Required Report - public distribution

**Date:** 11/15/2005

**GAIN Report Number:** BE5014

BE5014

**Belgium-Luxembourg**

**Retail Food Sector**

**Annual**

**2005**

**Approved by:**

![](media/image1.wmf)Roger Wentzel

U.S. Embassy, The Hague

**Prepared by:**

Marcel Pinckaers & Mary Ann Kurvink

**Report Highlights:**

This report in combination with the Benelux (Belgium, Netherlands &
Luxembourg) Exporter Guide
([NL5029](http://199.129.102.239/GainFiles/200509/146131071.pdf)),
provides an important road map for U.S. exporters who wish to enter the
Benelux retail market.

Includes PSD Changes: No

Includes Trade Matrix: No

Annual Report

The Hague \[NL1\]

\[BE\]

Table of Contents

[Section I Market Summary 3](#section-i-market-summary)

[The Food Retail Market In The Benelux
3](#the-food-retail-market-in-the-benelux)

[Section II. Road Map for Market Entry
5](#section-ii.-road-map-for-market-entry)

[Entry Strategy 5](#entry-strategy)

[Market Structure 5](#market-structure)

[Discounters 9](#discounters)

[Department Stores 9](#department-stores)

[Convenience Stores, Gas Marts and Kiosks
10](#convenience-stores-gas-marts-and-kiosks)

[Kiosks 10](#kiosks)

[Traditional Outlets 10](#traditional-outlets)

[Section III. Competition 11](#section-iii.-competition)

[Section IV. Best Products Prospects
14](#section-iv.-best-products-prospects)

[A. Products Present In The Market That Have Good Sales Potential
14](#a.-products-present-in-the-market-that-have-good-sales-potential)

[B. Products Not Present In Significant Quantities But Which Have Good
Sales Potential
14](#b.-products-not-present-in-significant-quantities-but-which-have-good-sales-potential)

[C. Products Not Present Because They Face Significant Barriers
14](#c.-products-not-present-because-they-face-significant-barriers)

[Section V. Post Contact and Further Information
15](#section-v.-post-contact-and-further-information)

[Office of Agricultural Affairs at the American Embassy
15](#office-of-agricultural-affairs-at-the-american-embassy)

[Appendix I 16](#appendix-i)

# Section I Market Summary

## The Food Retail Market In The Benelux

Approximately 90 percent of the Dutch food retail outlets are full
service supermarkets, operating on floor space between 500 and 1,500
square meters located downtown and in residential areas. The remaining
10 percent includes superstores located in industrial parks, convenience
stores near human traffic and traditional markets in the various
neighborhoods. In Belgium, full service supermarkets, like GB, Colruyt
and AD Delhaize (500-1,500 square meters) account for an estimated 70
percent of the market. The share of superstores like Cora and several
Carrefour outlets is higher than in the Netherlands, an estimated 25%.
Finally, there are several convenience stores like Delhaize shop 'n go
and Louis Delhaize. In Luxembourg, full service supermarkets like
Cactus, Alvo and Match dominate the market as well. Increasingly in the
Benelux there are fewer independent stores, they lose customers and
close their shop or are taken over by big retail chains.

The turnover of the food retail industry in the Benelux in 2004 was €42
billion. The ongoing price war between Dutch supermarkets has lowered
consumer prices for food products, and as a result they rank among the
cheapest within the EU. Due to the growing market share of discounters
and the slowing economy, consumers are shedding retailer-loyalty and
visiting multiple retailers for different products. Through lowering
prices for their products, retailers try to position themselves better
and attract the "floating consumer". Belgian retailers have also
announced they will start lowering prices of their products.

In addition to the fact that consumers are shedding retailer-loyalty,
they shop at different times and locations. During lunch breaks, people
buy their lunch and the food products they need for preparing the
evening meal. Small convenience stores, like "AH To Go", "GB Express"
and "Delhaize shop 'n go" are opened at locations near heavy traffic
like train stations, schools, and shopping malls to satisfy these
consumers' needs.

The traditional neighborhood grocery stores are either going out of
business, are taken over or are changing their product portfolio. They
are expanding the grocery line of fresh and convenient prepared-foods
with tailor made sandwiches, filled tortillas and drinks to satisfy the
consumers' need for "food for now" attitude. The ready-to-cook segment
is also expanding.

The top 3 biggest retailers in the Netherlands -Albert Heijn, Laurus and
Schuitema - have a market share of 60 percent. Discounters like Koop
Consult, Aldi and Lidl have been able to grow considerably their market
share during the past 5 years. This trend also applies to the Belgian
market. In Belgium, the leading 3 retailers account for 60 percent of
market share. For more information about current market shares, see
table below.

Table 1: Market Shares of Leading Retailers in 2004

  ------------- ---------- ------------ ---------- ------------ ----------
  Netherlands              Belgium                 Luxembourg   

  Company Name  Market     Company Name Market     Company Name No. of
                Share                   share                   Stores

  Albert Heijn  26.8%      Carrefour    26.0%      Alvo         5

  Laurus        16.8%      Delhaize     20.5%      Cactus       18

  Schuitema     15.8%      Colruyt      14.3%      Match        12

  Aldi          7.5%       Aldi         10.8%      Smatch       9

  Plus          4.8%       Cora         4.3%       Cora         2

  Other         28.3%      Other        24.1%                   

  Total         100.0%     Total        100.0%                  
  ------------- ---------- ------------ ---------- ------------ ----------

Source: AC Nielsen/USDA

**Advantages and Challenges of the Benelux Retail Market**

+-----------------------------------+-----------------------------------+
| ####### Advantages                | [Challenges]{.underline}          |
|                                   |                                   |
| Sector Strengths & Market         | Sector Weaknesses and Competitive |
| Opportunities                     | Threats                           |
+-----------------------------------+-----------------------------------+
| Expected economic growth is a     | Competition from foodservice is   |
| promising prospect for the retail | growing since the size of         |
| industry                          | households is getting smaller,    |
|                                   | time has become scarce and the    |
|                                   | younger generation lack cooking   |
|                                   | skills                            |
+-----------------------------------+-----------------------------------+
| Affluent consumers who are        | Discounters are the fastest       |
| curious and want to try new       | growing segment in the Benelux    |
| things; which creates             | retail market; margins are under  |
| opportunities for new products    | pressure                          |
+-----------------------------------+-----------------------------------+
| The region has a good             | Increasingly competition from non |
| infrastructure which offers great | food retailers like IKEA, HEMA,   |
| opportunities                     | V&D and Bijenkorf since they are  |
|                                   | expanding into the food sector    |
+-----------------------------------+-----------------------------------+
| The industry is highly            | EU import tariffs on certain      |
| consolidated and therefore has a  | products are high. EU enlargement |
| strong negotiating position       | has given and will give           |
|                                   | preferential access to products   |
|                                   | from new member countries         |
+-----------------------------------+-----------------------------------+

Value Of Imported Versus Domestically Produced Selected Food Products

See: Appendix I

# Section II. Road Map for Market Entry

## Entry Strategy

Success in introducing your product in the Benelux market depends mainly
on knowledge of the market and building personal contact with
knowledgeable importers. Prior to any export, invest in research that
analyzes the Benelux food culture (concepts, flavor, price,
requirements). Once the product has been chosen, be aware of fierce
competition. There are several tariff and non-tariff trade barriers that
complicate exporting to the Benelux. An importer knows the market, the
trade barriers and the required documentation. In addition, the OAA
offers guidelines on business practices and import regulations
([www.fas.usda.gov](http://www.fas.usda.gov/) Exporter Guide and FAIRS
Report). Dutch importers often serve as distributors as well. The Office
of Agricultural Affairs (OAA) and FAS/Washington maintain listings of
importers.

## Market Structure

Figure 1: Distribution Channels for Benelux Retail

![](media/image2.wmf){width="3.0in" height="2.247916666666667in"}

The vast majority of food retailers buy foreign products via specialized
importers. This is especially the case for retail ready products like
sauces, drinks and snacks. In general some independent, smaller
convenience stores will not buy these products directly from importers
because they require different volumes. They would rather buy smaller
quantities from wholesalers.

Other imported products first need to be processed, bottled, mixed etc.
before they are retail ready. Products like nuts, produce, in some cases
wine and fish would fall in this category.

Retailers increasingly have their stores divided in different
categories. For each category they will have 2 or 3 preferred suppliers
who are responsible for supplying the full range of products within the
category. This way, the retailer negotiates with just a handfull of
suppliers for supplying fruits & vegetables, meat products, seafood
products, drinks, bakery products, etc. For the international specialty
products area within supermarkets, retailers usually work with a few
specialized importers who are responsible for composing and filling
those selves.

As described in Section I, the retail industry in the Benelux is rather
consolidated, however on the purchase side the industry is even more
consolidated since several retailers have joined forces. As a result,
they have been able to increase their bargaining power. The following
figures will give you an overview of the different buying combinations
in the Netherlands and Belgium.

Table 2: Leading Buying Groups in The Netherlands

+----------------------+------------+----------------------------------+
| Purchase Group       | Market     | Formula                          |
|                      | Share      |                                  |
+----------------------+------------+----------------------------------+
| **Albert Heijn**     | **26.8%**  | Albert Heijn                     |
|                      |            |                                  |
| Provincialeweg 11    |            |                                  |
|                      |            |                                  |
| 1506 MA Zaandam      |            |                                  |
|                      |            |                                  |
| [www.ah.nl           |            |                                  |
| ](http://www.ah.nl/) |            |                                  |
+----------------------+------------+----------------------------------+
| **Superunie**        | **25.9%**  | Jumbo, PLUS, Jan Linders, Vomar, |
|                      |            | Spar, DeKamarkt, Coop,           |
| Industrieweg 22B     |            | Hoogvliet, Golff, etc.           |
|                      |            |                                  |
| 4153 BW Beesd        |            |                                  |
|                      |            |                                  |
| [www                 |            |                                  |
| .superunie.nl](http: |            |                                  |
| //www.superunie.nl/) |            |                                  |
+----------------------+------------+----------------------------------+
| **Laurus**           | **16.8**%  | Edah, Super de Boer, Konmar      |
|                      |            |                                  |
| Parrallelweg 64      |            |                                  |
|                      |            |                                  |
| 5223 AL Den Bosch    |            |                                  |
|                      |            |                                  |
| [www.laurus.nl](ht   |            |                                  |
| tp://www.laurus.nl/) |            |                                  |
+----------------------+------------+----------------------------------+
| **Trade Service      | **15.8%**  | C1000                            |
| Netherlands**        |            |                                  |
|                      |            |                                  |
| (Schuitema)          |            |                                  |
|                      |            |                                  |
| Databankweg 26       |            |                                  |
|                      |            |                                  |
| 3821 AL Amersfoort   |            |                                  |
|                      |            |                                  |
| [www                 |            |                                  |
| .schuitema.nl](http: |            |                                  |
| //www.schuitema.nl/) |            |                                  |
+----------------------+------------+----------------------------------+
| **Aldi**             | **7.5%**   | Aldi                             |
|                      |            |                                  |
| Erasmusweg 3         |            |                                  |
|                      |            |                                  |
| AK Culemborg         |            |                                  |
|                      |            |                                  |
| [www.aldi.nl](       |            |                                  |
| http://www.aldi.nl/) |            |                                  |
+----------------------+------------+----------------------------------+
| **Koop Consult**     | **4.3%**   | Dirk van de Broek, Bas van der   |
|                      |            | Heijden, Digros, Jan Bruijns,    |
| Edisonstraat 11\     |            | Drogisterij & Dirx, Slijterijen  |
| 2171TV Sassenheim    |            | DrikIII, etc.                    |
|                      |            |                                  |
| [w                   |            |                                  |
| ww.superjob.nl](http |            |                                  |
| ://www.superjob.nl/) |            |                                  |
+----------------------+------------+----------------------------------+
| **Lidl**             | **2.9%**   | Lidl                             |
|                      |            |                                  |
| P.O. Box 198         |            |                                  |
|                      |            |                                  |
| 1270 AD Huizen       |            |                                  |
|                      |            |                                  |
| [www.lidl.nl](       |            |                                  |
| http://www.lidl.nl/) |            |                                  |
+----------------------+------------+----------------------------------+

Source: AC Nielsen/USDA

Table 3: Leading Buying Groups in Belgium

+-----------------------+-----------+---------------------------------+
| Purchase Group        | Market    | Formula                         |
|                       | Share     |                                 |
+-----------------------+-----------+---------------------------------+
| **Carrefour**         | **28.2%** | Mestdagh/Champion and GB        |
|                       |           | Supermarkets,                   |
| Olympiadenlaan 20     |           |                                 |
|                       |           |                                 |
| B-1140 Brussels       |           |                                 |
|                       |           |                                 |
| [www.carrefourbe      |           |                                 |
| lgium.be](http://www. |           |                                 |
| carrefourbelgium.be/) |           |                                 |
+-----------------------+-----------+---------------------------------+
| **Delhaize Group**    | **21.5%** | AD Delhaize, Delhaize City,     |
|                       |           | Proxy Delhaize, Delhaize        |
| Osseghemstraat 53     |           | Supermarket and Shop 'n Go,     |
|                       |           |                                 |
| B-1080 Brussels       |           |                                 |
|                       |           |                                 |
| [www.delhaiz          |           |                                 |
| egroep.com](http://ww |           |                                 |
| w.delhaizegroep.com/) |           |                                 |
+-----------------------+-----------+---------------------------------+
| **Colruyt**           | **18.7%** | Colryt, Bio Planet, Spar, Alvo  |
|                       |           | and Okay-winkels                |
| Steenweg op Edingen   |           |                                 |
| 196                   |           |                                 |
|                       |           |                                 |
| B-1500 Halle          |           |                                 |
|                       |           |                                 |
| [www.colruyt.be](ht   |           |                                 |
| tp://www.colruyt.be/) |           |                                 |
+-----------------------+-----------+---------------------------------+
| **Aldi**              | **10.8%** | Aldi                            |
|                       |           |                                 |
| Keerstraat 4          |           |                                 |
|                       |           |                                 |
| B-9420 Erpe-Mere      |           |                                 |
|                       |           |                                 |
| [www.aldi.be]         |           |                                 |
| (http://www.aldi.be/) |           |                                 |
+-----------------------+-----------+---------------------------------+
| **Louis Delhaize**    | **9.9%**  | Louis Delhaize, Cora Belux,     |
|                       |           | Louis Delhaize De Kruidernier   |
| Group Purchaser;      |           | (grocer), Delitraiteur and      |
|                       |           | Match,                          |
| Provera Belux         |           |                                 |
|                       |           |                                 |
| Av. J. Mermoz 22      |           |                                 |
|                       |           |                                 |
| B-6041 Gosselies      |           |                                 |
|                       |           |                                 |
| [www.supermarche-ma   |           |                                 |
| tch-supermarkt.be](ht |           |                                 |
| tp://www.supermarche- |           |                                 |
| match-supermarkt.be/) |           |                                 |
+-----------------------+-----------+---------------------------------+
| **Lidl**              | **3.2%**  | Lidl                            |
|                       |           |                                 |
| Guldensporenpark 90   |           |                                 |
| blok J                |           |                                 |
|                       |           |                                 |
| B-9820 Merelbeke      |           |                                 |
|                       |           |                                 |
| [www.lidl.be]         |           |                                 |
| (http://www.lidl.be/) |           |                                 |
+-----------------------+-----------+---------------------------------+

Source: AC Nielsen/USDA

Table 4: Super Stores and Supermarkets

  ----------------------- -------------- ------------------- ---------------
  **Name**                **Format**     **Ownership**       **Locations**

  Netherlands                                                

  Albert Heijn            Supermarket    Royal Ahold         Nation wide

  Jan Linders             Supermarket    Jan Linders         Regional

  C1000                   Supermarket    Schuitema           Nation wide

  Edah                    Supermarket    Laurus              Nation wide

  Konmar                  Supermarket    Laurus              Regional

  Super de Boer           Supermarket    Laurus              Nation wide

  Coop                    Supermarket    CoopCodis           Nation wide

  Jumbo                   Super Stores   Jumbo               Regional

  C1000                   Super Stores   Schuitema           Nation wide

  Konmar                  Super Stores   Laurus              Regional

  AH XL                   Super Stores   Royal Ahold         Regional

  Belgium                                                    

  AD Delhaize             Supermarket    Delhaize Group      Nation wide

  Alvo Supermarkt         Supermarket    Colruyt             Nation wide

  Bio Planet (Organic)    Supermarket    Colruyt             Nation wide

  Colruyt                 Supermarket    Colruyt             Nation wide

  Delhaize City           Supermarket    Delhaize Group      Nation wide

  Delhaize Proxy          Supermarket    Delhaize Group      Nation wide

  Eurospar                Supermarket    Colruyt             Nation wide

  GB Contact              Supermarket    Carrefour           Nation wide

  Match                   Supermarket    Louis Delhaize      Nation wide
                                         Group               

  O'Cool                  Supermarket    Frost Invest        Nation wide

  Okay                    Supermarket    Colruyt             Nation wide

  Profi                   Supermarket    Louis Delhaize      Nation wide
                                         Group               

  Smatch                  Supermarket    Louis Delhaize      Nation wide
                                         Group               

  Spar Supermarkt         Supermarket    Colruyt             Nation wide

  Carrefour               Super Stores   Carrefour           Nation wide

  Cora Belux              Super Stores   Louis Delhaize      Nation wide
                                         Group               

  Delhaize Supermarkt     Super Stores   Delhaize Group      Nation wide

  GB Super                Super Stores   Carrefour           Nation wide

  GB Super Partner        Super Stores   Carrefour           Nation wide
  ----------------------- -------------- ------------------- ---------------

Supermarket - retail surface ≤ 1,500 m2

Super Stores -- retail surface \> 1,500 m2

## Discounters

Table 5: Discounters

  -------------------------- -------------------------- -----------------
  **Name**                   **Ownership**              **Locations**

  Netherlands                                           

  Aldi                       Aldi-Gruppe                Nation wide

  Lidl                       Lidl & Schwarz             Nation wide

  Dirk van de Broek          Dirk van de Broek          Regional

  Bas van der Heijden        Bas van der Heijden        Regional

  Digros                     Digros                     Regional

  Jan Bruijns                Jan Bruijns                Regional

  Belgium                                               

  Colruyt                    Colruyt                    Nation Wide

  Aldi                       Aldi Inkoop                Nation Wide

  Lidl                       Lidl Belgium GmbH & Co KG  Nation Wide

  Tecno                      Tecno N.V.                 Regional
  -------------------------- -------------------------- -----------------

## Department Stores

Table 6: Department Stores

+-------------------------+--------------------------+----------------+
| **Name**                | **Ownership**            | **Locations**  |
+-------------------------+--------------------------+----------------+
| Netherlands             |                          |                |
+-------------------------+--------------------------+----------------+
| Bijenkorf               | Vendex/KBB               | Nation wide    |
|                         |                          |                |
| products sold in        |                          |                |
| Kitchenware Department  |                          |                |
+-------------------------+--------------------------+----------------+
| HEMA                    | Vendex/KBB               | Nation wide    |
|                         |                          |                |
| Private Label           |                          |                |
+-------------------------+--------------------------+----------------+
| V & D                   | Vendex/KBB               | Nation wide    |
+-------------------------+--------------------------+----------------+
| Belgium                 |                          |                |
+-------------------------+--------------------------+----------------+
| Inno                    | GALERIA INNO/ Kaufhof    | Nation wide    |
|                         | A.G.                     |                |
+-------------------------+--------------------------+----------------+

## Convenience Stores, Gas Marts and Kiosks

Table 7: Convenience Stores

  ----------------------- ------------------------- ----------------------
  **Name**                **Ownership**             **Locations**

  Netherlands                                       

  AH To Go                Royal Ahold               Regional

  Belgium                                           

  Delitraiteur            Louis Delhaize Group      Nation wide

  Louis Delhaize          Louis Delhaize Group      Nation wide

  Louis Delhaize          Louis Delhaize Group      Regional
  Kruidenier                                        

  GB Express              Carrefour                 Nation wide

  Night & Day             Night & Day Presse        Regional

  White Night             Louis Delhaize Group      Regional
  ----------------------- ------------------------- ----------------------

"AH to go" are situated at train stations, busy shopping streets and
business districts, products sold are ready to eat meals, and other meal
components or snacks.

Source: AC Nielson

Table 8: Gas Marts

  ----------------- ------------------ ----------------- -----------------
  Name              Ownership          Gas Company       Locations

  Netherlands                                            

  AH To Go          Royal Ahold        Shell             Regional

  Belgium                                                

  Delhaize Shop 'n  Delhaize Group     Q8                Nation wide
  go                                                     
  ----------------- ------------------ ----------------- -----------------

Source: AC Nielson

## Kiosks

Independent small shops dominate food outlets at train stations.

## Traditional Outlets

Grocery Stores, butcher Stores, bakeshops etc are still very popular in
the Netherlands. Through extra service, sales of high-quality added
value products and the serving of niche markets, they try to survive.

# Section III. Competition

Knowledgeable traders, re-export to other countries, good distribution
systems, professional supermarkets and affluent consumers make the
Benelux an attractive export market. The Benelux processing industry is
competitive, but the position for primary producers is somewhat
different. Due to high prices for agricultural land, high labor costs,
high standards for food safety, animal welfare and multiple rules and
regulations, the cost of producing raw materials is often high. As a
result, the Benelux increasingly sources from nearby countries. Trade
with EU countries is fairly easy and inexpensive because of the open
borders and proximity.

However for some raw materials, the Benelux has to look outside the
borders of the EU, e.g. for year-round availability of fresh fruit and
vegetables. Fresh produce is sourced from Southern Hemisphere Countries
like Chile, Brazil and New Zealand. In addition to availability, cost is
another important reason to source internationally. Poultry products for
instance are increasingly sourced from Thailand and Brazil. This is due
to their competitive processing and production costs, respectively.

Another reason why the food industry and retailers turn to foreign
markets is to look for unique products. This can be either a new product
or a well-known product that is produced or packed in a different way
and therefore appeals to local consumers. However, one has to keep in
mind that profit margins for the food industry and retail sector are
under strong pressure at the moment and any change is not expected any
time soon.

Table 09: U.S. Market Share Versus Main Suppliers' Market Share in
Consumer Oriented and Fish & Seafood Products, Netherlands (Value is in
million US \$ and Volume is in 1,000 MT)

+--------+---+--------+----------+---+----------------+-----------------+
| **P    |   |        | **Main   |   | **Strengths of | **Advantages    |
| roduct |   |        | Su       |   | Key            | and             |
| Cate   |   |        | pplies** |   | Countries**    | Disadvantages   |
| gory** |   |        |          |   |                | of Local        |
|        |   |        | **I      |   |                | Suppliers**     |
|        |   |        | ncluding |   |                |                 |
|        |   |        | %**      |   |                |                 |
+--------+---+--------+----------+---+----------------+-----------------+
| HS 02: |   |        |          |   |                |                 |
| Meat   |   |        |          |   |                |                 |
| and    |   |        |          |   |                |                 |
| Edible |   |        |          |   |                |                 |
| Meat   |   |        |          |   |                |                 |
| Offal  |   |        |          |   |                |                 |
+--------+---+--------+----------+---+----------------+-----------------+
| Volume | 6 |        | 1        | 2 | 1,2: distance  | Focus on dairy  |
|        | 0 |        | Germany  | 7 | and            | production      |
| Value  | 5 |        |          | . | availability   | instead of beef |
|        |   |        | 2        | 9 |                | production      |
|        | U |        | Belgium  |   | 3: excellent   |                 |
|        | S |        |          | 2 | price/quality  |                 |
|        | \ |        | 3 Brazil | 2 | ratio          |                 |
|        | $ |        |          | . |                |                 |
|        | 2 |        | U.S.     | 3 |                |                 |
|        | , |        |          |   |                |                 |
|        | 4 |        |          | 1 |                |                 |
|        | 9 |        |          | 2 |                |                 |
|        | 7 |        |          | . |                |                 |
|        |   |        |          | 7 |                |                 |
|        |   |        |          |   |                |                 |
|        |   |        |          | 0 |                |                 |
|        |   |        |          | . |                |                 |
|        |   |        |          | 2 |                |                 |
+--------+---+--------+----------+---+----------------+-----------------+
| HS 03: |   |        |          |   |                |                 |
| Fish   |   |        |          |   |                |                 |
| And    |   |        |          |   |                |                 |
| Crusta |   |        |          |   |                |                 |
| ceans, |   |        |          |   |                |                 |
| Mo     |   |        |          |   |                |                 |
| lluscs |   |        |          |   |                |                 |
| And    |   |        |          |   |                |                 |
| Other  |   |        |          |   |                |                 |
| A      |   |        |          |   |                |                 |
| quatic |   |        |          |   |                |                 |
| I      |   |        |          |   |                |                 |
| nverte |   |        |          |   |                |                 |
| brates |   |        |          |   |                |                 |
+--------+---+--------+----------+---+----------------+-----------------+
| Volume | 5 |        | 1        | 1 | 1,3: great     | Great history   |
|        | 9 |        | Iceland  | 6 | variety due to | in seafood      |
| Value  | 7 |        |          | . | geographical   | trading, both   |
|        |   |        | 2        | 9 | location       | import and      |
|        | U |        | Germany  |   |                | export;         |
|        | S |        |          | 1 | 2: big         |                 |
|        | \ |        | 3        | 2 | processing     | Good            |
|        | $ |        | Denmark  | . | industry       | geographical    |
|        | 1 |        |          | 6 |                | location        |
|        | , |        | 7 U.S.   |   |                |                 |
|        | 7 |        |          | 1 |                |                 |
|        | 5 |        |          | 1 |                |                 |
|        | 2 |        |          | . |                |                 |
|        |   |        |          | 5 |                |                 |
|        |   |        |          |   |                |                 |
|        |   |        |          | 3 |                |                 |
|        |   |        |          | . |                |                 |
|        |   |        |          | 3 |                |                 |
+--------+---+--------+----------+---+----------------+-----------------+
| HS 04: |   |        |          |   |                |                 |
| Dairy  |   |        |          |   |                |                 |
| Pr     |   |        |          |   |                |                 |
| oduce; |   |        |          |   |                |                 |
| B      |   |        |          |   |                |                 |
| irds\' |   |        |          |   |                |                 |
| Eggs;  |   |        |          |   |                |                 |
| N      |   |        |          |   |                |                 |
| atural |   |        |          |   |                |                 |
| Honey  |   |        |          |   |                |                 |
+--------+---+--------+----------+---+----------------+-----------------+
| Volume |   | N/a    | 1        | 4 | 1,2,3:         | Great tradition |
|        |   |        | Germany  | 1 | Proximity      | of producing    |
| Value  |   | \      |          | . |                | milk and milk   |
|        |   | $2,976 | 2        | 0 |                | based processed |
|        |   |        | Belgium  |   |                | products        |
|        |   |        |          | 1 |                |                 |
|        |   |        | 3 France | 6 |                |                 |
|        |   |        |          | . |                |                 |
|        |   |        | 14 U.S.  | 6 |                |                 |
|        |   |        |          |   |                |                 |
|        |   |        |          | 8 |                |                 |
|        |   |        |          | . |                |                 |
|        |   |        |          | 5 |                |                 |
|        |   |        |          |   |                |                 |
|        |   |        |          | 0 |                |                 |
|        |   |        |          | . |                |                 |
|        |   |        |          | 7 |                |                 |
+--------+---+--------+----------+---+----------------+-----------------+
| HS 07: |   |        |          |   |                |                 |
| Edible |   |        |          |   |                |                 |
| Vege   |   |        |          |   |                |                 |
| tables |   |        |          |   |                |                 |
| And    |   |        |          |   |                |                 |
| C      |   |        |          |   |                |                 |
| ertain |   |        |          |   |                |                 |
| Roots  |   |        |          |   |                |                 |
| And    |   |        |          |   |                |                 |
| Tubers |   |        |          |   |                |                 |
+--------+---+--------+----------+---+----------------+-----------------+
| Volume |   | N/a    | 1 Spain  | 3 | 1: different   | Great           |
|        |   |        |          | 2 | climate/supply | innovative      |
| Value  |   | \      | 2        | . | season         | industry        |
|        |   | $1,830 | Germany  | 2 |                | producing       |
|        |   |        |          |   | 2,3: proximity | horticultural   |
|        |   |        | 3        | 1 |                | products        |
|        |   |        | Belgium  | 5 |                |                 |
|        |   |        |          | . |                |                 |
|        |   |        | 17 U.S.  | 0 |                |                 |
|        |   |        |          |   |                |                 |
|        |   |        |          | 1 |                |                 |
|        |   |        |          | 3 |                |                 |
|        |   |        |          | . |                |                 |
|        |   |        |          | 8 |                |                 |
|        |   |        |          |   |                |                 |
|        |   |        |          | 0 |                |                 |
|        |   |        |          | . |                |                 |
|        |   |        |          | 8 |                |                 |
+--------+---+--------+----------+---+----------------+-----------------+
| HS 08: |   |        |          |   |                |                 |
| Edible |   |        |          |   |                |                 |
| Fruit  |   |        |          |   |                |                 |
| And    |   |        |          |   |                |                 |
| Nuts;  |   |        |          |   |                |                 |
| Peel   |   |        |          |   |                |                 |
| Of     |   |        |          |   |                |                 |
| Citrus |   |        |          |   |                |                 |
| Fruit  |   |        |          |   |                |                 |
| Or     |   |        |          |   |                |                 |
| Melons |   |        |          |   |                |                 |
+--------+---+--------+----------+---+----------------+-----------------+
| Volume |   | 2,368  | 1 Spain  | 1 | 1,3: different | A mature        |
|        |   |        |          | 3 | climate/supply | industry        |
| Value  |   | \      | 2        | . | season/ta      | (especially     |
|        |   | $2,909 | Belgium  | 3 | stes/varieties | apples and      |
|        |   |        |          |   |                | pears)          |
|        |   |        | 3 South  | 1 |                |                 |
|        |   |        | Africa   | 1 |                |                 |
|        |   |        |          | . |                |                 |
|        |   |        | 8 U.S.   | 0 |                |                 |
|        |   |        |          |   |                |                 |
|        |   |        |          | 1 |                |                 |
|        |   |        |          | 0 |                |                 |
|        |   |        |          | . |                |                 |
|        |   |        |          | 9 |                |                 |
|        |   |        |          |   |                |                 |
|        |   |        |          | 4 |                |                 |
|        |   |        |          | . |                |                 |
|        |   |        |          | 3 |                |                 |
+--------+---+--------+----------+---+----------------+-----------------+
| HS 09: |   |        |          |   |                |                 |
| C      |   |        |          |   |                |                 |
| offee, |   |        |          |   |                |                 |
| Tea,   |   |        |          |   |                |                 |
| Mate   |   |        |          |   |                |                 |
| And    |   |        |          |   |                |                 |
| Spices |   |        |          |   |                |                 |
+--------+---+--------+----------+---+----------------+-----------------+
| Volume |   | 254    | 1        | 1 | 2:             | No domestic     |
|        |   |        | Germany  | 8 | availability   | availability    |
| Value  |   | \$ 599 |          | . |                |                 |
|        |   |        | 2 Brazil | 4 |                |                 |
|        |   |        |          |   |                |                 |
|        |   |        | 3        | 1 |                |                 |
|        |   |        | Belgium  | 0 |                |                 |
|        |   |        |          | . |                |                 |
|        |   |        | 47 U.S.  | 0 |                |                 |
|        |   |        |          |   |                |                 |
|        |   |        |          | 7 |                |                 |
|        |   |        |          | . |                |                 |
|        |   |        |          | 7 |                |                 |
|        |   |        |          |   |                |                 |
|        |   |        |          | 0 |                |                 |
|        |   |        |          | . |                |                 |
|        |   |        |          | 1 |                |                 |
+--------+---+--------+----------+---+----------------+-----------------+
| HS 16: |   |        |          |   |                |                 |
| Edible |   |        |          |   |                |                 |
| Prepar |   |        |          |   |                |                 |
| ations |   |        |          |   |                |                 |
| of     |   |        |          |   |                |                 |
| Meat,  |   |        |          |   |                |                 |
| Fish,  |   |        |          |   |                |                 |
| Crusta |   |        |          |   |                |                 |
| ceans, |   |        |          |   |                |                 |
| Mo     |   |        |          |   |                |                 |
| lluscs |   |        |          |   |                |                 |
| or     |   |        |          |   |                |                 |
| other  |   |        |          |   |                |                 |
| A      |   |        |          |   |                |                 |
| quatic |   |        |          |   |                |                 |
| I      |   |        |          |   |                |                 |
| nverte |   |        |          |   |                |                 |
| brates |   |        |          |   |                |                 |
+--------+---+--------+----------+---+----------------+-----------------+
| Volume |   | 265    | 1        | 2 | 3: price /     | Not the most    |
|        |   |        | Belgium  | 7 | quality ratio  | competitive     |
| Value  |   | \$993  |          | . |                | processing      |
|        |   |        | 2        | 6 |                | costs           |
|        |   |        | Germany  |   |                |                 |
|        |   |        |          | 2 |                |                 |
|        |   |        | 3 Brazil | 1 |                |                 |
|        |   |        |          | . |                |                 |
|        |   |        | 15 U.S.  | 0 |                |                 |
|        |   |        |          |   |                |                 |
|        |   |        |          | 1 |                |                 |
|        |   |        |          | 6 |                |                 |
|        |   |        |          | . |                |                 |
|        |   |        |          | 0 |                |                 |
|        |   |        |          |   |                |                 |
|        |   |        |          | 0 |                |                 |
|        |   |        |          | . |                |                 |
|        |   |        |          | 9 |                |                 |
+--------+---+--------+----------+---+----------------+-----------------+
| HS 19: |   |        |          |   |                |                 |
| Prepar |   |        |          |   |                |                 |
| ations |   |        |          |   |                |                 |
| Of     |   |        |          |   |                |                 |
| Ce     |   |        |          |   |                |                 |
| reals, |   |        |          |   |                |                 |
| Flour, |   |        |          |   |                |                 |
| Starch |   |        |          |   |                |                 |
| Or     |   |        |          |   |                |                 |
| Milk;  |   |        |          |   |                |                 |
| Ba     |   |        |          |   |                |                 |
| kers\' |   |        |          |   |                |                 |
| Wares  |   |        |          |   |                |                 |
+--------+---+--------+----------+---+----------------+-----------------+
| Volume |   | 478    | 1        | 3 | Proximity and  | Not the most    |
|        |   |        | Belgium  | 2 | re-export      | competitive     |
| Value  |   | \      |          | . |                | processing      |
|        |   | $1,174 | 2        | 3 |                | costs           |
|        |   |        | Germany  |   |                |                 |
|        |   |        |          | 2 |                |                 |
|        |   |        | 3 France | 9 |                |                 |
|        |   |        |          | . |                |                 |
|        |   |        | 14 U.S.  | 8 |                |                 |
|        |   |        |          |   |                |                 |
|        |   |        |          | 7 |                |                 |
|        |   |        |          | . |                |                 |
|        |   |        |          | 3 |                |                 |
|        |   |        |          |   |                |                 |
|        |   |        |          | 0 |                |                 |
|        |   |        |          | . |                |                 |
|        |   |        |          | 7 |                |                 |
+--------+---+--------+----------+---+----------------+-----------------+
| HS 20: |   |        |          |   |                |                 |
| Prepar |   |        |          |   |                |                 |
| ations |   |        |          |   |                |                 |
| Of     |   |        |          |   |                |                 |
| Veget  |   |        |          |   |                |                 |
| ables, |   |        |          |   |                |                 |
| Fruit, |   |        |          |   |                |                 |
| Nuts,  |   |        |          |   |                |                 |
| Or     |   |        |          |   |                |                 |
| Other  |   |        |          |   |                |                 |
| Parts  |   |        |          |   |                |                 |
| Of     |   |        |          |   |                |                 |
| Plants |   |        |          |   |                |                 |
+--------+---+--------+----------+---+----------------+-----------------+
| Volume |   | N/a    | 1        | 2 | 2\. price /    | Not the most    |
|        |   |        | Germany  | 2 | quality ratio  | competitive     |
| Value  |   | \      |          | . |                | processing      |
|        |   | $1,901 | 2 Brazil | 2 |                | costs           |
|        |   |        |          |   |                |                 |
|        |   |        | 3        | 1 |                |                 |
|        |   |        | Belgium  | 7 |                |                 |
|        |   |        |          | . |                |                 |
|        |   |        | 4 U.S.   | 9 |                |                 |
|        |   |        |          |   |                |                 |
|        |   |        |          | 1 |                |                 |
|        |   |        |          | 1 |                |                 |
|        |   |        |          | . |                |                 |
|        |   |        |          | 6 |                |                 |
|        |   |        |          |   |                |                 |
|        |   |        |          | 5 |                |                 |
|        |   |        |          | . |                |                 |
|        |   |        |          | 1 |                |                 |
+--------+---+--------+----------+---+----------------+-----------------+
| HS 21: |   |        |          |   |                |                 |
| M      |   |        |          |   |                |                 |
| iscell |   |        |          |   |                |                 |
| aneous |   |        |          |   |                |                 |
| Edible |   |        |          |   |                |                 |
| Prepar |   |        |          |   |                |                 |
| ations |   |        |          |   |                |                 |
+--------+---+--------+----------+---+----------------+-----------------+
| Volume |   | N/a    | 1        | 2 | Proximity and  | Not the most    |
|        |   |        | Germany  | 7 | re-export      | competitive     |
| Value  |   | \$     |          | . |                | processing      |
|        |   | 1,178  | 2        | 6 |                | costs           |
|        |   |        | Belgium  |   |                |                 |
|        |   |        |          | 1 |                |                 |
|        |   |        | 3 France | 7 |                |                 |
|        |   |        |          | . |                |                 |
|        |   |        | 5 U.S.   | 7 |                |                 |
|        |   |        |          |   |                |                 |
|        |   |        |          | 9 |                |                 |
|        |   |        |          | . |                |                 |
|        |   |        |          | 1 |                |                 |
|        |   |        |          |   |                |                 |
|        |   |        |          | 7 |                |                 |
|        |   |        |          | . |                |                 |
|        |   |        |          | 8 |                |                 |
+--------+---+--------+----------+---+----------------+-----------------+
| HS 22: |   |        |          |   |                |                 |
| Beve   |   |        |          |   |                |                 |
| rages, |   |        |          |   |                |                 |
| S      |   |        |          |   |                |                 |
| pirits |   |        |          |   |                |                 |
| and    |   |        |          |   |                |                 |
| V      |   |        |          |   |                |                 |
| inegar |   |        |          |   |                |                 |
+--------+---+--------+----------+---+----------------+-----------------+
| Volume |   | N/a    | 1 France | 2 | Excellent      | Not the most    |
|        |   |        |          | 1 | regional       | competitive     |
| Value  |   | \      | 2        | . | products       | processing      |
|        |   | $2,338 | Germany  | 1 |                | costs           |
|        |   |        |          |   |                |                 |
|        |   |        | 3        | 2 |                |                 |
|        |   |        | Belgium  | 0 |                |                 |
|        |   |        |          | . |                |                 |
|        |   |        | 5 U.S.   | 3 |                |                 |
|        |   |        |          |   |                |                 |
|        |   |        |          | 2 |                |                 |
|        |   |        |          | 0 |                |                 |
|        |   |        |          | . |                |                 |
|        |   |        |          | 0 |                |                 |
|        |   |        |          |   |                |                 |
|        |   |        |          | 4 |                |                 |
|        |   |        |          | . |                |                 |
|        |   |        |          | 6 |                |                 |
|        |   |        |          | 5 |                |                 |
+--------+---+--------+----------+---+----------------+-----------------+

Source: [www.gtis.com](http://www.gtis.com/)

Table 10: U.S. Market Share Versus Main Suppliers' Market Share in
Consumer Oriented and Fish & Seafood Products, Belgium (Value is in
million US \$ and Volume is in 1,000 MT)

+--------+---+--------+----------+----+----------------+----------------+
| **P    |   |        | **Main   |    | Strengths of   | **Advantages   |
| roduct |   |        | Su       |    | Key Countries  | and            |
| Cate   |   |        | pplies** |    |                | Disadvantages  |
| gory** |   |        |          |    |                | of Local       |
|        |   |        |          |    |                | Suppliers**    |
+--------+---+--------+----------+----+----------------+----------------+
| HS 02: |   |        |          |    |                |                |
| Meat   |   |        |          |    |                |                |
| and    |   |        |          |    |                |                |
| Edible |   |        |          |    |                |                |
| Meat   |   |        |          |    |                |                |
| Offal  |   |        |          |    |                |                |
+--------+---+--------+----------+----+----------------+----------------+
| Volume | 3 |        | 1 France | 24 | 1,2: distance  | Excellent      |
|        | 9 |        |          | .9 | and            | domestic       |
| Value  | 2 |        | 2        |    | availability   | availability   |
|        |   |        | Net      | 23 |                | of beef        |
|        | U |        | herlands | .2 | 3: excellent   |                |
|        | S |        |          |    | price/quality  |                |
|        | \ |        | 3 New    | 16 | ratio          |                |
|        | $ |        | Zealand  | .0 |                |                |
|        | 2 |        |          |    |                |                |
|        | , |        | 14 U.S.  | 0  |                |                |
|        | 2 |        |          | .6 |                |                |
|        | 3 |        |          |    |                |                |
|        | 6 |        |          |    |                |                |
+--------+---+--------+----------+----+----------------+----------------+
| HS 03: |   |        |          |    |                |                |
| Fish   |   |        |          |    |                |                |
| And    |   |        |          |    |                |                |
| Crusta |   |        |          |    |                |                |
| ceans, |   |        |          |    |                |                |
| Mo     |   |        |          |    |                |                |
| lluscs |   |        |          |    |                |                |
| And    |   |        |          |    |                |                |
| Other  |   |        |          |    |                |                |
| A      |   |        |          |    |                |                |
| quatic |   |        |          |    |                |                |
| I      |   |        |          |    |                |                |
| nverte |   |        |          |    |                |                |
| brates |   |        |          |    |                |                |
+--------+---+--------+----------+----+----------------+----------------+
| Volume | 2 |        | 1        | 24 | 3: great       | Great history  |
|        | 3 |        | Net      | .5 | variety due to | in seafood     |
| Value  | 0 |        | herlands |    | geographical   | trading, both  |
|        |   |        |          | 8  | location       | import and     |
|        | U |        | 2 France | .8 |                | export;        |
|        | S |        |          |    | 1,2: big       |                |
|        | \ |        | 3        | 6  | traders within | Good           |
|        | $ |        | Denmark  | .7 | the industry   | geographical   |
|        | 1 |        |          |    |                | location       |
|        | , |        | 16 U.S.  | 1  |                |                |
|        | 2 |        |          | .6 |                |                |
|        | 2 |        |          |    |                |                |
|        | 3 |        |          |    |                |                |
+--------+---+--------+----------+----+----------------+----------------+
| HS 04: |   |        |          |    |                |                |
| Dairy  |   |        |          |    |                |                |
| Pr     |   |        |          |    |                |                |
| oduce; |   |        |          |    |                |                |
| B      |   |        |          |    |                |                |
| irds\' |   |        |          |    |                |                |
| Eggs;  |   |        |          |    |                |                |
| N      |   |        |          |    |                |                |
| atural |   |        |          |    |                |                |
| Honey; |   |        |          |    |                |                |
+--------+---+--------+----------+----+----------------+----------------+
| Volume |   | N/a    | 1 France | 29 | 1,2,3:         | Great          |
|        |   |        |          | .4 | Proximity      | tradition of   |
| Value  |   | \$     | 2        |    |                | producing milk |
|        |   | 2,729  | Net      | 28 |                | and milk based |
|        |   |        | herlands | .0 |                | processed      |
|        |   |        |          |    |                | products       |
|        |   |        | 3        | 21 |                |                |
|        |   |        | Germany  | .7 |                |                |
|        |   |        |          |    |                |                |
|        |   |        | 21 U.S.  | 0  |                |                |
|        |   |        |          | .1 |                |                |
+--------+---+--------+----------+----+----------------+----------------+
| HS 07: |   |        |          |    |                |                |
| Edible |   |        |          |    |                |                |
| Vege   |   |        |          |    |                |                |
| tables |   |        |          |    |                |                |
| And    |   |        |          |    |                |                |
| C      |   |        |          |    |                |                |
| ertain |   |        |          |    |                |                |
| Roots  |   |        |          |    |                |                |
| And    |   |        |          |    |                |                |
| Tubers |   |        |          |    |                |                |
+--------+---+--------+----------+----+----------------+----------------+
| Volume |   | N/a    | 1        | 34 | 3: different   | Great          |
|        |   |        | Net      | .8 | climate/supply | innovative     |
| Value  |   | \      | herlands |    | season         | industry       |
|        |   | $1,175 |          | 26 |                | producing      |
|        |   |        | 2 France | .1 | 1,2: proximity | horticultural  |
|        |   |        |          |    |                | products       |
|        |   |        | 3 Spain  | 11 |                |                |
|        |   |        |          | .6 |                |                |
|        |   |        | 26 U.S.  |    |                |                |
|        |   |        |          | 0  |                |                |
|        |   |        |          | .2 |                |                |
+--------+---+--------+----------+----+----------------+----------------+
| HS 08: |   |        |          |    |                |                |
| Edible |   |        |          |    |                |                |
| Fruit  |   |        |          |    |                |                |
| And    |   |        |          |    |                |                |
| Nuts;  |   |        |          |    |                |                |
| Peel   |   |        |          |    |                |                |
| Of     |   |        |          |    |                |                |
| Citrus |   |        |          |    |                |                |
| Fruit  |   |        |          |    |                |                |
| Or     |   |        |          |    |                |                |
| Melons |   |        |          |    |                |                |
+--------+---+--------+----------+----+----------------+----------------+
| Volume |   | 2,485  | 1        | 1  | 1,2,3:         | A mature       |
|        |   |        | Colombia | 4. | different      | industry       |
| Value  |   | \      |          | 21 | climate/supply | (especially    |
|        |   | $2,918 | 2 Costa  |    | season/ta      | apples and     |
|        |   |        | Rica     | 12 | stes/varieties | pears)         |
|        |   |        |          | .7 |                |                |
|        |   |        | 3 New    |    |                |                |
|        |   |        | Zealand  | 8  |                |                |
|        |   |        |          | .0 |                |                |
|        |   |        | 13 U.S.  |    |                |                |
|        |   |        |          | 2  |                |                |
|        |   |        |          | .5 |                |                |
+--------+---+--------+----------+----+----------------+----------------+
| HS 09: |   |        |          |    |                |                |
| C      |   |        |          |    |                |                |
| offee, |   |        |          |    |                |                |
| Tea,   |   |        |          |    |                |                |
| Mate   |   |        |          |    |                |                |
| And    |   |        |          |    |                |                |
| Spices |   |        |          |    |                |                |
+--------+---+--------+----------+----+----------------+----------------+
| Volume |   | 251    | 1 France | 15 | 3:             | No domestic    |
|        |   |        |          | .7 | availability   | availability   |
| Value  |   | \$469  | 2        |    |                |                |
|        |   |        | Germany  | 15 |                |                |
|        |   |        |          | .4 |                |                |
|        |   |        | 3 Brazil |    |                |                |
|        |   |        |          | 11 |                |                |
|        |   |        | 47 U.S.  | .7 |                |                |
|        |   |        |          |    |                |                |
|        |   |        |          | 0  |                |                |
|        |   |        |          | .1 |                |                |
+--------+---+--------+----------+----+----------------+----------------+
| HS 16: |   |        |          |    |                |                |
| Edible |   |        |          |    |                |                |
| Prepar |   |        |          |    |                |                |
| ations |   |        |          |    |                |                |
| of     |   |        |          |    |                |                |
| Meat,  |   |        |          |    |                |                |
| Fish,  |   |        |          |    |                |                |
| Crusta |   |        |          |    |                |                |
| ceans, |   |        |          |    |                |                |
| Mo     |   |        |          |    |                |                |
| lluscs |   |        |          |    |                |                |
| or     |   |        |          |    |                |                |
| other  |   |        |          |    |                |                |
| A      |   |        |          |    |                |                |
| quatic |   |        |          |    |                |                |
| I      |   |        |          |    |                |                |
| nverte |   |        |          |    |                |                |
| brates |   |        |          |    |                |                |
+--------+---+--------+----------+----+----------------+----------------+
| Volume |   | 147    | 1        | 30 | Proximity and  | Not the most   |
|        |   |        | Net      | .5 | re-export      | competitive    |
| Value  |   | \$740  | herlands |    |                | processing     |
|        |   |        |          | 24 |                | costs          |
|        |   |        | 2 France | .0 |                |                |
|        |   |        |          |    |                |                |
|        |   |        | 3        | 18 |                |                |
|        |   |        | Germany  | .6 |                |                |
|        |   |        |          |    |                |                |
|        |   |        | 31 U.S.  | 0  |                |                |
|        |   |        |          | .2 |                |                |
+--------+---+--------+----------+----+----------------+----------------+
| HS 19: |   |        |          |    |                |                |
| Prepar |   |        |          |    |                |                |
| ations |   |        |          |    |                |                |
| Of     |   |        |          |    |                |                |
| Ce     |   |        |          |    |                |                |
| reals, |   |        |          |    |                |                |
| Flour, |   |        |          |    |                |                |
| Starch |   |        |          |    |                |                |
| Or     |   |        |          |    |                |                |
| Milk;  |   |        |          |    |                |                |
| Ba     |   |        |          |    |                |                |
| kers\' |   |        |          |    |                |                |
| Wares  |   |        |          |    |                |                |
+--------+---+--------+----------+----+----------------+----------------+
| Volume |   | 476    | 1 France | 34 | Proximity and  | Not the most   |
|        |   |        |          | .7 | re-export      | competitive    |
| Value  |   | \      | 2        |    |                | processing     |
|        |   | $1,139 | Germany  | 22 |                | costs          |
|        |   |        |          | .1 |                |                |
|        |   |        | 3        |    |                |                |
|        |   |        | Net      | 21 |                |                |
|        |   |        | herlands | .5 |                |                |
|        |   |        |          |    |                |                |
|        |   |        | 16 U.S.  | 0  |                |                |
|        |   |        |          | .2 |                |                |
+--------+---+--------+----------+----+----------------+----------------+
| HS 20: |   |        |          |    |                |                |
| Prepar |   |        |          |    |                |                |
| ations |   |        |          |    |                |                |
| Of     |   |        |          |    |                |                |
| Veget  |   |        |          |    |                |                |
| ables, |   |        |          |    |                |                |
| Fruit, |   |        |          |    |                |                |
| Nuts,  |   |        |          |    |                |                |
| Or     |   |        |          |    |                |                |
| Other  |   |        |          |    |                |                |
| Parts  |   |        |          |    |                |                |
| Of     |   |        |          |    |                |                |
| Plants |   |        |          |    |                |                |
+--------+---+--------+----------+----+----------------+----------------+
| Volume |   | N/a    | 1 Brazil | 27 | 1: price /     | Not the most   |
|        |   |        |          | .7 | quality ratio  | competitive    |
| Value  |   | \$     | 2 France |    |                | processing     |
|        |   | 1,172  |          | 18 |                | costs          |
|        |   |        | 3        | .6 |                |                |
|        |   |        | Net      |    |                |                |
|        |   |        | herlands | 14 |                |                |
|        |   |        |          | .6 |                |                |
|        |   |        | 10 U.S.  |    |                |                |
|        |   |        |          | 1  |                |                |
|        |   |        |          | .4 |                |                |
+--------+---+--------+----------+----+----------------+----------------+
| HS 21: |   |        |          |    |                |                |
| M      |   |        |          |    |                |                |
| iscell |   |        |          |    |                |                |
| aneous |   |        |          |    |                |                |
| Edible |   |        |          |    |                |                |
| Prepar |   |        |          |    |                |                |
| ations |   |        |          |    |                |                |
+--------+---+--------+----------+----+----------------+----------------+
| Volume |   | N/a    | 1        | 33 | Proximity and  | Not the most   |
|        |   |        | Net      | .2 | re-export      | competitive    |
| Value  |   | \$768  | herlands |    |                | processing     |
|        |   |        |          | 22 |                | costs          |
|        |   |        | 2 France | .0 |                |                |
|        |   |        |          |    |                |                |
|        |   |        | 3        | 19 |                |                |
|        |   |        | Germany  | .3 |                |                |
|        |   |        |          |    |                |                |
|        |   |        | 6 U.S.   | 2  |                |                |
|        |   |        |          | .4 |                |                |
+--------+---+--------+----------+----+----------------+----------------+
| HS 22: |   |        |          |    |                |                |
| Beve   |   |        |          |    |                |                |
| rages, |   |        |          |    |                |                |
| S      |   |        |          |    |                |                |
| pirits |   |        |          |    |                |                |
| and    |   |        |          |    |                |                |
| V      |   |        |          |    |                |                |
| inegar |   |        |          |    |                |                |
+--------+---+--------+----------+----+----------------+----------------+
| Volume |   | N/a    | 1 France | 56 | 1: Excellent   | Not the most   |
|        |   |        |          | .0 | regional       | competitive    |
| Value  |   | \      | 2        |    | products       | processing     |
|        |   | $2,090 | Germany  | 10 |                | costs          |
|        |   |        |          | .9 |                |                |
|        |   |        | 3        |    |                |                |
|        |   |        | Net      | 8  |                |                |
|        |   |        | herlands | .5 |                |                |
|        |   |        |          |    |                |                |
|        |   |        | 15 U.S.  | 0  |                |                |
|        |   |        |          | .4 |                |                |
+--------+---+--------+----------+----+----------------+----------------+

Source: [www.gtis.com](http://www.gtis.com/)

Value is in million US \$ and Volume is in 1,000 MT

# Section IV. Best Products Prospects

## A. Products Present In The Market That Have Good Sales Potential

Wines

Nuts

Fruit and or Vegetable Juices

Processed Fruit and Vegetables

Innovative Sauces and Condiments

Beverages

## B. Products Not Present In Significant Quantities But Which Have Good Sales Potential

Dried Fruits

Functional/Health Foods

Other Innovative Sauces and Condiments

## C. Products Not Present Because They Face Significant Barriers

Red Meat and Meat Preparations (hormone ban)

Poultry (sanitary procedures)

Processed Food (with GMO ingredients, Bleached Flour etc.,) see [FAIRS
Report](http://199.129.102.239/GainFiles/200509/146130749.pdf)

Candy/Sweets

# Section V. Post Contact and Further Information

United States Department of Agriculture's Foreign Agricultural Service

Agriculture Export Service

<http://www.fas.usda.gov/agx/exporter_assistance.asp>

## Office of Agricultural Affairs at the American Embassy

**Postal Address:** U.S. Embassy-AGR, PC71, Box 038, APO AE 09715

**Visitor Address:** Lange Voorhout 102, 2514 EJ The Hague, the
Netherlands

**Phone:** +31-70-3102299

**Fax:** +31-70-3657681

**E-mail:** <agthehague@usda.gov>

For more information on exporting U.S. Products to the Benelux, please
visit the FAS website at [www.fas.usda.gov](http://www.fas.usda.gov/) or
visit [www.usembassy.nl/fas.html](http://www.usembassy.nl/fas.html)

# Appendix I

+---------------------------------+------+------+------+------+------+
| Total Agricultural Imports to   |      |      |      |      |      |
| the Benelux                     |      |      |      |      |      |
|                                 |      |      |      |      |      |
| million US dollars              |      |      |      |      |      |
+---------------------------------+------+------+------+------+------+
|                                 | **20 | **20 | **20 | **20 | **20 |
|                                 | 00** | 01** | 02** | 03** | 04** |
+---------------------------------+------+------+------+------+------+
| **Total Agriculture**           | **   | **   | **   | **   | **   |
|                                 | 46,0 | 47,1 | 50,5 | 61,3 | 69,9 |
|                                 | 40** | 65** | 21** | 21** | 75** |
+---------------------------------+------+------+------+------+------+
| 01 Live Animals                 | 761  | 675  | 696  | 854  | 1    |
|                                 |      |      |      |      | ,079 |
+---------------------------------+------+------+------+------+------+
| 02 Meat                         | 2    | 2    | 2    | 3    | 3    |
|                                 | ,150 | ,578 | ,583 | ,252 | ,856 |
+---------------------------------+------+------+------+------+------+
| 03 Fish and Seafood             | 1    | 2    | 2    | 2    | 3    |
|                                 | ,974 | ,099 | ,205 | ,723 | ,080 |
+---------------------------------+------+------+------+------+------+
| 04 Dairy, Eggs, Honey, Etc.,    | 4283 | 4339 | 4378 | 5365 | 6011 |
+---------------------------------+------+------+------+------+------+
| 05 Other of Animal Origin       | 218  | 202  | 200  | 241  | 281  |
+---------------------------------+------+------+------+------+------+
| 06 Live Trees And Other Plants; | 1    | 1    | 1    | 1    | 1    |
|                                 | ,263 | ,273 | ,387 | ,670 | ,862 |
+---------------------------------+------+------+------+------+------+
| 07 Edible Vegetables            | 2    | 2    | 2    | 2    | 3    |
|                                 | ,079 | ,171 | ,260 | ,759 | ,123 |
+---------------------------------+------+------+------+------+------+
| 08 Edible Fruit And Nuts        | 3    | 3    | 4    | 5    | 5    |
|                                 | ,521 | ,682 | ,051 | ,377 | ,879 |
+---------------------------------+------+------+------+------+------+
| 09 Coffee, Tea, Mate And Spices | 1    | 918  | 850  | 1    | 1    |
|                                 | ,158 |      |      | ,020 | ,161 |
+---------------------------------+------+------+------+------+------+
| 10 Cereals                      | 1    | 1    | 2    | 2    | 2    |
|                                 | ,796 | ,911 | ,061 | ,265 | ,766 |
+---------------------------------+------+------+------+------+------+
| 11 Milling Industry Products    | 418  | 451  | 477  | 662  | 788  |
+---------------------------------+------+------+------+------+------+
| 12 Oil Seeds And Oleaginous     | 2    | 2    | 2    | 3    | 3    |
| Fruits;                         | ,519 | ,690 | ,678 | ,131 | ,514 |
+---------------------------------+------+------+------+------+------+
| 13 Lac; Gums                    | 120  | 125  | 128  | 155  | 201  |
+---------------------------------+------+------+------+------+------+
| 14 Vegetable Plaiting Materials | 33   | 32   | 29   | 36   | 39   |
| And Vegetable Products,         |      |      |      |      |      |
+---------------------------------+------+------+------+------+------+
| 15 Animal Or Vegetable Fats And | 1    | 1    | 2    | 2    | 3    |
| Oils                            | ,618 | ,638 | ,165 | ,681 | ,136 |
+---------------------------------+------+------+------+------+------+
| 16 Edible Preparations Of Meat, | 1    | 1    | 1    | 1    | 1    |
| Fish & Seafood                  | ,106 | ,159 | ,362 | ,669 | ,808 |
+---------------------------------+------+------+------+------+------+
| 17 Sugars And Sugar             | 903  | 1    | 1    | 1    | 1    |
| Confectionary                   |      | ,301 | ,301 | ,370 | ,568 |
+---------------------------------+------+------+------+------+------+
| 18 Cocoa And Cocoa Preparations | 1    | 1    | 2    | 3    | 3    |
|                                 | ,499 | ,741 | ,239 | ,113 | ,121 |
+---------------------------------+------+------+------+------+------+
| 19 Preparations Of Cereals,     | 1    | 1    | 1    | 2    | 2    |
| Flour, Starch Or Milk;          | ,368 | ,466 | ,670 | ,100 | ,433 |
+---------------------------------+------+------+------+------+------+
| 20 Preparations Of Vegetables,  | 2    | 2    | 2    | 2    | 3    |
| Fruit, Nuts,                    | ,546 | ,250 | ,514 | ,955 | ,135 |
+---------------------------------+------+------+------+------+------+
| 21 Miscellaneous Edible         | 1    | 1    | 1    | 1    | 2    |
| Preparations                    | ,115 | ,173 | ,372 | ,747 | ,034 |
+---------------------------------+------+------+------+------+------+
| 22 Beverages, Spirits And       | 2    | 3    | 3    | 4    | 4    |
| Vinegar                         | ,966 | ,106 | ,455 | ,063 | ,736 |
+---------------------------------+------+------+------+------+------+
| 23 Residues And Waste From The  | 2    | 2    | 2    | 3    | 3    |
| Food Industries                 | ,167 | ,455 | ,645 | ,029 | ,795 |
+---------------------------------+------+------+------+------+------+
| 24 Tobacco And Manufactured     | 1    | 1    | 1    | 2    | 2    |
| Tobacco Sub                     | ,717 | ,733 | ,783 | ,093 | ,539 |
+---------------------------------+------+------+------+------+------+
| 41 Raw Hides And Skins &        | 484  | 492  | 519  | 454  | 434  |
| Leather                         |      |      |      |      |      |
+---------------------------------+------+------+------+------+------+
| 43 Furskins And Artificial Fur; | 49   | 62   | 56   | 62   | 71   |
+---------------------------------+------+------+------+------+------+
| 44 Wood And Articles Of Wood;   | 4    | 3    | 3    | 4    | 5    |
|                                 | ,389 | ,944 | ,935 | ,616 | ,336 |
+---------------------------------+------+------+------+------+------+
| 45 Cork And Articles Of Cork    | 36   | 31   | 29   | 31   | 38   |
+---------------------------------+------+------+------+------+------+
| 46 Manufactures Of Straw,       | 86   | 82   | 84   | 105  | 119  |
| Esparto                         |      |      |      |      |      |
+---------------------------------+------+------+------+------+------+
| 47 Pulp Of Wood Or Other        | 1    | 1    | 1    | 1    | 2    |
| Fibrous Cellulosic Material;    | ,698 | ,386 | ,409 | ,723 | ,032 |
+---------------------------------+------+------+------+------+------+

Source: GTIS

+---------------------------------+-----+------+-------+------+------+
| Total Agricultural Exports to   |     |      |       |      |      |
| the Benelux                     |     |      |       |      |      |
|                                 |     |      |       |      |      |
| million US dollars              |     |      |       |      |      |
+---------------------------------+-----+------+-------+------+------+
|                                 | **  | **20 | **2   | **20 | **20 |
|                                 | 200 | 01** | 002** | 03** | 04** |
|                                 | 0** |      |       |      |      |
+---------------------------------+-----+------+-------+------+------+
| **Total Agriculture**           | *   | **   | **69, | **   | **   |
|                                 | *62 | 63,7 | 393** | 83,6 | 96,0 |
|                                 | ,61 | 61** |       | 12** | 77** |
|                                 | 4** |      |       |      |      |
+---------------------------------+-----+------+-------+------+------+
| 01 Live Animals                 | 1,  | 1    | 1,313 | 1    | 1    |
|                                 | 211 | ,177 |       | ,387 | ,786 |
+---------------------------------+-----+------+-------+------+------+
| 02 Meat                         | 6,  | 6    | 6,522 | 7    | 8    |
|                                 | 466 | ,441 |       | ,432 | ,998 |
+---------------------------------+-----+------+-------+------+------+
| 03 Fish and Seafood             | 1,  | 2    | 2,245 | 2    | 3    |
|                                 | 985 | ,053 |       | ,809 | ,307 |
+---------------------------------+-----+------+-------+------+------+
| 04 Dairy, Eggs, Honey, Etc.,    | 6,  | 6    | 6,162 | 7    | 8    |
|                                 | 275 | ,363 |       | ,549 | ,447 |
+---------------------------------+-----+------+-------+------+------+
| 05 Other of Animal Origin       | 298 | 245  | 271   | 298  | 380  |
+---------------------------------+-----+------+-------+------+------+
| 06 Live Trees And Other Plants; | 6,  | 6    | 6,766 | 8    | 9    |
|                                 | 249 | ,185 |       | ,155 | ,265 |
+---------------------------------+-----+------+-------+------+------+
| 07 Edible Vegetables            | 4,  | 4    | 5,050 | 6    | 6    |
|                                 | 281 | ,478 |       | ,507 | ,683 |
+---------------------------------+-----+------+-------+------+------+
| 08 Edible Fruit And Nuts        | 2,  | 3    | 3,368 | 4    | 5    |
|                                 | 974 | ,144 |       | ,378 | ,205 |
+---------------------------------+-----+------+-------+------+------+
| 09 Coffee, Tea, Mate And Spices | 596 | 491  | 472   | 624  | 763  |
+---------------------------------+-----+------+-------+------+------+
| 10 Cereals                      | 504 | 434  | 501   | 606  | 723  |
+---------------------------------+-----+------+-------+------+------+
| 11 Milling Industry Products    | 843 | 899  | 964   | 1    | 1    |
|                                 |     |      |       | ,204 | ,385 |
+---------------------------------+-----+------+-------+------+------+
| 12 Oil Seeds And Oleaginous     | 1,  | 1    | 1,401 | 1    | 2    |
| Fruits;                         | 107 | ,223 |       | ,791 | ,134 |
+---------------------------------+-----+------+-------+------+------+
| 13 Lac; Gums                    | 74  | 88   | 83    | 117  | 149  |
+---------------------------------+-----+------+-------+------+------+
| 14 Vegetable Plaiting Materials | 12  | 13   | 15    | 19   | 24   |
| And Vegetable Products,         |     |      |       |      |      |
+---------------------------------+-----+------+-------+------+------+
| 15 Animal Or Vegetable Fats And | 2,  | 2    | 2,426 | 2    | 3    |
| Oils                            | 055 | ,042 |       | ,996 | ,428 |
+---------------------------------+-----+------+-------+------+------+
| 16 Edible Preparations Of Meat, | 1,  | 1    | 1,589 | 1    | 2    |
| Fish & Seafood                  | 320 | ,487 |       | ,855 | ,029 |
+---------------------------------+-----+------+-------+------+------+
| 17 Sugars And Sugar             | 1,  | 1    | 1,648 | 1    | 2    |
| Confectionary                   | 538 | ,570 |       | ,951 | ,122 |
+---------------------------------+-----+------+-------+------+------+
| 18 Cocoa And Cocoa Preparations | 2,  | 2    | 3,227 | 4    | 4    |
|                                 | 517 | ,644 |       | ,228 | ,743 |
+---------------------------------+-----+------+-------+------+------+
| 19 Preparations Of Cereals,     | 2,  | 2    | 2,950 | 3    | 3    |
| Flour, Starch Or Milk;          | 490 | ,652 |       | ,508 | ,996 |
+---------------------------------+-----+------+-------+------+------+
| 20 Preparations Of Vegetables,  | 3,  | 3    | 3,927 | 4    | 5    |
| Fruit, Nuts,                    | 408 | ,577 |       | ,656 | ,160 |
+---------------------------------+-----+------+-------+------+------+
| 21 Miscellaneous Edible         | 1,  | 2    | 2,491 | 3    | 3    |
| Preparations                    | 989 | ,151 |       | ,138 | ,874 |
+---------------------------------+-----+------+-------+------+------+
| 22 Beverages, Spirits And       | 3,  | 3    | 3,732 | 4    | 4    |
| Vinegar                         | 010 | ,274 |       | ,295 | ,658 |
+---------------------------------+-----+------+-------+------+------+
| 23 Residues And Waste From The  | 2,  | 3    | 3,407 | 3    | 4    |
| Food Industries                 | 955 | ,156 |       | ,945 | ,903 |
+---------------------------------+-----+------+-------+------+------+
| 24 Tobacco And Manufactured     | 3,  | 3    | 4,283 | 4    | 5    |
| Tobacco Sub                     | 690 | ,659 |       | ,736 | ,252 |
+---------------------------------+-----+------+-------+------+------+
| 41 Raw Hides And Skins &        | 604 | 620  | 621   | 610  | 615  |
| Leather                         |     |      |       |      |      |
+---------------------------------+-----+------+-------+------+------+
| 43 Furskins And Artificial Fur; | 83  | 80   | 98    | 123  | 142  |
+---------------------------------+-----+------+-------+------+------+
| 44 Wood And Articles Of Wood;   | 2,  | 2    | 2,786 | 3    | 4    |
|                                 | 776 | ,649 |       | ,289 | ,089 |
+---------------------------------+-----+------+-------+------+------+
| 45 Cork And Articles Of Cork    | 11  | 11   | 11    | 17   | 16   |
+---------------------------------+-----+------+-------+------+------+
| 46 Manufactures Of Straw,       | 54  | 55   | 63    | 83   | 104  |
| Esparto                         |     |      |       |      |      |
+---------------------------------+-----+------+-------+------+------+
| 47 Pulp Of Wood Or Other        | 1,  | 900  | 1,001 | 1    | 1    |
| Fibrous Cellulosic Material;    | 239 |      |       | ,306 | ,697 |
+---------------------------------+-----+------+-------+------+------+

Source: GTIS