Required Report - public distribution

**Date:** 10/17/2008

**GAIN Report Number:** BE8008

BE8008

**Belgium-Luxembourg**

**Exporter Guide**

**Benelux**

**2008**

**Approved by:**

![](media/image1.wmf)Steve Huete, FAS/The Hague

U.S.Embassy

**Prepared by:**

Marcel Pinckaers, FAS/The Hague

**Report Highlights:**

This report provides an overview for U.S. companies interested in
exporting to the Netherlands and Belgium, focusing on exports of
consumer-oriented food, beverages and edible fishery products.

Includes PSD Changes: No

Includes Trade Matrix: No

Annual Report

The Hague \[NL1\]

\[BE\]

[Section 1. Market Overview 3](#section-1.-market-overview)

[The Netherlands 3](#the-netherlands)

[Belgium 3](#belgium)

[Key Developments and the Impact on Consumer Buying Habits
4](#key-developments-and-the-impact-on-consumer-buying-habits)

[Changing Tastes 6](#changing-tastes)

[Food Safety 6](#food-safety)

[Organic Food 6](#organic-food)

[Awareness of Health and Well-Being
7](#awareness-of-health-and-well-being)

[Section 2. Exporter Business Tips
7](#section-2.-exporter-business-tips)

[Local Business Customs 7](#local-business-customs)

[Food Standards & Regulations and General Import & Inspection Procedures
7](#food-standards-regulations-and-general-import-inspection-procedures)

[Section 3. Market Sector Structure And Trends
7](#section-3.-market-sector-structure-and-trends)

[The Food Retail Market 7](#the-food-retail-market)

[The Foodservice Market 9](#the-foodservice-market)

[The Food Processing Market 10](#the-food-processing-market)

[Section 4. Best High-value Products Prospects
11](#section-4.-best-high-value-products-prospects)

[Section 5. Key Contacts and Further Information
12](#section-5.-key-contacts-and-further-information)

[Marketing 13](#marketing)

[Reports 13](#reports)

[Appendix 1. Leading Wholesalers/Distributors in the Benelux
14](#appendix-1.-leading-wholesalersdistributors-in-the-benelux)

[Appendix 2. Trade Shows 15](#appendix-2.-trade-shows)

[Appendix 3. An Overview Of The Leading Benelux Importers Of Specialty
Foods Supplying Both Foodservice And Food Retail
17](#appendix-3.-an-overview-of-the-leading-benelux-importers-of-specialty-foods-supplying-both-foodservice-and-food-retail)

[Table A. Key Trade & Demographic Information For The Netherlands &
Belgium
18](#table-a.-key-trade-demographic-information-for-the-netherlands-belgium)

[The Netherlands 18](#the-netherlands-1)

[Belgium 18](#belgium-1)

[Table B. Consumer Food & Edible Fishery Products Imports
19](#table-b.-consumer-food-edible-fishery-products-imports)

[Table C. Top 15 Suppliers Of Consumer Foods And Edible Fishery Products
21](#table-c.-top-15-suppliers-of-consumer-foods-and-edible-fishery-products)

# Section 1. Market Overview

## ![](media/image2.wmf){width="2.3583333333333334in" height="2.7534722222222223in"}The Netherlands

Economic growth in 2008 is expected to slow down to an estimated 2.25%,
down from 3.5% in 2007. This negative trend is expected to continue.
Based on current budget proposals, the Netherlands Bureau for Economic
Policy Analysis (CPB) expects the economy to grow only by 1.25% in 2009.

Although the growth in exports has declined, exporting remains the most
important factor in the growth of the total economy. Trade volumes grew
less in 2007 than in 2006. In 2007 imports were up 6 percent and exports
8 percent, versus 10 and 9 percent, respectively, in 2006. In 2008,
consumer spending is expected to grow minimally by 1.5%, dropping from
2.1% in 2007. Inflation has been below the euro-zone average for the
last four years and is forecast to equal 2.3% in 2008.

Figure 1: Key Data Dutch Economy

  ------------------------- --------- --------- ------------ --------------
                            2006      2007      2008\*       2009\*\*

  Economic Growth %         3.25      3.5       2.25         1.25

  Inflation (HIPC) %        1.7       1.6       2.3\*\*      n.a.

  Unemployment %            5.5       4.5       4            4.25

  GDP (billion)             €534      €560      €573         €580
  ------------------------- --------- --------- ------------ --------------

Source: Central Bureau of Statistics

\* estimate

\*\* forecast

## Belgium 

Economic growth in 2008 is expected to be 1.9%, down from 2.9% in 2007.
Inflation is expected to be 4.1% this year, more than double last year's
rate. Unemployment in Belgium is slightly higher than the EU average
(7.5%). Just like the Dutch, the Belgians spend around 15% of their
total spending on food.

Figure 2: Key Data Belgian Economy

  ---------------------- ----------- ------------ ------------ ------------
                         2006        2007         2008\*       2009\*\*

  Economic Growth %      2.9         2.9          3.1          n.a.

  Inflation (CPI) %      2.3         1.8          4.1          2.3

  Unemployment %         8.3         7.5          6.9          6.8

  GDP (billion)          €311        €320         €326         n.a.
  ---------------------- ----------- ------------ ------------ ------------

Source: [www.nbb.be](http://www.nbb.be/)

\* estimate

\*\* forecast

Figure 3: U.S. Exports Of Consumer-Oriented Agricultural And Fish &
Seafood Products (in 1,000 U.S.\$)

  -------------------------------- ---------- ---------- ---------- ---------- ----------
  US exports to                    CY         CY         CY         Jan-July   Jan-July
  Belgium/Netherlands/Luxembourg                                               

                                   **2005**   **2006**   **2007**   **2007**   **2008**

  **Consumer-Oriented Agricultural 861,107    913,467    950,101    537,164    635,325
  Total**                                                                      

  Snack Foods (Excl Nuts)          12,581     11,527     21,662     10,803     11,816

  Breakfast Cereals & Pancake Mix  1,553      1,419      2,570      1,791      1,963

  Red Meats, Fresh/Chilled/Frozen  34,084     33,442     42,583     21,956     39,541

  Red Meats, Prepared/Preserved    1,289      1,456      716        597        886

  Poultry Meat                     651        581        1,328      510        3,016

  Dairy Products                   10,374     28,752     72,351     22,365     44,358

  Eggs & Products                  3,876      7,663      14,133     10,794     5,510

  Fresh Fruit                      42,745     27,733     33,698     19,420     29,374

  Fresh Vegetables                 8,781      8,154      8,492      6,296      8,421

  Processed Fruit & Vegetables     57,511     71,353     75,691     43,835     58,616

  Fruit & Vegetable Juices         94,362     125,055    114,829    72,703     76,463

  Tree Nuts                        335,412    337,678    307,213    177,734    181,828

  Wine & Beer                      46,272     47,479     27,798     17,985     20,240

  Nursery Products & Cut Flowers   64,175     67,024     85,476     50,418     51,432

  Pet Foods (Dog & Cat Food)       26,812     33,240     25,614     15,040     13,826

  Other Consumer-Oriented Products 120,630    110,909    115,945    64,916     88,034

                                                                               

  **Fish & Seafood Products,       183,161    206,531    184,166    90,769     108,607
  Edible Total**                                                               

  Salmon, Whole Or Eviscerated     11,158     10,916     11,199     2,421      4,302

  Salmon, Canned                   9,124      9,924      10,397     4,820      9,071

  Crab & Crabmeat                  341        1,469      920        662        2,051

  Surimi (Fish Paste)              14,995     10,735     2,964      416        3,197

  Roe & Urchin (Fish Eggs)         4,752      3,300      5,675      2,058      6,005

  Other Edible Fish & Seafood      142,790    170,187    153,011    80,392     83,981
  -------------------------------- ---------- ---------- ---------- ---------- ----------

Source: [www.fas.usda.gov](http://www.fas.usda.gov/) (BICO reports)

## Key Developments and the Impact on Consumer Buying Habits

The Benelux has over 26.8 million inhabitants and is the most densely
populated region in the EU, with 412 people per square kilometer. More
than two-thirds of its slowly growing population lives in a 100 mile
corridor stretching from Amsterdam to Brussels.

During the past decades more and more women have entered the labor
force, especially in times of economic growth. In these double-income
households, time has become scarce. In their spare time they want to
focus on their family, health and travel. Daily cooking is not on that
priority list. This group of consumers is willing to pay additional
money for variety, taste, and health in food. As a result of increased
purchases of meal components and ready-to-cook products, consumers are
less knowledgeable about how to cook and prepare meals.

Another development that drives changing consumer buying habits is the
on-going trend towards smaller households. There are some 12 million
households with an average size of 2.3 people. Single and two person
households are growing and households of 4 or more persons declining.
Not only does this trend demand smaller portions, industry contacts also
claim that consumers tend to buy more expensive, value-added products or
meal components when cooking for only one or two persons.

The Benelux population is graying. Last year, the age group of 55 years
and older accounted for 26.4% of the population while 10 years ago this
number was only 22.8%. It is worth noting that the 55-65 year old group
has relatively high purchasing power. In general they have paid off the
mortgage on their house and benefit from a good pension.

The recent financial crisis is having an impact on European consumers.
Their confidence in the economy has gone down dramatically and people
are worried about their savings, jobs and pensions. As a result they are
adjusting their lifestyle. Sales of luxury food products and beverages
are expected to go down.

Figure 4: Key Demographic Figures For The Benelux

  ----------------------------- --------- --------- ------------ ---------
                                2005      2006      2007         2008

  Population, in millions       26.7      26.8      27.4         27.6

  Number of Households, in      11.5      11.7      11.9         12
  millions                                                       

  Household Size                2.3       2.3       2.3          2.3
  ----------------------------- --------- --------- ------------ ---------

Source: CBS, Statbel

Figure 5: Dutch Population By Age Group In Percentage

  -------- -------- --------- --------- ---------- ------ -----------------
  Year     0 -- 19  20 -- 39  40 -- 64  65 -- 79   80+    Total Population

  1963     38.1     26.4      26.1      7.9        1.5    11,889,962

  1973     35.0     29.0      25.6      8.6        1.8    13,387,623

  1983     29.7     32.6      26.0      9.4        2.4    14,339,551

  1993     24.6     32.9      29.5      10.0       3.0    15,239,182

  2003     24.5     28.6      33.2      10.4       3.4    16,192,572

  2008\*   24.0     26.0      35.3      11.0       3.8    16,404,282
  -------- -------- --------- --------- ---------- ------ -----------------

Source: CBS, \*estimate from CBS

Figure 6: Main Non-Dutch Population By Ethnicity

  ------------------------- --------- --------- --------- --------- ---------
                            2004      2005      2006      2007      2008\*

  Indonesian                398,502   396,080   393,057   389,940   387,124

  Turkish                   351,648   358,846   364,333   368,600   372,852

  Surinamese                325,281   329,430   331,890   333,504   335,679

  Moroccan                  306,219   315,821   323,239   329,493   335,208

  Netherlands Antilles &    130,722   130,538   129,683   129,965   131,387
  Aruba                                                             
  ------------------------- --------- --------- --------- --------- ---------

Source: CBS

\*estimates

Figure 7: Main Non-Belgian Population By Ethnicity

  ------------------------ ------------ ------------ ------------ ----------
                           2003         2004         2005         2006

  Italian                  193,000      190,000      186,000      175,912

  French                   113,000      115,000      118,000      123,076

  Dutch                    92,000       94,000       97,000       113,320

  Moroccan                 106,000      101,000      94,000       81,339

  Turkish                  59,000       56,000       53,000       42,733
  ------------------------ ------------ ------------ ------------ ----------

Source: [www.dofi.fgov.be](http://www.dofi.fgov.be/)

Figure 8: Advantages And Challenges US Products Face In The Benelux

+---------------------------------+------------------------------------+
| **Advantages**                  | **Challenges**                     |
+---------------------------------+------------------------------------+
| -   Affluent and open-minded    | -   Saturated markets              |
|     consumers                   |                                    |
|                                 | -   High transportation and time   |
| -   Highly developed            |     costs                          |
|     infrastructure, trade       |                                    |
|     history and mentality       | -   Competition from local         |
|                                 |     companies                      |
| -   Strong interest in buying   |                                    |
|     new and innovative products | -   Tariffs and Non-Tariff trade   |
|     and/or concepts             |     barriers                       |
|                                 |                                    |
| -   Favorable image of American |                                    |
|     products                    |                                    |
+---------------------------------+------------------------------------+

Source: USDA

Figure 9: Consumer Trends

  -------------- -----------------------------------------------------------
  Consumers'     
  needs and      
  preferences:   

  Health:        natural ingredients, lower calories, low or no sugar,
                 healthy meals

  Convenience:   fresh pre-packed food components, take-away, fresh
                 ready-to-eat meals

  Price:         discount, special offers, will accept higher prices as long
                 as they can be justified

  Food Safety:   more information, more guarantees

  Stores:        There is a need for 2 types of stores: the more traditional
                 store that offers a wide assortment of products, fresh,
                 specialty and luxury products, personalized service, etc.
                 while on the other hand there is a need for discounters,
                 stores that focus on price.
  -------------- -----------------------------------------------------------

Source: USDA

## Changing Tastes

The non-Dutch population in the Netherlands (20%) has grown by 5 percent
during the past 2 years, whereas the population with Dutch ethnicity
grew during the same period by only 1 percent. As a result there has
been strong growth in the number of stores serving ethnic niche markets
and in demand for non-traditional Dutch food. The non-Belgian population
in Belgium is much smaller and accounts for only 7%. More information on
this subject can be found on
<http://www.fas.usda.gov/scriptsw/attacherep/default.asp> GAIN NL 7021.

## Food Safety

Safety of food products remains another issue for consumers. Because of
a number of food safety scares during recent years, this issue has
become more important to consumers. These crises prompted the government
and many other organizations to focus on consumer demands for safe and
traceable products. Retailers, processors and producers are setting up
traceable supply chains to minimize risks and regain consumers' trust.
More information on food safety (including traceability) can be found on
<http://useu.usmission.gov/agri/foodsafe.html> and
<http://www.fas.usda.gov/scriptsw/attacherep/default.asp> GAIN BE 6007
and NL 6025.

## Organic Food

Recent figures show that although consumers are increasingly buying more
organic products (mainly bread and dairy products), the organic industry
still remains a niche industry and has only 1.8 percent market share in
the Benelux. More information on the Benelux market for organic products
can be found on
<http://www.fas.usda.gov/scriptsw/attacherep/default.asp> GAIN NL 6024.

## Awareness of Health and Well-Being

Consumers are becoming more aware of and concerned about the effect of
food on health and well-being. One driver is that there has been a trend
to a more healthful lifestyle in Western countries. Another is a
reaction to events highlighting foodborne illnesses (like BSE and the
Dioxin scare). Consumers are looking for and finding more information on
this topic; the media, including the Internet, TV and magazines, respond
to this desire and feed into it.

Food processors and retailers play a crucial role, as well, as they
develop and market food products to create, anticipate and meet consumer
needs.

# Section 2. Exporter Business Tips

## Local Business Customs

Following are some characteristics of doing business in the Netherlands,
Belgium or Luxembourg:

-   Most business people speak English and have a high level of
    education (Masters or Bachelors degree).

-   Generally speaking, they are straightforward and business-minded.
    They want to be well informed about the product/service and their
    business partner before doing business. At the same time, they do
    not want to waste their time and can be quick decision makers.

-   Due to the increasing power of retailers and to changing consumers'
    demands, food processors are increasingly looking for long-term
    partnerships rather than a one-off business transaction.

-   In times of a weaker dollar, importers are especially looking for
    added value from the U.S. They are looking for healthy or unique
    products for their customers.

## Food Standards & Regulations and General Import & Inspection Procedures

A detailed report on import regulation standards and also on general
import and inspection procedures can be found on the FAS homepage: GAIN
Report Number: NL8017 and BE8006.
http://www.fas.usda.gov/scriptsw/attacherep/default.asp

# Section 3. Market Sector Structure And Trends

## The Food Retail Market

In 2007, the turnover of the total food retail industry was almost USD
65 billion (1USD=0.731€). The consolidated full-service supermarket
sector makes around 90% of total food retail sales. The remaining 10%
includes food sales made at department stores, delicatessen stores and
traditionally non-food stores.

Supermarkets:

The supermarket industry in the Benelux is highly consolidated. Quite
often, supermarket organizations even work together in purchase
organizations, which consolidate the market even more. The figures below
reflect the level of consolidation.

Figure 10: Supermarket Chains In Belgium

+-----------------------+-----------------------+----------------------+
| Company name          | market share in       | market share on the  |
|                       | retail market         | purchase side        |
+-----------------------+-----------------------+----------------------+
| Carrefour             | 30.0%                 | 30.0%                |
|                       |                       |                      |
| \- Mestdagh           | 2.7%                  |                      |
+-----------------------+-----------------------+----------------------+
| Delhaize              | 24.0%                 | 24.0%                |
+-----------------------+-----------------------+----------------------+
| Colruyt               | 20.0%                 | 20.0%                |
|                       |                       |                      |
| \- Spar               | 3.0%                  |                      |
|                       |                       |                      |
| \- Alvo               | 2.4%                  |                      |
+-----------------------+-----------------------+----------------------+
| Aldi                  | 13.0%                 | 13.0%                |
+-----------------------+-----------------------+----------------------+
| Louis Delhaize        | 3.5%                  | 3.5%                 |
|                       |                       |                      |
| \- Match Bel          | 1.9%                  |                      |
|                       |                       |                      |
| \- Profi              | 0.7%                  |                      |
+-----------------------+-----------------------+----------------------+
| Intermarche           | 2.0%                  | 2.0%                 |
+-----------------------+-----------------------+----------------------+
| Lidl                  | 4.7%                  | 4.7%                 |
+-----------------------+-----------------------+----------------------+
| Other                 | 2.8%                  | 2.8%                 |
+-----------------------+-----------------------+----------------------+

Source: Store Check, FAS/TheHague calculations

Figure 11: Supermarket Chains In The Netherlands

+----------------------------+------------------+----------------------+
| Company name               | market share in  | market share on the  |
|                            | retail market    | purchase side        |
+----------------------------+------------------+----------------------+
| Albert Heijn               | 29.5%            | 29.5%                |
+----------------------------+------------------+----------------------+
| Laurus/Super de Boer       | 7.3%             | 7.3%                 |
+----------------------------+------------------+----------------------+
| Schuitema/C1000            | 14.3%            | 14.3%                |
+----------------------------+------------------+----------------------+
| Aldi                       | 8.9%             | 8.9%                 |
+----------------------------+------------------+----------------------+
| Lidl                       | 3.8%             | 3.8%                 |
+----------------------------+------------------+----------------------+
| S&S Winkels                | 4.8%             | 4.8%                 |
|                            |                  |                      |
| -Edah                      |                  |                      |
+----------------------------+------------------+----------------------+
| Superunie                  | 30.0%            | 30.0%                |
|                            |                  |                      |
| \- Dirk van den Broek      |                  |                      |
|                            |                  |                      |
| \- Plus                    |                  |                      |
|                            |                  |                      |
| \- Jumbo                   |                  |                      |
|                            |                  |                      |
| \- Coop                    |                  |                      |
|                            |                  |                      |
| \- Spar                    |                  |                      |
|                            |                  |                      |
| \- Prisma                  |                  |                      |
|                            |                  |                      |
| \- Boni                    |                  |                      |
|                            |                  |                      |
| \- Vomar                   |                  |                      |
|                            |                  |                      |
| \- Deen                    |                  |                      |
|                            |                  |                      |
| \- Dekamarkt               |                  |                      |
|                            |                  |                      |
| \- Hoogvliet               |                  |                      |
+----------------------------+------------------+----------------------+

Source: AC Nielsen/ FAS/TheHague calculations

Besides the traditional supermarket chains as discussed above, we see
new firms entering the food retail market. Not only are traditionally
non-food retailers like Ikea, HEMA and V&D increasingly selling food
products, also upscale department stores and delicatessen stores have
started selling specialty food products and drinks.

Department Stores:

Department stores, generally part of a larger chain, offer only
specialty foods. More and more the traditionally non-food upscale
department stores are moving into selling food products, although still
on a small scale. They have become an excellent outlet for selling
specialty foods. They mainly focus on innovative and seasonal or
event-related specialty products. Some smaller independent non-food
stores are following this trend as well. Other non-food retail chains
(like De Tuinen and Xenos) have moved into food retailing as well, by
focusing on healthy foods, and Asian and Mediterranean cuisines.

Figure 12A: Leading Department Stores In The Benelux

  ---------------------------------- ----------------------------------------------
  Company Name                       Website

  Bijenkorf                          [www.bijenkorf.nl](http://www.bijenkorf.nl/)

  Hema                               [www.hema.nl](http://www.hema.nl/)

  Inno                               [www.inno.be](http://www.inno.be/)

  V&D                                [www.vd.nl](http://www.vd.nl/)
  ---------------------------------- ----------------------------------------------

Source: USDA

Figure 12B: Leading Non-Food Retail Chains In The Benelux Selling
Specialty Foods

  --------------------------------- --------------------------------------------------
  Company Name                      Website

  De Tuinen                         [www.detuinen.nl](http://www.detuinen.nl/)

  Oil & Vinegar                     [www.oilvinegar.com](http://www.oilvinegar.com/)

  Xenos                             [www.xenos.nl](http://www.xenos.nl/)
  --------------------------------- --------------------------------------------------

More information on this segment can be found in the following report,
[http://www.fas.usda.gov/scriptsw/attacherep/default.asp GAIN NL
7021](http://www.fas.usda.gov/scriptsw/attacherep/default.asp GAIN NL 7021).

Delicatessen Stores:

Traditional butcher and fruit & vegetable shops, as well as small
independent family-run supermarkets, are losing market share. These
supermarkets are being either bought by big retailer chains or closed
down. The traditional butcher and fruit & vegetable shops are
increasingly changing into delicatessen shops, and the majority of these
have moved into making meal components or into catering. By adding more
value to their once basic products, they manage to stay in business and
serve products that the regular retailer does not sell.

## The Foodservice Market

Figures indicate that almost 70 percent of food expenditures in the
Benelux wind up in supermarket tills; however, their share of the total
food dollar has been declining. Analysts expect the hotel and restaurant
and institutional food service (HRI) market share to grow further to
approximately 35 percent of total food expenditures. This is the result
of increasing disposable income, scarcity of time for cooking and
continued increases in the number of working women. The turnover of the
Benelux HRI foodservice industry in 2007 was over USD 27 billion.

Restaurants dominate the Benelux foodservice industry and make up
roughly 50% of the industry. Restaurant owners are generally independent
entrepreneurs, working with both local suppliers and wholesalers. An
overview of leading Dutch wholesalers and distributors are detailed in
Appendix 1. The second largest foodservice segment covers all cafés and
bars, where the focus is mainly on serving drinks and to a much lesser
extent finger foods and basic meals. Finally, a handful of international
and national players dominate the much smaller fast food (20%) and
catering industry (10%), and their products are delivered through
proprietary large distributors. For more information on the HRI
foodservice market please visit
[www.fas.usda.gov](http://www.fas.usda.gov/) GAIN NL5005.

Figure 13: Distribution Channel Flow Diagram

![](media/image3.wmf){width="4.023611111111111in"
height="2.941666666666667in"}Source: USDA The Hague

Unfortunately, the same obstacles that limit sales to the retail sector
hamper potential U.S. sales to the foodservice industry. Basic products
such as regular beef and poultry are essentially barred from the market
due to sanitary restrictions, while high tariffs and the restrictions on
many biotech products keep many processed foods from the US off store
shelves.

Competition in the Benelux HRI Foodservice market will remain tough as
new firms enter the market. Traditionally food (Makro) and non-food
(V&D, HEMA, Ikea) retailers have already claimed prominent positions in
the market. Operators are always eager to tap into the consumer
foodservice market. It is necessary to keep an eye on the movement of
prospective competitors from all fronts. More information on this
subject can be found in
<http://www.fas.usda.gov/scriptsw/attacherep/default.asp> GAIN NL 7021.

## The Food Processing Market

The food processing industry is an important sector in the Benelux
economy as it represents about 10% of total GDP. The industry has an
estimated turnover of \$ 114 billion for 2007[^1] and an average annual
growth rate of 2.5%. Within the food processing industry, the production
of meat and dairy products forms the largest segment, followed by
cigarettes, bakery, confectionary, flour and sugar industry.

Figure 14: An Overview Of The Benelux Food Processing Market, 2007
figures

+--------------------------------------------+--------------------------+
| Turnover food processing industry          | \$ 114 billion           |
+--------------------------------------------+--------------------------+
| Number of processing companies             | 5,400                    |
+--------------------------------------------+--------------------------+
| U.S. exports to the Benelux:               | \$ 710 million           |
|                                            |                          |
| \- Bulk Agricultural Products              | \$ 458 million           |
|                                            |                          |
| \- Intermediate Agricultural Products      | \$ 949 million           |
|                                            |                          |
| \- Consumer-Oriented Agricultural Products | \$ 185 million           |
|                                            |                          |
| \- Fish and Seafood Products               |                          |
+--------------------------------------------+--------------------------+

Source: FAS/The Hague

The majority of the processing companies are located close to the main
port cities of Rotterdam, Antwerp and Amsterdam. Knowledgeable traders,
an excellent distribution system and an innovative economy make the
Benelux an attractive market for processing and trading agricultural
products.

Although the Benelux itself has a population of only 27.6 million
people, the food processing industry has access to roughly 75 million
affluent consumers within 200 miles of the Benelux border, or 15% of the
total EU population. This densely populated region covers important
markets like North Rhine Westphalia, London and Paris. Germany, France
and the UK continue to be important markets for the Benelux food
processing industry.

As in other Western European countries, GDP and population only grow
slowly in the Benelux countries. Greater growth opportunities are to be
found in South, Central and Eastern Europe. Processors therefore benefit
from the expansion of the EU. Opportunities are also to be found outside
the EU, in growing markets in South America and Asia.

The on-going consolidation in the food processing industry, driven by
the growing buying power of retailers, affects the price and
negotiations between processors and food ingredient suppliers. In
addition, more than ever before, the food processing industry is
consolidating across the border. Not only did Benelux companies invest
heavily in North and South America in recent years, international
companies are also investing in the Benelux.

In order to be successful in the Benelux food market and the larger EU
market, U.S. exporters of food ingredients will have to comply with EU
and national regulations.

# Section 4. Best High-value Products Prospects

Figure 15: The Best High-Value Products Prospects

+----------+--------+--------+------------------+--------------------+
| C        | Total  | B      | Key Constraints  | Market             |
| ommodity | B      | enelux | Over Market      | Attractiveness for |
|          | enelux | I      | Development      | USA                |
|          | I      | mports |                  |                    |
|          | mports | from   |                  |                    |
|          | 2007,  | US     |                  |                    |
|          |        | 2007,  |                  |                    |
|          | (US\$  |        |                  |                    |
|          | 1,000) | (US\$  |                  |                    |
|          |        | 1,000) |                  |                    |
+----------+--------+--------+------------------+--------------------+
| Fish     | 7      | 32,472 | competition from | growing            |
| Fillets  | 88,702 |        | Iceland and      | opportunities in   |
|          |        |        | China            | the further        |
| HS:      |        |        |                  | processing         |
| 030429   |        |        |                  | industry           |
+----------+--------+--------+------------------+--------------------+
| Cod      | 38,657 | 1,949  | fierce           | growing demand due |
|          |        |        | competition from | to lower stocks in |
| HS:      |        |        | Russia and       | European waters    |
| 030352   |        |        | Norway           | and growing        |
|          |        |        |                  | consumption        |
+----------+--------+--------+------------------+--------------------+
| Scallops | 14,634 | 8,818  | price - lack of  | growing demand in  |
|          |        |        | knowledge by     | the high end HRI   |
| HS:      |        |        | customer         | industry           |
| 030721   |        |        |                  |                    |
+----------+--------+--------+------------------+--------------------+
| Salmon   | 29,014 | 10,991 | some competition | great image and    |
| prepared |        |        | from Canada      | growing demand     |
| or       |        |        |                  |                    |
| p        |        |        |                  |                    |
| reserved |        |        |                  |                    |
|          |        |        |                  |                    |
| HS:      |        |        |                  |                    |
| 160411   |        |        |                  |                    |
+----------+--------+--------+------------------+--------------------+
| Milk and | 5      | 9,407  | competition from | the Benelux has a  |
| cream in | 34,000 |        | Germany, France  | big export-focused |
| solid    |        |        | and Poland       | food processing    |
| form     |        |        |                  | industry           |
|          |        |        |                  |                    |
| HS:      |        |        |                  |                    |
| 040210   |        |        |                  |                    |
+----------+--------+--------+------------------+--------------------+
| Food     | 7      | 1      | competition from | the Benelux has a  |
| prep     | 85,665 | 16,887 | Germany and      | abig               |
| arations |        |        | Switzerland      | export-focused     |
|          |        |        |                  | food processing    |
| HS:      |        |        |                  | industry           |
| 210690   |        |        |                  |                    |
+----------+--------+--------+------------------+--------------------+
| Almonds  | 1      | 1      | US represents    | growing demand     |
|          | 75,595 | 04,438 | 63% of total     | from the food      |
| HS:      |        |        | imports, some    | ingredients market |
| 080212   |        |        | competition      |                    |
|          |        |        | comes from Spain |                    |
+----------+--------+--------+------------------+--------------------+
| Pi       | 1      | 1      | competition from | growing demand     |
| stachios | 52,017 | 08,620 | Iran             | from the snack     |
|          |        |        |                  | food and           |
| HS:      |        |        |                  | confectionary      |
| 080250   |        |        |                  | industry           |
+----------+--------+--------+------------------+--------------------+
| Fruit    | 2      | 13,710 | competition from |                    |
| and      | 10,686 |        | Costa Rica,      |                    |
| other    |        |        | India and        |                    |
| edible   |        |        | Ecuador          |                    |
| parts of |        |        |                  |                    |
| plants   |        |        |                  |                    |
|          |        |        |                  |                    |
| HS:      |        |        |                  |                    |
| 200899   |        |        |                  |                    |
+----------+--------+--------+------------------+--------------------+
| Wine     | 2,5    | 38,458 | competition from | per capita         |
|          | 38,888 |        | France, Germany  | consumption of     |
| HS: 2204 |        |        | and New World    | wine continues to  |
|          |        |        | Wine countries   | grow in the        |
|          |        |        |                  | Benelux            |
+----------+--------+--------+------------------+--------------------+

Source: World Trade Atlas

# Section 5. Key Contacts and Further Information

U.S. Embassy

FAS/The Hague

Marcel Pinckaers

Lange Voorhout 102, 2514 EJ The Hague, The Netherlands

Phone: +31-70-310-2305

Fax: +31-70-365-7681

E-mail: marcel.pinckaers@fas.usda.gov

Website: [www.usembassy.nl/fas.html](http://www.usembassy.nl/fas.html)
or [www.fas.usda.gov](http://www.fas.usda.gov/)

To obtain the appropriate commodity code for your product, you can
contact the Dutch customs at +31 45 574 3031 or visit the following
website <http://ec.europa.eu/taxation_customs/dds/en/tarhome.htm>. This
website also provides tariff classification and rates.

It is also possible to obtain a written binding ruling called a Binding
Tariff Information (BTI). This will provide assurances that you have the
correct tariff classification for your product. More information on how
to apply for BTI is available online at:

<http://www.douane.nl/zakelijk/invoer/en/invoer-05.html>

More information on EU import duties can be found on
<http://useu.usmission.gov/agri/import.html>.

## Marketing

An overview of leading trade shows can be found in Appendix 2

## Reports

Related Reports from FAS/The Hague and other European offices can be
found on <http://www.fas.usda.gov/scriptsw/attacherep/default.asp>.
Below you will find a selection of the reports from FAS/The Hague.

+----------------+-------------------------------------+--------------+
| Report Number  | Report Title                        | Date         |
|                |                                     | Released     |
+----------------+-------------------------------------+--------------+
| NL5005         | HRI Foodservice Industry            | 03/2005      |
|                |                                     |              |
| NL6009         | Dutch Snack and Confectionary       | 03/2006      |
|                | Market                              |              |
| NL6017         |                                     | 06/2006      |
|                | Consolidation Food Retail Market    |              |
| NL6024         |                                     | 07/2006      |
|                | Benelux Organic Market              |              |
| NL7002/BE7001  |                                     | 01/2007      |
|                | Benelux Tree Nuts Market            |              |
| NL7008         |                                     | 04/2007      |
|                | Benelux Beef Market                 |              |
| NL7021         |                                     | 09/2007      |
|                | Dutch Specialty Foods               |              |
| NL7028/BE7006  |                                     | 11/2007      |
|                | Food Retail                         |              |
| NL8009         |                                     | 04/2008      |
|                | EU Seafood Marketing Report         |              |
| NL8012         |                                     | 06/2008      |
|                | Food Processing Industry            |              |
| NL8017/BE8006  |                                     | 09/2008      |
|                | FAIRS                               |              |
| NL8022         |                                     | 10/2008      |
|                | Export Certification Guide          |              |
+----------------+-------------------------------------+--------------+

For more information on how to export to the Benelux market and above
subjects, please contact Marcel Pinckaers at <marcel.pinckaers@usda.gov>
or +31 (0)70-3102 305.

# Appendix 1. Leading Wholesalers/Distributors in the Benelux

(in alphabetic order)

+----------------------------------+-----------------------------------+
| Deli XL                          | Hanos                             |
|                                  |                                   |
| Mr. D. Slootweg                  | Mr. V. Looijengoed                |
|                                  |                                   |
| P.O. Box 440                     | P.O. Box 10378                    |
|                                  |                                   |
| Frankeneng 18                    | Stadhoudersmolenweg 37            |
|                                  |                                   |
| 6710 BK, Ede, the Netherlands    | 7301 GJ, Apeldoorn, the           |
|                                  | Netherlands                       |
| P: 31-(0)318-678911              |                                   |
|                                  | P: 31-(0)55-5294444               |
| F: 31-(0)318-622347              |                                   |
|                                  | F: 31-(0)55-5224621               |
| E: <dick.slootweg@ahold.nl>      |                                   |
|                                  | E: <hvanlooijengoed@hanos.nl>     |
| W:                               |                                   |
| [www.d                           | W:                                |
| elixl.nl](http://www.delixl.nl/) | [ww                               |
|                                  | w.hanos.nl](http://www.hanos.nl/) |
+----------------------------------+-----------------------------------+
| ISPC                             | De Kweker                         |
|                                  |                                   |
| Mr. M. Vugts                     | Mr. P. Poelstra                   |
|                                  |                                   |
| Kalshoven 25                     | P.O. Box 59345                    |
|                                  |                                   |
| 4825 AL, Breda, the Netherlands  | Jan van Gaalenstraat 4            |
|                                  |                                   |
| P: 31-(0)76-5726726              | 1040 KH, Amsterdam, the           |
|                                  | Netherlands                       |
| F: 31-(0)76-5726810              |                                   |
|                                  | P: 31-(0)20-6063606               |
| E: <mvugts@ispc-int.com>         |                                   |
|                                  | W: 31-(0)20-6063600               |
| W:                               |                                   |
| [www.ispc-in                     |                                   |
| t.com](http://www.ispc-int.com/) |                                   |
+----------------------------------+-----------------------------------+
| Makro (Metro Cash & Carry)       | Sligro                            |
|                                  |                                   |
| Mr. J. Cervera                   | Mr. R. van Herpen                 |
|                                  |                                   |
| Diermervijver, Gebouw            | P.O. Box 47                       |
| Vijverpoort, Dalsteindreef       |                                   |
| 101-139                          | Corridor 11                       |
|                                  |                                   |
| 1112 XC Diemen, the Netherlands  | 5460 AA, Veghel, the Netherlands  |
|                                  |                                   |
| P: 31-(0)20-3980200              | P: 31-(0)413-343500               |
|                                  |                                   |
| F: 31-(0)20-3980201              | F: 31-(0)413-341520               |
|                                  |                                   |
| [www                             | I: <info@sligro.nl>               |
| .makro.nl](http://www.makro.nl/) |                                   |
|                                  | W:                                |
|                                  | [www.                             |
|                                  | sligro.nl](http://www.sligro.nl/) |
+----------------------------------+-----------------------------------+

# Appendix 2. Trade Shows

+-------------------------+------------------+-------------------------+
| Food Shows Frequently   |                  |                         |
| Visited by Benelux Food |                  |                         |
| Buyers                  |                  |                         |
+=========================+==================+=========================+
| Show                    | When             | Show Organizers         |
+-------------------------+------------------+-------------------------+
| Hortifair, Amsterdam,   | October 14 --    | tel: +31 (0)297-344033  |
| The Netherlands         | 17, 2008         |                         |
|                         |                  | fax: +31 (0)297-326850  |
| Worldwide Horticultural | Annual           |                         |
| Trade Fair              |                  | [www.hortifair.nl](ht   |
|                         |                  | tp://www.hortifair.nl/) |
|                         |                  |                         |
|                         |                  | <info@hortifair.nl>     |
+-------------------------+------------------+-------------------------+
| SIAL, Paris, France     | October 19 -23,  | tel: +33-(0)1-49685498  |
|                         | 2008             |                         |
| One of Europe's food &  |                  | fax: +33-(0)1-49685632  |
| beverages largest trade | Bi-Annual Show   |                         |
| show                    |                  | [www.sial.f             |
|                         |                  | r](http://www.sial.fr/) |
| *USDA Endorsed Show*    |                  |                         |
|                         |                  |                         |
| Trade Show Office       |                  |                         |
|                         |                  |                         |
| Contact: Sharon Cook    |                  |                         |
|                         |                  |                         |
| tel: +1-202-7203425     |                  |                         |
|                         |                  |                         |
| <Sharon.Cook@usda.gov>  |                  |                         |
+-------------------------+------------------+-------------------------+
| Horeca Expo, Gent,      | November 23 --   | tel: +32-(0)9-2419211   |
| Belgium                 | 27, 2008         |                         |
|                         |                  | fax: +32-(0)9-2419475   |
| Hotel, Restaurant and   |                  |                         |
| Catering Show           |                  | email:                  |
|                         |                  | <                       |
|                         |                  | horeca@flandersexpo.be> |
|                         |                  |                         |
|                         |                  | [www.horecaexpo.be](htt |
|                         |                  | p://www.horecaexpo.be/) |
+-------------------------+------------------+-------------------------+
| HORECAVA, Amsterdam,    | January 12 --    | tel: + 31-(0)20-5753032 |
|                         | 15, 2009         |                         |
| The Netherlands         |                  | fax: + 31-(0)20-5753093 |
|                         |                  |                         |
| Hotel and Restaurant    |                  | www.horecava.nl         |
| Show                    |                  |                         |
+-------------------------+------------------+-------------------------+
| European Fine Food Fair | January 06 --    | MECC Maastricht         |
|                         | 08, 2009         |                         |
| Maastricht, The         |                  | tel: +31-(0)43-3838383  |
| Netherlands             |                  |                         |
|                         |                  | fax: +31-(0)43-383830   |
| Exclusive Hotel and     |                  |                         |
| Restaurant Show         |                  | [www.efff.n             |
|                         |                  | l](http://www.efff.nl/) |
+-------------------------+------------------+-------------------------+
| National Food Week      | March, 2009      | tel: +31-(0)30-2952799  |
|                         |                  |                         |
| Utrecht, The            | Bi-Annual        | fax: +31-(0)30-2952814  |
| Netherlands             |                  |                         |
|                         |                  | w                       |
| International food and  |                  | ww.nationalefoodweek.nl |
| beverage trade show     |                  |                         |
+-------------------------+------------------+-------------------------+
| European Seafood        | April 28 -- 30,  | tel: +1-207-8425504     |
| Exhibition, Brussels,   | 2009             |                         |
| Belgium                 |                  | fax: +1-207-8425505     |
|                         |                  |                         |
| One of the world's      |                  | [www                    |
| largest seafood trade   |                  | .euroseafood.com](http: |
| show                    |                  | //www.euroseafood.com/) |
|                         |                  |                         |
| *USDA Endorsed Show*    |                  |                         |
|                         |                  |                         |
| Trade Show Office       |                  |                         |
|                         |                  |                         |
| Contact: Sharon Cook    |                  |                         |
|                         |                  |                         |
| tel: +1-202-7203425     |                  |                         |
|                         |                  |                         |
| Sharon.Cook@usda.gov    |                  |                         |
+-------------------------+------------------+-------------------------+
| World of Private Label  | May 26 -- 29,    | tel: +31-(0)20-5753032  |
| (PLMA) Amsterdam, The   | 2009             |                         |
| Netherlands             |                  | fax: +31-(0)20-5753093  |
|                         |                  |                         |
| Private Label Trade     |                  | ww                      |
| Show                    |                  | w.plmainternational.com |
+-------------------------+------------------+-------------------------+
| Fresh Rotterdam,        | September, 2009  | tel: +31-(0)10-2933300  |
| Rotterdam,              |                  |                         |
|                         | Bi-Annual        | fax: +31-(0)10-2933399  |
| The Netherlands         |                  |                         |
|                         |                  | [www.fre                |
| Fruit & Vegetable Trade |                  | shrotterdam.nl](http:// |
| show                    |                  | www.freshrotterdam.nl/) |
+-------------------------+------------------+-------------------------+
| ANUGA, Cologne,         | October 10 --    | tel: +49-180-5204220    |
| Germany.                | 14, 2009         |                         |
|                         |                  | fax: +49-221-821991010  |
| One of Europe's food &  | Bi-Annual        |                         |
| beverages largest trade |                  | [www.anuga.com]         |
| show                    |                  | (http://www.anuga.com/) |
|                         |                  |                         |
| *USDA Endorsed Show*    |                  |                         |
|                         |                  |                         |
| Trade Show Office       |                  |                         |
|                         |                  |                         |
| Contact: Sharon Cook    |                  |                         |
|                         |                  |                         |
| tel: +1-202-7203425     |                  |                         |
|                         |                  |                         |
| <Sharon.Cook@usda.gov>  |                  |                         |
+-------------------------+------------------+-------------------------+

# Appendix 3. An Overview Of The Leading Benelux Importers Of Specialty Foods Supplying Both Foodservice And Food Retail

(in alphabetic order)

+----------------------------------+-----------------------------------+
| American Food Service            | Bickery Food Group                |
|                                  |                                   |
| Mr. G. Chin-A-Kwie               | Mr. R.G. Bikkers                  |
|                                  |                                   |
| Gageldijk 1                      | P.O. Box 433                      |
|                                  |                                   |
| 3602 AG Maarssen, the            | 1200 AK, Hilversum, the           |
| Netherlands                      | Netherlands                       |
|                                  |                                   |
| P: 31-(0)30-2613604              | P: 31-(0)35-6560244               |
|                                  |                                   |
| F: 31-(0)30-2613624              | F: 31-(0)35-6563824               |
|                                  |                                   |
| E: <gchin@americanfood.nl>\      | E: <r.g.bikkers@bickery.nl>       |
| W:                               |                                   |
| [www.americanfood.               | W:                                |
| nl](http://www.americanfood.nl/) | [www.bi                           |
|                                  | ckery.nl](http://www.bickery.nl/) |
+----------------------------------+-----------------------------------+
| Engel Foreign Food               | GranFood                          |
|                                  |                                   |
| Mr. W. Engel                     | Mr. M. Jol                        |
|                                  |                                   |
| Ondernemingsweg 264              | P.O. Box 19045                    |
|                                  |                                   |
| 1422 DZ, Uithoorn, the           | Saturnusstraat 43                 |
| Netherlands                      |                                   |
|                                  | 2500 CA, The Hague, the           |
| P: 31-(0)297-533833              | Netherlands                       |
|                                  |                                   |
| F: 31-(0)297-531665              | P: 31-(0)70-3815007               |
|                                  |                                   |
| E: <w.engel@xs4all.nl>           | F: 31-(0)70-3850259               |
|                                  |                                   |
| W:                               | E: <maarten.jol@granfood.nl>      |
| [www.engelforeignfood.com](h     |                                   |
| ttp://www.engelforeignfood.com/) | W:                                |
|                                  | [www.grandf                       |
|                                  | ood.nl](http://www.grandfood.nl/) |
+----------------------------------+-----------------------------------+
| Maer Foods                       | Pietercil Barends                 |
|                                  |                                   |
| Mr. H. Rijpma                    | Mr. D. van Bueren                 |
|                                  |                                   |
| P.O. Box 79                      | Bleiswijkseweg 51                 |
|                                  |                                   |
| 7590 AB, Denekamp, the           | 2280 AB, Zoetemeer, the           |
| Netherlands                      | Netherlands                       |
|                                  |                                   |
| P: 31-(0)541-358010              | P: 31-(0)79-3441100               |
|                                  |                                   |
| F: 31-(0)541-358011              | F: 31-(0)79-3424549               |
|                                  |                                   |
| E:                               | E:                                |
| <hillebrand.rijpma@maerfoods.eu> | <danny.van.Bueren@pietercil.com>  |
|                                  |                                   |
| W:                               | W:                                |
| [www.maerfoo                     | [www.pieterci                     |
| ds.eu](http://www.maerfoods.eu/) | l.com](http://www.pietercil.com/) |
+----------------------------------+-----------------------------------+
| Pietercil Delby's                | Two Food                          |
|                                  |                                   |
| Mr. D. van Steenberghe           | Mrs. L. van Eijden-Vellekoop      |
|                                  |                                   |
| Vitseroelstraat 74               | Vosseveldlaan 23                  |
|                                  |                                   |
| B-1740 Ternat, Belgium           | 3768 GK, Soest, the Netherlands   |
|                                  |                                   |
| tel.: +32 583 81 00              | P: 31-(0)35-6090990               |
|                                  |                                   |
| fax: +32 582 29 63               | F: 31-(0)35-6090988               |
|                                  |                                   |
| E:                               | E: <info@twofood.nl>              |
| <dir                             |                                   |
| k.van.steenberghe@pietercil.com> | W:                                |
|                                  | [www.tw                           |
| W:                               | ofood.nl](http://www.twofood.nl/) |
| [www.pietercil                   |                                   |
| .com](http://www.pietercil.com/) |                                   |
+----------------------------------+-----------------------------------+
| Wessanen                         |                                   |
|                                  |                                   |
| Mr. R. Miedema                   |                                   |
|                                  |                                   |
| P.O. Box 2554                    |                                   |
|                                  |                                   |
| Beneluxlaan 9                    |                                   |
|                                  |                                   |
| 3500 GN, Utrecht, the            |                                   |
| Netherlands                      |                                   |
|                                  |                                   |
| P: 31-(0)30-2988738              |                                   |
|                                  |                                   |
| F: 31-(0)30-2988703              |                                   |
|                                  |                                   |
| E:                               |                                   |
| <Richard.Miedema@wessanen.com>   |                                   |
|                                  |                                   |
| W:                               |                                   |
| [w                               |                                   |
| ww.boas.nl](http://www.boas.nl/) |                                   |
+----------------------------------+-----------------------------------+

# Table A. Key Trade & Demographic Information For The Netherlands & Belgium

## The Netherlands

  ------------------------------------------------------ ----------------
  Agricultural, Fish and Forestry Imports From All       \$48,429 / 3.5%
  Countries (\$Mil) / U.S. Market Share (%)              

  Consumer Oriented Food Imports From All Countries      \$25,168 / 2.6%
  (\$Mil) / U.S. Market Share (%)                        

  Fish and Seafood Imports From All Countries (\$Mil) /  \$2,622 / 2.7%
  U.S. Market Share (%)                                  

  Total Population (Millions) / Annual Growth Rate (%)   16.4 / 0.6%

  Number of Major Metropolitan Areas                     4 (Amsterdam,
                                                         Rotterdam, The
                                                         Hague, Utrecht)

  Per Capita Gross Domestic Product (U.S. Dollars)       \$ 73,762

  Unemployment Rate (%)                                  4.0
  ------------------------------------------------------ ----------------

Source: World Trade Atlas

## Belgium 

  ------------------------------------------------------ ----------------
  Agricultural, Fish and Forestry Imports From All       \$36,483 / 1.9%
  Countries (\$Mil) / U.S. Market Share (%)              

  Consumer Oriented Food Imports From All Countries      \$20,008 / 1.4%
  (\$Mil) / U.S. Market Share (%)                        

  Fish and Seafood Imports From All Countries (\$Mil) /  \$2,093 / 1.6%
  U.S. Market Share (%)                                  

  Total Population (Millions) / Annual Growth Rate (%)   10.4 / 0.2%

  Number of Major Metropolitan Areas                     2 (Brussels,
                                                         Antwerp)

  Per Capita Gross Domestic Product (U.S. Dollars)       \$ 43,476

  Unemployment Rate (%)                                  6.9
  ------------------------------------------------------ ----------------

Source: World Trade Atlas

Exchange Rate

  ----------------------- -------------------- --------------------------
  Year                    U.S. \$              EURO

  2001                    1                    1.12

  2002                    1                    1.06

  2003                    1                    0.88

  2004                    1                    0.81

  2005                    1                    0.80

  2006                    1                    0.80

  2007                    1                    0.73

  2008\*                  1                    0.66
  ----------------------- -------------------- --------------------------

\* Average exchange rate from Jan to Sept.

# Table B. Consumer Food & Edible Fishery Products Imports

  ---------------------- ---------- ---------- ---------- ---------- ---------- ---------- ---------- ---------- ----------
  Netherlands Imports    Imports                          Imports                          U.S.                  
                         from the                         from the                         Market                
                         World                            U.S.A.                           Share                 

                         **2005**   **2006**   **2007**   **2005**   **2006**   **2007**   **2005**   **2006**   **2007**

                         US \$                            US \$                            \%                    
                         Million                          Million                                                

  **CONSUMER-ORIENTED    18,385     20,585     25,168     546        596        656        2.97       2.89       2.61
  AGRICULTURAL TOTAL**                                                                                           

  Snack Foods (Excl.     973        1,100      1,414      8          5          9.5        0.83       0.47       0.67
  Nuts)                                                                                                          

  Breakfast Cereals &    73         85         101        0          0          0.2        0.45       0.35       0.20
  Pancake Mix                                                                                                    

  Red Meats,             1,489      1,880      2,440      5          6          16.4       0.36       0.34       0.67
  Fresh/Chilled/Frozen                                                                                           

  Red Meats,             704        765        884        1          0          0.7        0.08       0.06       0.08
  Prepared/Preserved                                                                                             

  Poultry Meat           556        528        732        0          0          0          0.00       0.00       0.00

  Dairy Products (Excl.  2,134      2,230      2,848      1          15         26.5       0.05       0.67       0.93
  Cheese)                                                                                                        

  Cheese                 578        611        731        0          0          6.3        0.06       0.05       0.86

  Eggs & Products        130        135        170        5          5          7.4        3.75       3.43       4.35

  Fresh Fruit            2,627      3,025      3,565      35         26         27.7       1.32       0.86       0.78

  Fresh Vegetables       1,235      1,427      1,707      3          5          3.3        0.21       0.35       0.19

  Processed Fruit &      1,307      1,441      1,954      34         37         40.1       2.62       2.53       2.05
  Vegetables                                                                                                     

  Fruit & Vegetable      934        1,129      1,131      60         71         63.4       6.44       6.30       5.61
  Juices                                                                                                         

  Tree Nuts              477        557        603        128        171        165.2      26.87      30.72      27.40

  Wine & Beer            1,126      1,132      1,433      70         40         35.5       6.21       3.55       2.48

  Nursery Products & Cut 1,240      1,366      1,624      58         58         64.7       4.71       4.26       3.98
  Flowers                                                                                                        

  Pet Foods (Dog & Cat   203        202        249        6          7          9.4        3.05       3.67       3.78
  Food)                                                                                                          

  Other                  2,598      2,973      3,580      131        148        179.3      5.04       4.98       5.01
  Consumer-Oriented                                                                                              
  Products                                                                                                       

                                                                                                                 

  **FISH & SEAFOOD       2,041      2,256      2,622      86         78         71.2       4.20       3.47       2.72
  PRODUCTS**                                                                                                     

  Salmon                 52         75         85         11         12         13.8       21.60      16.04      16.24

  Surimi                 35         45         63         7          2          1.3        19.33      5.07       2.06

  Crustaceans            377        417        470        2          5          0.7        0.43       1.18       0.15

  Groundfish & Flatfish  933        1,053      1,247      47         38         32.0       5.06       3.65       2.57

  Molluscs               92         117        109        14         14         15.9       15.12      11.58      14.59

  Other Fishery Products 551        548        648        5          7          7.6        0.91       1.26       1.17

                                                                                                                 

  **AGRICULTURAL         30,378     32,967     42,001     1,231      1,381      1,587      4.05       4.19       3.78
  PRODUCTS TOTAL**                                                                                               

  **AGRICULTURAL, FISH & 34,900     38,281     48,429     1,346      1,494      1,694      3.86       3.90       3.50
  FORESTRY TOTAL**                                                                                               
  ---------------------- ---------- ---------- ---------- ---------- ---------- ---------- ---------- ---------- ----------

Source: World Trade Atlas

  ---------------------- ---------- ---------- ---------- ---------- ---------- ---------- ---------- ---------- ----------
  Belgium Imports        Imports                          Imports                          U.S.                  
                         from the                         from the                         Market                
                         World                            U.S.A.                           Share                 

                         **2005**   **2006**   **2007**   **2005**   **2006**   **2007**   **2005**   **2006**   **2007**

                         US \$                            US \$                            \%                    
                         Million                          Million                                                

  **CONSUMER-ORIENTED    15,492     16,496     20,008     182        214        271.40     1.18       1.29       1.36
  AGRICULTURAL TOTAL**                                                                                           

  Snack Foods (Excl.     946        967        1,141      1          2          1.82       0.14       0.17       0.16
  Nuts)                                                                                                          

  Breakfast Cereals &    105        128        141        0          0          0.22       0.38       0.21       0.16
  Pancake Mix                                                                                                    

  Red Meats,             841        893        980        10         9          8.46       1.14       1.01       0.86
  Fresh/Chilled/Frozen                                                                                           

  Red Meats,             566        594        720        0          0          0.06       0.00       0.01       0.01
  Prepared/Preserved                                                                                             

  Poultry Meat           337        301        372        0          0          0.00       0.00       0.00       0.00

  Dairy Products (Excl.  1,676      1,672      2,257      3          3          7.82       0.18       0.15       0.35
  Cheese)                                                                                                        

  Cheese                 1,043      1,077      1,245      0          0          0.00       0.00       0.00       0.00

  Eggs & Products        85         100        127        1          0          0.41       0.83       0.23       0.33

  Fresh Fruit            2,628      2,800      3,148      19         28         34.75      0.73       1.00       1.10

  Fresh Vegetables       773        892        1,137      0          0          0.14       0.03       0.01       0.01

  Processed Fruit &      1,148      1,240      1,524      14         16         19.86      1.25       1.26       1.30
  Vegetables                                                                                                     

  Fruit & Vegetable      572        733        979        6          12         15.42      1.11       1.61       1.58
  Juices                                                                                                         

  Tree Nuts              296        261        315        59         63         85.34      19.91      23.93      27.09

  Wine & Beer            1,184      1,240      1,642      3          5          3.63       0.24       0.40       0.22

  Nursery Products & Cut 458        474        560        13         24         35.44      2.88       5.02       6.32
  Flowers                                                                                                        

  Pet Foods (Dog & Cat   349        385        447        18         24         20.44      5.10       6.24       4.57
  Food)                                                                                                          

  Other                  2,487      2,739      3,292      34         29         37.53      1.38       1.06       1.14
  Consumer-Oriented                                                                                              
  Products                                                                                                       

                                                                                                                 

  **FISH & SEAFOOD       1,631      1,886      2,093      31         40         32.82      1.91       2.13       1.57
  PRODUCTS**                                                                                                     

  Salmon                 98         118        120        4          7          4.09       3.61       5.67       3.42

  Surimi                 8          9          10         0          0          0.00       0.00       0.59       0.00

  Crustaceans            584        702        809        2          2          2.60       0.30       0.34       0.32

  Groundfish & Flatfish  491        547        573        5          5          5.31       0.92       0.86       0.93

  Molluscs               182        211        224        17         20         15.46      9.07       9.67       6.91

  Other Fishery Products 267        300        356        5          6          5.36       1.78       2.01       1.50

                                                                                                                 

  **AGRICULTURAL         23,695     25,149     30,945     488        482        625.79     2.06       1.91       2.02
  PRODUCTS TOTAL**                                                                                               

  **AGRICULTURAL, FISH & 27,711     29,721     36,483     556        560        699.17     2.01       1.88       1.92
  FORESTRY TOTAL**                                                                                               
  ---------------------- ---------- ---------- ---------- ---------- ---------- ---------- ---------- ---------- ----------

Source: World Trade Atlas

# Table C. Top 15 Suppliers Of Consumer Foods And Edible Fishery Products

  ------------------- ------------ ------------ ------------ --- ------------- ----------- ----------- ----------- ------
  CONSUMER-ORIENTED                                              FISH &                                            
  AGRICULTURAL TOTAL                                             SEAFOOD                                           
                                                                 PRODUCTS                                          

  Report: Netherlands                                            Report:                                           
  Imports - Top 15                                               Netherlands                                       
  Ranking                                                        Imports - Top                                     
                                                                 15 Ranking                                        

  \$1,000             2005         2006         2007             \$1,000       2005        2006        2007        

  Germany             3,956,932    4,352,899    5,411,300        Iceland       343,928     394,939     435,645     

  Belgium             2,859,563    3,040,564    3,619,036        Germany       292,419     277,522     327,687     

  France              1,251,517    1,475,816    1,975,657        Belgium       124,951     149,860     191,530     

  Brazil              1,171,720    1,331,409    1,640,251        Denmark       140,150     135,840     155,836     

  Spain               1,140,836    1,202,776    1,402,330        United        117,740     134,046     143,474     
                                                                 Kingdom                                           

  United Kingdom      548,204      623,721      790,573          China         129,867     131,269     152,384     

  South Africa        618,799      605,016      794,552          Vietnam       45,191      103,890     135,447     

  U.S.A.              545,854      595,885      655,566          U.S.A.        85,831      78,183      71,199      

  Italy               488,462      506,659      650,352          Norway        33,582      53,772      115,300     

  Chile               426,686      464,252      556,803          Morocco       53,809      51,272      75,188      

  Poland              347,876      459,754      618,930          France        48,096      49,850      48,847      

  Ireland             403,561      416,044      411,888          Russia        30,417      46,460      77,922      

  China               299,510      413,744      549,833          Tanzania      38,974      44,481      49,262      

  New Zealand         288,230      350,918      350,692          Bangladesh    15,471      42,699      30,113      

  Costa Rica          193,605      331,550      320,895          Thailand      33,130      41,961      37,274      

  Other               3,843,303    4,414,257    5,419,002        Other         507,801     520,299     574,443     

  World               18,384,658   20,585,264   25,167,660       World         2,041,357   2,256,343   2,621,551   
  ------------------- ------------ ------------ ------------ --- ------------- ----------- ----------- ----------- ------

Source: World Trade Atlas

  ------------------- ------------ ------------ ------------ -- ------------- ----------- ----------- -----------
  CONSUMER-ORIENTED                                             FISH &                                
  AGRICULTURAL TOTAL                                            SEAFOOD                               
                                                                PRODUCTS                              

  Report: Belgium                                               Report:                               
  Imports - Top 15                                              Belgium                               
  Ranking                                                       Imports - Top                         
                                                                15 Ranking                            

  \$1,000             2005         2006         2007            \$1,000       2005        2006        2007

  France              3,822,446    4,133,697    5,021,317,      Netherlands   414,513     434,145     498,375

  Netherlands         3,459,829    3,629,290    4,486,297       France        163,125     190,683     200,729

  Germany             1,974,305    2,083,771    2,566,755       Denmark       97,169      106,937     101,602

  Spain               654,059      696,691      832,044         Germany       83,204      102,882     119,058

  Italy               671,221      656,548      757,698         Bangladesh    76,285      96,609      119,964

  Brazil              390,085      496,246      692,887         India         70,267      96,420      109,203

  United Kingdom      435,295      458,127      537,488         Iceland       86,504      87,673      96,008

  Colombia            442,700      452,956      364,137         Vietnam       59,982      83,119      82,950

  New Zealand         448,659      438,642      421,555         U.K.          63,734      79,144      80,225

  Costa Rica          364,117      350,922      562,729         Indonesia     43,467      65,350      65,645

  Ecuador             224,244      267,429      373,280         China         49,386      62,626      89,902

  Ireland             134,043      227,883      273,782         Uganda        63,275      52,618      54,561

  U.S.A.              182,199      213,533      271,341         Canada        46,168      52,113      49,215

  Argentina           176,566      156,607      159,310         U.S.A.        31,073      40,254      32,819

  South Africa        138,912      140,919      100,844         Chile         18,754      27,048      29,724

  Others              1,973,082    2,092,594    2,587,014       Other         263,600     308,638     279,819

  World               15,491,762   16,495,855   20,008,477      World         1,630,506   1,886,259   2,092,749
  ------------------- ------------ ------------ ------------ -- ------------- ----------- ----------- -----------

Source: World Trade Atlas

# 

[^1]: Estimates by FAS/The Hague based on figures of the FNLI and
    Centrale Raad voor het Bedrijfsleven