Required Report - public distribution

**Date:** 6/27/2005

**GAIN Report Number:** NA5001

NA5001

**Netherlands Antilles**

**HRI Food Service Sector**

**Country Report**

**2005**

**Approved by:**

![](media/image1.wmf)Paul Hoffman, Director

Caribbean Basin ATO

**Prepared by:**

Vladimir Diaz, M.S. Marketing Management, Johns Hopkins University,
Baltimore, MD

**Report Highlights:**

This report provides an important road map to assist U.S. exporters of
consumer-oriented agricultural products, and fish and seafood products
entering the \$150 million food service market in the Netherlands
Antilles. This report summarizes key market developments, provides
market opportunity, competitive threat analysis, identifies distribution
channels, provides sub-sector profiles, describes the competitive
situation and best products prospects.

Includes PSD Changes: No

Includes Trade Matrix: No

Annual Report

Abidjan \[IV1\]

\[NA\]

![](media/image2.png){width="5.90625in" height="8.15625in"}

**SECTION I. MARKET SUMMARY**

The Netherlands Antilles' hotel, restaurant, and institutional (HRI)
food service market consists of the total purchases and sales of
consumer-oriented agricultural products, and edible fish and seafood
products via hotels, restaurants, and institutions in the islands of
Curacao, Bonaire, Saba, St. Eustatius, and St. Maarten. This region's
food service market is reflective of its diverse and dynamic population
and its visitors from around the world. Overall, the hotels and
restaurants in the islands cater to a full range of customers and offer
international and traditional menus. Following is a brief description of
each island's food service market.

+---------+-------------------+------------------------+--------------+
| **I     | **Hotels**        | **Restaurants**        | **In         |
| sland** |                   |                        | stitutions** |
+---------+-------------------+------------------------+--------------+
| Bonaire | Some hotels have  | Most restaurants offer | One hospital |
|         | restaurants and   | local fresh seafood -- | and one      |
|         | perhaps a bar,    | especially snapper,    | geriatric    |
|         | and resorts have  | wahoo, and dorado.     | home.        |
|         | fully equipped    | Furthermore, meat      |              |
|         | kitchens. Low     | lovers can enjoy       |              |
|         | budget customers. | Argentinean beef and   |              |
|         |                   | vegetarians can enjoy  |              |
|         |                   | the abundance of fresh |              |
|         |                   | Venezuelan produce.    |              |
+---------+-------------------+------------------------+--------------+
| Curacao | Large-scale       | An abundance of        | Four         |
|         | resorts are       | international          | hospitals,   |
|         | located east and  | cuisine - Indonesian,  | seven        |
|         | west of the       | French, Dutch, Swiss,  | geriatric    |
|         | capital city of   | Indian, Italian, and   | homes and    |
|         | Willemstad, while | Swedish.               | one prison.  |
|         | smaller hotels    |                        | One dozen    |
|         | are located in    | There are many U.S.    | catering     |
|         | the southwest     | fast food chains       | companies.   |
|         | part of the       | present in this        |              |
|         | island. Medium to | market.                |              |
|         | high budget       |                        |              |
|         | customers.        |                        |              |
+---------+-------------------+------------------------+--------------+
| Saba    | Small inns and    | Quality and diverse    | One hospital |
|         | guesthouses. Low  | menu - serving fresh   | and one      |
|         | budget customers. | seafood and Caribbean  | geriatric    |
|         |                   | specialties and an     | home. A      |
|         |                   | extensive selection of | couple of    |
|         |                   | wines.                 | small        |
|         |                   |                        | catering     |
|         |                   |                        | companies.   |
+---------+-------------------+------------------------+--------------+
| St.     | Modest            | Most restaurants are   | One hospital |
| Eu      | accommodations    | very modest and        | and one      |
| statius | for low budget    | specialize in West     | geriatric    |
|         | customers.        | Indian food.           | home.        |
+---------+-------------------+------------------------+--------------+
| St.     | Most hotels are   | High international     | One          |
| Maarten | located in        | culinary reputation    | hospital,    |
|         | Simpson Bay and   | and mostly high-end    | one          |
|         | in the heart of   | restaurants with some  | geriatric    |
|         | Phillipsburg,     | franchised fast-food   | home, and    |
|         | where shops and   | restaurants.           | one prison.  |
|         | eateries abound.  |                        | Few catering |
|         |                   |                        | companies.   |
|         | Medium to high    |                        |              |
|         | budget customers. |                        |              |
+---------+-------------------+------------------------+--------------+

The food service market in the Netherlands Antilles consists of 1,123
units. The largest food service concentrations are located in Curacao
and St. Maarten. Hotels make up 65 percent of the HRI food service
market share, followed by restaurants at 33 percent, and institutions at
2 percent. In 2003, the Netherlands Antilles' hotel and restaurant
sub-markets were valued at \$103 million dollars (188 million guilders),
a 9 percent growth from 2002. There is no data available on the
institutions sub-market value and growth.

![](media/image3.wmf)

Tourism, offshore finance, and petroleum refining are the basis of this
region's economy. Gross domestic product (GDP) for the Netherlands
Antilles was \$2.8 billion in 2003 -- a 1.4 percent increase from 2002.
The agricultural sector contributes less than 1 percent to the region's
GDP and employs less than 1 percent of the total workforce. Moreover,
food and agricultural output indices declined from 144 in 1999 to 133
from 2003 -- the lowest in the past five years. Annual inflation
averaged 2.3 percent from 1998 to 2002, and declined to .4 percent in
2003, which is in line with the pickup in the economy. Food experienced
the highest inflation rate in 2003 as food prices rose to 2.1 percent,
fueled by the stronger euro. Even though GDP of the Netherlands Antilles
has grown slightly in the past few years, the islands benefit from a
high per capita income and a well-developed infrastructure compared with
other countries in the region.

Tourism remains the pillar of the Netherlands Antilles' economy. Like
all other Caribbean tourism destinations, the Netherlands Antilles
suffered from falling tourism demand following the September 11th 2001
terrorist attacks on the U.S. However, tourist numbers and cruise ship
arrivals recovered in 2003, reaching their highest levels since 1998.
While Europe remains the largest source of tourists, the opening of
charter flight connections with Boston, Chicago and Toronto has boosted
the number of tourists from the U.S. and Canada.

The Netherlands Antilles is heavily dependent on food imports due to the
scarcity of arable land, poor soil quality, inadequate water supplies,
and an unsuitable climate. The Antillean terrain is generally hilly and
volcanic, of which only 10 percent is arable land, and no permanent
crops are present in the region. In 2003, the Netherlands Antilles
imported \$150 million of consumer-oriented agricultural products (97
percent), and edible fish and seafood products (3 percent) destined for
the food service sector - a 9 percent from decline from 1999. Imports
from the United States to the Netherlands Antilles have experienced a
similar trend. Over the past five years, consumer-oriented agricultural
products have experienced a 9 percent decline, while edible fish and
seafood product have experienced 13 percent increase. (Please note that
estimates for total world trade may underestimate actual levels since
data is not available for every country.)

![](media/image4.wmf)

![](media/image5.wmf)

The following table illustrates the market advantages (strengths and
opportunities) and market challenges (weaknesses and threats) facing
U.S. exporters.

  ----------------------------------- -----------------------------------
  **Market Advantages**               **Market Challenges**

  Proximity to the islands is a major U.S. exports to the Netherlands
  competitive advantage for the U.S.  Antilles have declined by 33
                                      percent since 1999.

  High frequency of shipments to the  The Kingdom of the Netherlands, the
  Netherlands Antilles has driven     U.S.'s main competitor in the
  shipping cost down.                 Netherlands Antilles' market, has a
                                      31 percent and 21 percent market
                                      share in the food and seafood
                                      segments, respectively.

  U.S. has a market share of 29       Saba, St. Eustatius, and St.
  percent and 28 percent in the food  Maarten are subject to hurricanes
  and seafood segments, respectively. from July to October, which may
                                      lead to decline in tourism and
                                      demand for food.

  Major U.S. brands are well          About 5 percent of the most
  established in the Netherlands      productive population is migrating
  Antilles                            to the Netherlands every year.

  U.S. producers are among the lowest The Netherlands Antilles has
  cost producers in the world --      colony-colonizer relationship with
  enabling brands to compete on       the Netherlands as well as common
  price.                              policy and regional trading block.

  The U.S. agricultural system is one Tariffs are typically higher for
  of the most efficient in the world, products produced locally.
  enabling exporters to deliver       
  consistent, high quality products   

  The Netherlands Antilles GDP was    Unemployment rates are high.
  \$2.9 billion in 2003, increasing   
  by 1.4 percent from the previous    
  year.                               

  The tourism industry is growing,    Legislation to increase tariffs has
  and the hotel and restaurant        been submitted to Parliament.
  sub-markets have shown increased    
  value from 181 million guilders in  
  1999 to 188 million guilders in     
  2003.                               
  ----------------------------------- -----------------------------------

## [SECTION II. ROAD MAP FOR MARKET ENTRY]{.smallcaps} 

##### A. ENTRY STRATEGY

The best method for U.S. suppliers to enter the food service market in
the region is via local consolidators. Consolidators offer many
advantages to U.S. exporters, including faster and wider access to the
food service market, and less transportation, inventory, warehousing,
and storage problems. Food service companies buy 84 percent of their
food and seafood products from consolidators while local manufacturers
supply 11 percent and 5 percent of food service companies import
products directly. In essence, wholesalers have the bargaining power in
the market and intermediate between suppliers and buyers.

## B. MARKET STRUCTURE

The following chart illustrates how products are passed from U.S.
exporters to the various food service sub-markets.

####### 

C. SUB-SECTOR PROFILES

1\. Hotel and Resorts

+-------------+-----------+------------+------------+-----------------+
| **Company   | **Yearly\ | **Number   | **         | **Purchasing    |
| Name**      | Pu        | of         | Location** | Agent(s)**      |
|             | rchases** | Outlets**  |            |                 |
+-------------+-----------+------------+------------+-----------------+
| Sonesta     | \$        | 1          | St.        | Local Importer  |
|             | 1         |            | Maarten    | (80%)\          |
|             | 1,000,000 |            |            | Manufacturer    |
|             |           |            |            | (20%)           |
+-------------+-----------+------------+------------+-----------------+
| Breezes     | \$        | 1          | St.        | Local Importer  |
|             | 3,150,000 |            | Maarten    | (60%)\          |
|             |           |            |            | U.S.            |
|             |           |            |            | Consolidator    |
|             |           |            |            | (30%)\          |
|             |           |            |            | Manufacturer    |
|             |           |            |            | (10%)           |
+-------------+-----------+------------+------------+-----------------+
| Tamarind    | \$540,000 | 1          | St.        | Local Importer  |
|             |           |            | Maarten    | (40%)           |
|             |           |            |            |                 |
|             |           |            |            | U.S.            |
|             |           |            |            | Consolidator    |
|             |           |            |            | (30%)           |
|             |           |            |            |                 |
|             |           |            |            | Manufacturer    |
|             |           |            |            | (30%)           |
+-------------+-----------+------------+------------+-----------------+
| Marriott    | \$955,000 | 1          | Curacao    | Local Importer  |
|             |           |            |            | (60%)           |
|             |           |            |            |                 |
|             |           |            |            | U.S.            |
|             |           |            |            | Consolidator    |
|             |           |            |            | (40%)           |
+-------------+-----------+------------+------------+-----------------+
| Hilton      | \$630,000 | 1          | Curacao    | U.S.            |
|             |           |            |            | Consolidator    |
|             |           |            |            | (100%)          |
+-------------+-----------+------------+------------+-----------------+
| Kura        | \$        | 1          | Curacao    | U.S.            |
| Hulanda     | 435,000   |            |            | Consolidator    |
|             |           |            |            | (80%)\          |
|             |           |            |            | Local Importer  |
|             |           |            |            | (20%)           |
+-------------+-----------+------------+------------+-----------------+
| Plaza       | NA        | 1          | Bonaire    | Local Importer  |
| Resort      |           |            |            | (100%)          |
+-------------+-----------+------------+------------+-----------------+
| Habour      | \$        | 1          | Bonaire    | Local Importer  |
| Village     | 131,000   |            |            | (100%)          |
+-------------+-----------+------------+------------+-----------------+
| Old Gin     | NA        | 1          | St.        | Local Importer  |
| House       |           |            | Eustatius  | (100%)          |
+-------------+-----------+------------+------------+-----------------+

2\. Restaurants

+-------------+-----------+------------+------------+-----------------+
| **Company   | **Yearly\ | **Number   | **         | **Purchasing    |
| Name**      | Pu        | of         | Location** | Agent(s)**      |
|             | rchases** | Outlets**  |            |                 |
+-------------+-----------+------------+------------+-----------------+
| Hanabi      | \$        | 1          | St.        | Local Importer  |
| Japanese    | 354,000   |            | Maarten    | (100%)          |
| Restaurant  |           |            |            |                 |
+-------------+-----------+------------+------------+-----------------+
| Laguna      | \$        | 1          | St.        | Local Importer  |
| Ristorante  | 410,000   |            | Maarten    | (80%)\          |
|             |           |            |            | Manufacturer    |
|             |           |            |            | (20%)           |
+-------------+-----------+------------+------------+-----------------+
| Paris       | \$        | 1          | St.        | Local Importer  |
| Bristo      | 116,000   |            | Maarten    | (100%)          |
+-------------+-----------+------------+------------+-----------------+
| La Romance  | \$        | 1          | St.        | Local Importer  |
|             | 1,310,000 |            | Maarten    | (100%)          |
+-------------+-----------+------------+------------+-----------------+
| Subway      | \$700,000 | 7          | St.        | U.S.            |
|             |           |            | Maarten    | Consolidator    |
|             |           |            |            | (100%)          |
+-------------+-----------+------------+------------+-----------------+
| Restaurant  | NA        | 1          | Curacao    | Local Importer  |
| de          |           |            |            | (80%)\          |
| Gouverneur  |           |            |            | Manufacturer    |
|             |           |            |            | (20%)           |
+-------------+-----------+------------+------------+-----------------+
| Seasons     | \$470,000 | 1          | Curacao    | U.S.            |
|             |           |            |            | Consolidator    |
|             |           |            |            | (60%)           |
|             |           |            |            |                 |
|             |           |            |            | Local Importer  |
|             |           |            |            | (20%)           |
|             |           |            |            | Manufacturer    |
|             |           |            |            | (20%)           |
+-------------+-----------+------------+------------+-----------------+
| Rainforest  | \$102,000 | 1          | St.        | Local Importer  |
| Restaurant  |           |            | Eustatius  | (80%)\          |
|             |           |            |            | Manufacturer    |
|             |           |            |            | (20%)           |
+-------------+-----------+------------+------------+-----------------+
| Redez-Vous  | \$ 53,000 | 1          | Bonaire    | Local Importer  |
| Restaurant  |           |            |            | (100%)          |
+-------------+-----------+------------+------------+-----------------+

3\. Institutions

  -------------- ------------- ------------- -------------- -----------------
  **Company      **Yearly\     **Number of   **Location**   **Purchasing
  Name**         Purchases**   Outlets**                    Agent(s)**

  Goddart        \$ 1,350,000  1             St. Maarten    U.S. Consolidator
  Catering Group                                            (80%)\
                                                            Local Importer
                                                            (20%)

  Eddy\'s        \$51,000      1             Bonaire        Local Importer
  Gourmandises                                              (100%)
  Catering                                                  

  Joshara Snack  \$ 87,000     1             St. Eustatius  Local Importer
  & Catering                                                (100%)

  Dynasty        \$ 1,980,000  1             Curacao        Local Importer
  Catering                                                  (100%)
  Services                                                  
  -------------- ------------- ------------- -------------- -----------------

## 

## 

## 

## [SECTION III. COMPETITION]{.smallcaps} 

The following charts illustrate the overall competitive situation facing
U.S. exporters.

A.  **Consumer Oriented Agricultural Products**

![](media/image6.wmf)

+---------------------------+------------------------------------------+
| **Product Category**      | **Major Supply Sources**                 |
+---------------------------+------------------------------------------+
| Snack Foods (Excl. Nuts)  | 1\. Netherlands (41%)\                   |
|                           | 2. Columbia (8%)                         |
| Sales Value:\             |                                          |
| \$6,311                   | 3\. USA is a Medium Supplier (24%)       |
+---------------------------+------------------------------------------+
| Breakfast Cereals &       | 1\. Netherlands (21%)\                   |
| Pancake Mix               | 2. Costa Rica (5%)\                      |
|                           | 3. USA is a\                             |
| Sales Value:              | Major Supplier (57%)                     |
|                           |                                          |
| \$809                     |                                          |
+---------------------------+------------------------------------------+
| Red Meats,                | 1\. Brazil (27%)\                        |
| Fresh/Chilled/Frozen\     | 2. Netherlands (19%)\                    |
| \                         | 3. USA is a\                             |
| Sales Value:              | Minor Supplier (9%)                      |
|                           |                                          |
| \$10,539                  |                                          |
+---------------------------+------------------------------------------+
| Red Meats,                | 1\. Netherlands (31%)\                   |
| Prepared/Preserved        | 2. France (9%)\                          |
|                           | 3. USA is a\                             |
| Sales Value:              | Major Supplier (33%)                     |
|                           |                                          |
| \$ 6,562                  |                                          |
+---------------------------+------------------------------------------+
| Poultry Meat              | 1\. Brazil (47%)\                        |
|                           | 2. Netherlands (2%)\                     |
| Sales Value:\             | 3. USA is a\                             |
| \$9,151                   | Major Supplier (46%)                     |
+---------------------------+------------------------------------------+
| Dairy Products (Excl.     | 1\. Netherlands (36%)\                   |
| Cheese)                   | 2. France (17%)\                         |
|                           | 3. USA is a\                             |
| Sales Value:              | Minor Supplier (11%)                     |
|                           |                                          |
| \$8,094                   |                                          |
+---------------------------+------------------------------------------+
| Cheese                    | 1\. Netherlands (73%)\                   |
|                           | 2. France (12%)\                         |
| Sales Value:\             | 3. USA is a\                             |
| \$11,784                  | Minor Supplier (3%)                      |
+---------------------------+------------------------------------------+
| Eggs & Products           | 1\. Venezuela (24%)\                     |
|                           | 2. France (1%)\                          |
| Sales Value:\             | 3. USA is a\                             |
| \$388,000                 | Major Supplier (73%)                     |
+---------------------------+------------------------------------------+
| Fresh Fruit               | 1\. Venezuela (57%)\                     |
|                           | 2. Dominica (13%)\                       |
| Sales Value:\             | 3. USA is a\                             |
| \$4,007,000               | Minor Supplier (3%)                      |
+---------------------------+------------------------------------------+
| Fresh Vegetables\         | 1\. Netherlands (34%)\                   |
| \                         | 2. France (10%)\                         |
| Sales Value:\             | 3. USA is a\                             |
| \$9,415,000               | Major Supplier (43%)                     |
+---------------------------+------------------------------------------+
| Processed Fruit &         | 1\. Netherlands (41%)\                   |
| Vegetables\               | 2. Canada (5%)\                          |
| \                         | 3. USA is a\                             |
| Sales Value:\             | Major Supplier (34%)                     |
| \$9,398,000               |                                          |
+---------------------------+------------------------------------------+
| Fruit & Vegetable Juices\ | 1\. Netherlands (23%)\                   |
| \                         | 2. Canada (17%)\                         |
| Sales Value:\             | 3. USA is a\                             |
| \$5,721,000               | Major Supplier (37%)                     |
+---------------------------+------------------------------------------+
| Tree Nuts                 | 1\. Australia (29%)\                     |
|                           | 2. Singapore (17%)\                      |
| Sales Value:              | 3. USA is a\                             |
|                           | Major Supplier (30%)                     |
| \$672,000                 |                                          |
+---------------------------+------------------------------------------+
| Wine & Beer               | 1\. Netherlands (44%)\                   |
|                           | 2. France (14%)\                         |
| Sales Value:              | 3. USA is a\                             |
|                           | Minor Supplier (14%)                     |
| \$19,037,000              |                                          |
+---------------------------+------------------------------------------+
| Nursery Products & Cut    | 1\. Colombia (47%)\                      |
| Flowers                   | 2. Netherlands (29%)\                    |
|                           | 3. USA is a\                             |
| Sales Value:              | Minor Supplier (4%)                      |
|                           |                                          |
| \$1,578,000               |                                          |
+---------------------------+------------------------------------------+
| Pet Foods (Dog & Cat      | 1\. Netherlands (17%)\                   |
| Food)                     | 2. Brazil (4%)\                          |
|                           | 3. USA is a\                             |
| Sales Value:\             | Major Supplier (82%)                     |
| \$2,891,000               |                                          |
+---------------------------+------------------------------------------+
| Other Consumer-Oriented   | 1\. Netherlands (24%)\                   |
| Products                  | 2. France (11%)\                         |
|                           | 3. USA is a\                             |
| Sales Value:\             | Major Supplier (44%)                     |
| \$39,356,000              |                                          |
+---------------------------+------------------------------------------+

**B. Edible Fish & Seafood Products**

![](media/image7.wmf)

+----------------------------------+-----------------------------------+
| **Product Category**             | **Major Supply Sources**          |
+----------------------------------+-----------------------------------+
| Salmon                           | 1\. Panama (26%)\                 |
|                                  | 2. Netherlands (23%)\             |
| Sales Value:\                    | 3. USA is a\                      |
| \$389,000                        | Medium Supplier (20%)             |
+----------------------------------+-----------------------------------+
| Surimi                           | 1\. Guyana (27%)\                 |
|                                  | 2. USA is a\                      |
| Sales Value:                     | Major Supplier (73%)              |
|                                  |                                   |
| \$37,000                         |                                   |
+----------------------------------+-----------------------------------+
| Crustaceans                      | 1\. Netherlands (9%)\             |
|                                  | 2. Venezuela (7%)\                |
| Sales Value:\                    | 3. USA is a\                      |
| \$817,000                        | Major Supplier (73%)              |
+----------------------------------+-----------------------------------+
| Groundfish & Flatfish            | 1\. Netherlands (29%)\            |
|                                  | 2. Japan (21%)\                   |
| Sales Value:                     | 3. USA is a\                      |
|                                  | Minor Supplier (11%)              |
| \$1,777,000                      |                                   |
+----------------------------------+-----------------------------------+
| Molluscs                         | 1\. Netherlands (29%)\            |
|                                  | 2. France (9%)\                   |
| Sales Value:                     | 3. USA is a\                      |
|                                  | Major Supplier (62%)              |
| \$383,000                        |                                   |
+----------------------------------+-----------------------------------+
| Other Fishery Products           | 1\. Peru (19%)\                   |
|                                  | 2. Netherlands (17%)\             |
| Sales Value:\                    | 3. USA is a\                      |
| \$1,750,000                      | Medium Supplier (15%)             |
+----------------------------------+-----------------------------------+

**C. CULTURAL, ADMINISTRATIVE, GEOGRAPHIC, & ECONOMIC (CAGE) DISTANCE
FRAMEWORK**

The cultural, administrative, geographic, and economic distance between
the United States and the Netherlands Antilles has a strong impact on
the food service market.

The cultural ties between the U.S. and the Netherlands Antilles affect
the quality perception and demand for a variety of products. The
majority of food service managers and their customers place a great deal
of importance on the origin of food and its ingredients. Overall, food
service managers and their customers rank the quality of food from the
United States as the highest among competing countries, followed by the
Kingdom of the Netherlands.

The administrative ties between the U.S. and the Netherlands Antilles
also affect the food service market. In general, government involvement
is low due to the minor role agriculture plays in the Netherlands
Antilles' economy. While tariffs are applied in Curacao and Bonaire, the
other three islands that makeup the region does not have custom duties
and operate as free ports. However, extra duties may be imposed on
certain locally grown agricultural products, and excise duties are
levied on alcoholic beverages.

The geographic distance between the U.S. and the Netherlands Antilles is
the determinant factor in increasing or declining trade between the two
nations. The CAGE Distance Framework shows a favorable trade benefit for
the United States despite the fact that the Kingdom of the Netherlands
and the Netherlands Antilles has a colony-colonizer relationship, common
policy, and common regional trading block. The United States is only
1,190 kilometers away from the Netherlands Antilles, while the Kingdom
of the Netherlands is 4,780 kilometers away. This contributes to a
positive trade increase of 400 percent between the United States and the
Netherlands Antilles. Moreover, it is important to note here that the
Netherlands Antilles is currently seeking independence from the Kingdom
of the Netherlands while strengthening its relations with other
Caribbean countries. Recently, the Netherlands Antilles was granted
observer status at the Association of Caribbean Community. However, the
region's ties with the European Union exclude the Netherlands Antilles
from Free Trade Area of the Americas, and the lack of economies of scale
inhibit the islands' participation in the Caribbean Trade Initiative.

Finally, as the region's average income level increases, the economic
distance between the U.S. and the Netherlands Antilles highly impacts
the demand for high-cost foods.

##### SECTION IV. BEST PRODUCT PROSPECTS 

The following charts illustrate the best product prospects for U.S.
exporters entering the Netherlands Antilles food service market.

**Products Present in Market Which Have Good Sales Potential**

  ----------------------------------------- -----------------------------
  **Product Category**                      **2003 Imports**

  Other Consumer-Oriented Products          \$39,356,000

  Wine & Beer                               \$19,037,000

  Cheese                                    \$11,784,000

  Red Meats, Fresh/Chilled/Frozen           \$10,539,000

  Fresh Vegetables                          \$9,415,000

  Processed Fruit & Vegetables              \$9,398,000

  Poultry Meat                              \$9,151,000

  Dairy Products (Excl. Cheese)             \$8,094,000
  ----------------------------------------- -----------------------------

**Products Not Present in Significant Quantities But Which Have Good
Sales Potential**

  ------------------------------------------ ----------------------------
  **Product Category**                       **2003 Imports**

  Red Meats, Prepared/Preserved              \$6,562,000

  Snack Foods (Excl. Nuts)                   \$6,311,000

  Fruit & Vegetable Juices                   \$5,721,000

  Fresh Fruit                                \$4,007,000

  Pet Foods (Dog & Cat Food)                 \$2,891,000

  Groundfish & Flatfish                      \$1,777,000

  Other Fishery Products                     \$1,750,000

  Nursery Products & Cut Flowers             \$1,578,000

  Crustaceans                                \$817,000

  Breakfast Cereals & Pancake Mix            \$809,000

  Tree Nuts                                  \$672,000

  Salmon                                     \$389,000

  Eggs & Products                            \$388,000

  Molluscs                                   \$383,000

  Surimi                                     \$37,000
  ------------------------------------------ ----------------------------

# 

# 

# [SECTION V. POST CONTACT AND FURTHER INFORMATION]{.smallcaps} 

**A. For more information on the Netherlands Antilles and a list of
importers for your U.S. product, please contact:**

**Caribbean Basin Agricultural Trade Office**

**Foreign Agricultural Service**

**United States Department of Agriculture**

909 SE 1^st^ Ave., Suite 720

Miami, FL 33131

Phone: (305) 536-5300

Fax: (305) 536-7577

E-mail: <cbato@cbato.net>

Paul Hoffman, Director

E-mail: <paul@cbato.net>

Omar González, Deputy Director

E-mail: <omar@cbato.net>

Graciela Juelle, Marketing Assistant

E-mail: <grace@cbato.net>

Please visit our website for more reports and information on the
Netherlands Antilles and other Caribbean Islands:

[http://www.cbato.fas.usda.gov](http://www.cbato.fas.usda.gov/), click
on "U.S. Exporters"

**B. Other Sources of Information on the Netherlands Antilles:**

**United States Consulate General**

**Willemstad, Curacao**

P.O. Box 158, J.B. Gorsiraweg 1,

Phone: 011-599(9)-461-3066\
Fax: 011-599(9)-461-6489

E-mail: <info@amcongencuracao.an>\
Website: <http://curacao.usconsulate.gov/General_info.htm>

**CURACAO**

##### Chamber of Commerce & Industry

P.O. Box 10

Kaya Junior Salas 1

Curacao, Netherlands Antilles

Phone: 011-599(9)-461-1451

Fax: 011-599(9)-461-5652

E-mail: <management@curacao-chamber.an>

Website: [http://www.curacao-chamber.an](http://www.curacao-chamber.an/)

##### Curacao Hospitality and Tourism Association

P.O. Box 6115

Kurason di Komersio

Kaya Junior Salas 1

Curacao, Netherlands Antilles

Phone: 011-599(9)-465-1005

Fax: 011-599(9)-465-1052

Website: www.chata.org