.), citrus (oranges,
grapefruit), and various vegetables (lettuce, cabbage,
peppers, carrots, tomatoes, onions, celery, etc.). Main
competitors are Venezuela and Colombia, for fresh fruits,
and EU (mostly potatoes) and Venezuela, for fresh
vegetables.
Breakfast Main competitors for breakfast cereals are Colombia and
Cereals & the Netherlands, although US has 80% of market. US
Snack Foods exports of corn chips and other crisp snacks exceeded
$500 thousand in 1996. Opportunities exist in other cereal
preparations: cakes, biscuits, cookies, pasta, infant cereal
preparations, etc.
Wines Main competitors are France, Italy, Spain, Portugal, and
Chile.
Condiments Including ketchup, mayonnaise, mustard, salad dressings,
and others. Main competitors are Netherlands and
Venezuela.
Frozen Meat Mostly chicken and beef. As throughout the Caribbean,
US dominates supply of frozen chicken parts. Main
competitors: beef (Argentina, Brazil, Colombia, Uruguay,
Netherlands), chicken (South American and Netherlands).
Good market also for sausage, pork, ham, bacon,, and
lamb.
Fruit Juices Total import market near $10 million. Netherlands,
 Germany, Denmark, and Venezuela are main competitors,
although US is dominant.
Other Wide range of items normally found in US supermarkets,
Processed including canned, frozen (including frozen french fries),
Fruits and jams and jellies, soups, etc.
Vegetables
Main competitors: frozen vegetables (Netherlands &
Canada), canned vegetables (Netherlands, UK,
Venezuela), jams & jellies (Netherlands, Venezuela),
canned fruit (Netherlands), soups (Netherlands).
Soft Drinks US exports near $3 million. Main competitors are
Venezuela and EU.
Beer While Netherlands is largest supplier, US exports totaled
over $2 million in 1996. Other suppliers include
Venezuela, UK, and Germany.
Dairy Although EU (mostly Netherlands and UK) is largest
Products supplier of milk and cream, opportunities exist for US
exports of fresh, dried, and condensed/evaporated milk.
Limited opportunities for butter, with most supply coming
from New Zealand and EU. While most cheese imports
are from the Netherlands, US exports top $1 million. Also
opportunities for ice cream exports.
Confectionary Both chocolate and non-chocolate confectionary items.
Main competitor is EU (Netherlands, UK, other).
Miscellaneous Other products with opportunities for US exporters
include: peanut butter, frozen/canned fish, cocktail nuts,
refined sugar, margarine, bottled water, and spirits
(particularly rum from Puerto Rico)

1. Current and reliable import statistics for these markets are not available.
Total imports and supplier shares were estimated using export US, Canadian,
and EU export statistics along with historical Netherlands Antilles' import
data obtained from the UN. Total imports may be underestimated for certain
items, particularly for fresh fruits and vegetables. Consumer foods are defined
for the purposes of this market study as the following two-digit Harmonized
System categories: 02 (Meat, Fresh, Frozen and Dried), 03 (Fish And
Seafood, Fresh, Frozen and Dried), 04 (Dairy and Eggs), 07 (Vegetables,
Fresh, Frozen and Dried), 08 (Fruit And Nuts), 09 (Coffee, Tea, Mate And
Spices), 16 (Preparations Of Meat and Fish), 17 (Sugars And Sugar
Confectionary), 18 (Cocoa And Cocoa Preparations), 19 (Preparations Of
Cereals), 20 (Preparations Of Vegetables and Fruits), 21 (Miscellaneous
Edible Preparations), 22 (Beverages, Spirits And Vinegar).