Required Report - public distribution

**Date:** 6/4/2004

**GAIN Report Number:** DR4005

DR4005

**Dominican Republic**

**HRI Food Service Sector**

**Annual**

**2004**

**Approved by:**

![](media/image1.wmf)David G. Salmon

U.S. Embassy, Santo Domingo

**Prepared by:**

Wagner Mendez

**Report Highlights:**

The Dominican Republic is one of the main tourist destinations in the
Caribbean region, with over 2.7 million tourist arrivals in 2003, up 20
percent from 2002. Total food consumption in the HRI sector is over
US\$1 billion. Around 45 percent of the total food and beverage
consumption in the country is imported, with 50-55 percent of the import
total coming from the United States. In spite of the country's current
financial crisis, the outlook for U.S. food service product exports
remains very positive.

Includes PSD Changes: No

Includes Trade Matrix: No

Annual Report

Santo Domingo \[DR1\]

\[DR\]

**HOTEL, RESTAURANT, INSTITUTIONAL (HRI)**

###### FOOD SERVICE SECTOR REPORT

# I. MARKET SUMMARY

The Dominican hotel, restaurant and institutional sector, which is one
of the largest in the Caribbean, is comprised of a diverse tourism
sector, business hotels, upscale and more informal restaurants, and fast
food franchises. Consumption of food and beverages in the Dominican
Republic's (DR) non-tourist sector was estimated at US\$700 million in
2003. Consumption at all-inclusive resorts is estimated at \$443.3
million, for a total of over US\$1 billion for the two sectors. Use of
imported products in the institutional sector is limited, reducing the
attractiveness of this segment to U.S. exporters.

Around 45 percent of the total food and beverage consumption in the
country is imported, with 50-55 percent of import total coming from the
United States. The percentage is higher in the HRI sector, where there
is a preference for imported food products, due to higher and more
consistent quality. However, it is important to note that the DR's food
processing industry is improving its efficiency and competitiveness.
This means competition from domestic products will likely grow. However,
the recently negotiated free trade agreement between the United States
and the DR, if approved by both countries, will provide significant new
openings for a wide range of products, as tariffs are lowered and
non-tariff barriers on meat and dairy products are removed.

There are several trends in the HRI sector that bode well for future
demand for imported food products. Over 40 percent of women have now
joined the workforce and the percentage will continue to grow. This
results in higher demand for meals outside the home and more convenience
in retail food products. An increase in the number of Dominicans taking
vacations in country is pushing up food consumption in the HRI sector.
Increasing menu diversification, as Dominicans internationalize their
consumption habits, is also increasing demand for imported products in
the sector. Fast food is well established in the market, and there is an
increase in the consumption of pizzas, hamburgers and other types of
fast food. An increase in tourism promotion by the Dominican government
both internationally and domestically is helping to support a steady
recover from the dramatic decline in tourism after the 9/11 disaster in
2001.

####### ECONOMIC SITUATION

The Dominican Republic was, until recently, seen as a bright spot in the
Latin American economic picture, with highest sustained economic growth
in the hemisphere for the five-year period through 2002, averaging 7.6
percent. However, building economic problems in 2003 were exacerbated by
a spectacular bank collapse and default, which resulted in negative 3
percent GDP growth in 2003. Inflation that was 10.5 percent in 2002
soared to over 40 percent, and the Dominican peso, which averaged 18.54
to the U.S. dollar during 2002, lost more than half its value and is now
trading at around 43 pesos to the dollar. U.S. trade data for 2003 show
Dominican imports of U.S. agriculture, forestry, and fishery products
off by nearly 15 percent. And consumer-oriented product imports were
especially hard hit, plummeting by 28 percent.

Although the crisis is severe, the Dominican economy is felt to be
fundamentally sound and will recover from this setback. The tourism
sector is booming and there are significant dollar earnings from other
exports. However, the effects of this financial crisis will be
significant in 2004. Approximately 45 percent of the national budget for
2004 will go toward servicing debt. The Dominican government has
negotiated a new loan agreement with the International Monetary Fund
(IMF), which should help to stabilize the economy. The IMF projections
for 2004 are for GDP growth of negative one percent, with inflation of
15 percent.

######## ADVANTAGES AND CHALLENGES FACING U.S. PRODUCTS

######## IN THE DOMINICAN REPUBLIC

+----------------------------------+-----------------------------------+
| **Advantages**                   | **Challenges**                    |
+----------------------------------+-----------------------------------+
| -   American culture has a great | -   The current financial crisis  |
|     influence on the Dominican   |     will have a negative effect   |
|     Republic, driven by the      |     on restaurant and hotel food  |
|     large number of Dominicans   |     service sales.                |
|     living in the United States  |                                   |
|     and domination of U.S. mass  | -   The local Dominican food      |
|     media, such as cable TV.     |     industry is becoming more     |
|                                  |     efficient and more            |
| -   The growth of tourism in the |     competitive, as is            |
|     country, which is booming    |     integrating new technologies  |
|     this season, is increasing   |     into production.              |
|     demand for imported products |                                   |
|     in that sector.              | -   Globalization and the         |
|                                  |     influence of the mass media   |
| -   The current economic crisis  |     have given Dominicans access  |
|     will have little effect on   |     to other cultures, e.g.,      |
|     the tourism industry, since  |     Europe, Asia, and South       |
|     it is dollar based and       |     America. These different      |
|     somewhat insulated from the  |     cultures influence            |
|     rest of the economy.         |     consumption habits here and   |
|                                  |     increase demand for foods     |
| -   The recently negotiated free |     from those countries.         |
|     trade agreement with the     |                                   |
|     Dominican Republic, once     | -   The prices of products        |
|     signed, will likely improve  |     offered in fast food          |
|     access for meat and dairy    |     restaurants of U.S. origin    |
|     products and should help to  |     are relatively high.          |
|     improve Customs clearance.   |                                   |
|                                  | -   In the Dominican Republic,    |
| -   Fast food chains and other   |     there are currently           |
|     types of restaurants from    |     significant tariff and        |
|     the U.S. are very popular in |     non-tariff barriers to        |
|     the country.                 |     imports of meat and dairy     |
|                                  |     products.                     |
| -   U.S. suppliers can provide   |                                   |
|     products with consistent and | -   The Dominican Republic just   |
|     reliable quality and         |     signed a free trade agreement |
|     quantity, which helps reduce |     with the other Caribbean      |
|     overall food service costs.  |     countries, which may increase |
|                                  |     trade within this area,       |
|                                  |     possibly at the expense of    |
|                                  |     U.S.                          |
|                                  |                                   |
|                                  | -   The weakening of the          |
|                                  |     Dominican peso makes U.S.     |
|                                  |     products more costly.         |
+----------------------------------+-----------------------------------+

####### II. ROAD MAP FOR MARKET ENTRY

####### A. ENTRY STRATEGY

Resorts: Most major resorts, which sell all-inclusive packages to
tourists, source some products directly through central buying sections,
but they also procure many products directly from local importers. These
importers must be highly reliable in supplying the products needed for
their food service operations. They also serve the function of rapidly
sourcing products to fill gaps when a resort finds itself facing a
supply problem in its normal supply channel. In some cases, central
buying entities are located in Miami, but other European owned resorts
source through buying units located there. This will make it more
difficult to get products into these resorts. Depending on the product,
approaching the central buying unit or proceeding through an
importer/distributor in the DR might be best. A list of importers that
specialize in supplying resort hotels is included in this report.

Business Hotels/Restaurants: Dominican business hotels and upscale
restaurants source almost all of their food products from
importer/distributors. Although it may be useful to approach the food
and beverage managers at hotels and restaurant owners directly to
introduce new products, if there is interest the product, will be turned
over to a normal supplier to source. Therefore, we feel that the most
efficient manner to enter this segment of the HRI market is through an
established importer/distributor. If your company has the resources, you
may want to hire a local representative, in order to promote your
products to the major importer/distributors and the purchasing
departments of the major hotel chains.

Fast Food: As is always the case, fast food chains from the United
States import their own products and ingredients through established
franchise channels. Dominican fast food restaurant serve traditional
foods, which are almost exclusively sourced domestically.

**B. MARKET STRUCTURE**

![](media/image12.wmf)

The Dominican Republic is one of the main tourist destinations in the
Caribbean region, with over 2.7 million tourist arrivals in 2003 in an
industry with over 54,000 hotel rooms. The average occupancy rate in
2003 was 72.7 percent, up sharply from 64.1 percent in 2001, the year of
the 9/11 disaster, and 62.8 percent in 2002. Since the third quarter of
2002, the Dominican Republic's tourism industry has recovered steadily,
with foreign tourist arrivals up 20 percent in 2003. August 2003 was an
especially solid month, due to the celebration of the Pan American
Games, which drew thousands of athletes, media and spectators to Santo
Domingo. In 2003, the breakdown of tourist origin was as follows:
Europe, (46.1%), United States (31.5%), Canada (15.0%), South America
(3.5%), Central America and Caribbean (3.1%), and Others (0.8%). The
tourism sector is growing, with several new hotel openings 2003 and
others projected for 2004.

There have been major changes in the food operations in resorts over the
past five years. Around 80 percent of hotels in the country are now
resort-style, i.e., all-inclusive. Offering a relatively low
all-inclusive price means that hotels must control food costs, while
meeting their guests' expectations for quality and variety. Tour
operators have sharply increased demands on hotels to improve the
quality and safety of the foods they offer to the point of wielding
influence over the type of supplier used. At times they require that
specific firms be contracted to ensure that quality control practices
are met. Local competition has also increased substantially, due to
increases in domestic product quality. There is also a trend towards
using semi-processed products to reduce costs.

Supply channels are not too complex. Local products are mostly handled
through the same distribution channels as imported goods. Some local
producers have approached distributors or intermediaries that are
specialized in this market to try to introduce their products. However,
some of the country\'s largest businesses prefer to sell directly to
this sector, avoiding having to depend on intermediaries to introduce
new products.

Usually, intermediaries who handle products for this sector are
specialized. As a result, there are suppliers that only handle specific
products, such as meats, seafood, frozen vegetables, ice creams, fruit
juices and alcoholic beverages. However, there are also some suppliers
who deal with a variety of these categories. Most of these
intermediaries function as wholesale importers, who handle other types
of products and foods that they sell to supermarkets and to the
country\'s traditional mom n' pop stores. Also, some intermediaries
belong to local processing businesses that round out their product line
with other imported products. Furthermore, some local processors are
trying to strengthen their distribution system, including imported
products.

The principal tourist beach resort areas in the country are indicated on
the map below. Punta Cana and La Romana are characterized by large
all-inclusive resorts, whose occupants mainly arrive in large groups via
tour packages. In most cases they never leave the resort during their
stays, which average just over ten days. Although there are large
all-inclusive resorts in the Samana and North Coast regions, tourism in
these areas is much more diverse, characterized by smaller hotels,
cabanas, and individual rentals, that cater to families and the younger
more active tourist set. Especially the North Coast is a windsailing and
kite boarding Mecca. Santo Domingo is a tourist destination in its own
right, being the oldest city in the Western Hemisphere, founded in 1498
by Fray Nicolas de Ovando.

![](media/image13.wmf){width="5.833333333333333in"
height="3.7493055555555554in"}

####### 

####### C. SUB-SECTOR PROFILES

**1. Resorts**

The resort/hotel sector is the largest market segment in this area, due
to the recovery of tourism, especially in 2003. The Dominican Republic
is receiving increasing worldwide recognition as a premier vacation
destination, which has made it an attractive venue for fairs,
conferences, conventions and international events. These factors
contribute to an increasing flow of business people to the country.

**COMPANY PROFILES**

+-----------+--------------------+---------+------+------------------+
| **Name of | **Locations**      | *       | **T  | **Purchasing     |
| Resort**  |                    | *Number | otal | Agent**          |
|           |                    | of      | Roo  |                  |
|           |                    | H       | ms** |                  |
|           |                    | otels** |      |                  |
+-----------+--------------------+---------+------+------------------+
| Barceló   | Santo Domingo/     | 16      | 4    | Importer /       |
| Hotels    | Juan Dolio/ Punta  |         | ,323 | Direct           |
|           | Cana/Bávaro,       |         |      |                  |
|           | Barahona,          |         |      |                  |
+-----------+--------------------+---------+------+------------------+
| RIU       | Punta Cana/Arena   | 8       | 3    | Importer /       |
|           | Gorda/             |         | ,490 | Direct           |
|           | Bávaro/Puerto      |         |      |                  |
|           | Plata              |         |      |                  |
+-----------+--------------------+---------+------+------------------+
| O         | Santo Domingo/ Las | 9       | 3    | Importer /       |
| ccidental | Pascualas/Sosua /  |         | ,486 | Direct           |
| Hotel     | Las Terrenas/Punta |         |      |                  |
| s/Allegro | Cana/              |         |      |                  |
|           |                    |         |      |                  |
|           | Bavaro/Puerto      |         |      |                  |
|           | Plata/Samana       |         |      |                  |
+-----------+--------------------+---------+------+------------------+
| Iberostar | Arena Gorda/       | 5       | 2    | Importer /       |
|           | Puerto Plata/      |         | ,401 | Direct           |
|           |                    |         |      |                  |
|           | Bayahibe/Punta     |         |      |                  |
|           | Cana / Bávaro      |         |      |                  |
+-----------+--------------------+---------+------+------------------+
| Fiesta    | Santo              | 2       | 880  | Importer /       |
| Hotels    | Domingo/Bávaro     |         |      | Direct           |
+-----------+--------------------+---------+------+------------------+
| AMHSA     | Playa              | 8       | 2    | Importer /       |
| HOTELS    | Dorada/Sosua/      |         | ,431 | Direct           |
|           | Cabarete/Samana/   |         |      |                  |
|           | LasTerrenas/       |         |      |                  |
|           | Bávaro /           |         |      |                  |
|           |                    |         |      |                  |
|           | Punta Cana/Juan    |         |      |                  |
|           | Dolio              |         |      |                  |
+-----------+--------------------+---------+------+------------------+
| LTI       | Punta Cana/Sosua/  | 3       | 1    | Importer         |
|           | Bávaro             |         | ,680 |                  |
+-----------+--------------------+---------+------+------------------+
| Coral by  | Bayahibe/Juan      | 4       | 2    | Importer         |
| Hilton    | Dolio/             |         | ,002 |                  |
|           |                    |         |      |                  |
|           | Boca Chica/Puerto  |         |      |                  |
|           | Plata              |         |      |                  |
+-----------+--------------------+---------+------+------------------+
| Hotetur   | Boca Chica/Puerto  | 3       | 847  | Importer         |
|           | Plata              |         |      |                  |
+-----------+--------------------+---------+------+------------------+
| Princess  | Punta Cana/ Bávaro | 3       | 1    | Importer         |
| Hotels    |                    |         | ,415 |                  |
+-----------+--------------------+---------+------+------------------+
| Sol Melia | Punta Cana/Bavaro/ | 3       | 1    | Importer         |
|           |                    |         | ,789 |                  |
|           | Santo Domingo      |         |      |                  |
+-----------+--------------------+---------+------+------------------+
| Super     | Sosua/Punta        | 2       | 1    | Importer         |
| Clubs     | Cana/Bavaro        |         | ,169 |                  |
+-----------+--------------------+---------+------+------------------+
| Premier   | La Romana          | 1       | 300  | Importer         |
| Hotels    |                    |         |      |                  |
|           |                    |         |      |                  |
| Casa de   |                    |         |      |                  |
| Campo     |                    |         |      |                  |
+-----------+--------------------+---------+------+------------------+

1.  **Business Hotels**

Most of the hotels listed below are in the capital city, Santo Domingo.
They are basically business hotels but are used by tourists interested
in the Colonial City and other tourist attractions in Santo Domingo.
Most are part of large worldwide hotel chains.

There are several large hotel projects also in planning in the Santo
Domingo area, with the most important being the Malecón Center complex
on the waterfront, which is nearing completion. The landmark 194,000
square meter residential, commercial and high-rise hotel complex has
three 30-story towers and an ocean view terrace. The Malecón Center
features five movie theatres, 175 store locations, office space, and
restaurants. Hilton will be operating a 22-floor, 228 room hotel in the
complex, with gymnasium, casino, and meeting rooms with capacity for
1,300 persons.

## DOMINICAN BUSINESS HOTELS

+-------------------+--------------------+-----+--------+-----------+
| **Name of Hotel** | **Locations**      | **  | *      | **P       |
|                   |                    | Num | *Total | urchasing |
|                   |                    | ber | R      | Agent**   |
|                   |                    | of  | ooms** |           |
|                   |                    | Ho  |        |           |
|                   |                    | tel |        |           |
|                   |                    | s** |        |           |
+-------------------+--------------------+-----+--------+-----------+
| Renaissance       | Santo Domingo      | 1   | 293    | Importer  |
| Jaragua           |                    |     |        | / Direct  |
+-------------------+--------------------+-----+--------+-----------+
| V Centenario      | Santo Domingo      | 1   |        | Importer  |
| Intercontinental  |                    |     |        | / Direct  |
+-------------------+--------------------+-----+--------+-----------+
| Melia Santo       | Santo Domingo      | 1   | 245    | Importer  |
| Domingo           |                    |     |        | / Direct  |
+-------------------+--------------------+-----+--------+-----------+
| Hotel Embajador   | Santo Domingo      | 1   | 286    | Importer  |
|                   |                    |     |        | / Direct  |
+-------------------+--------------------+-----+--------+-----------+
| Hotel Santo       | Santo Domingo      | 2   | 2      | Importer  |
| Domingo           |                    |     | 15/165 | / Direct  |
|                   |                    |     |        |           |
| /Hispaniola       |                    |     |        |           |
+-------------------+--------------------+-----+--------+-----------+
| Dominican Fiesta  | Santo Domingo      | 1   | 331    | Importer  |
|                   |                    |     |        | / Direct  |
+-------------------+--------------------+-----+--------+-----------+
| Hotel Naco        | Santo Domingo      | 1   | 106    | Importer  |
|                   |                    |     |        | / Direct  |
+-------------------+--------------------+-----+--------+-----------+
| Hotel Plaza Naco  | Santo Domingo      | 1   | 213    | Importer  |
| (Clarion)         |                    |     |        |           |
+-------------------+--------------------+-----+--------+-----------+
| Barcelo Gran      | Santo Domingo      | 1   | 217    | Importer  |
| Hotel Lina        |                    |     |        |           |
+-------------------+--------------------+-----+--------+-----------+
| Hotel Courtyard   | Santo Domingo      | 1   | 146    | New       |
| (Marriot)         |                    |     |        |           |
+-------------------+--------------------+-----+--------+-----------+
| Hotel El Gran     | Santiago           | 1   | 156    | Importer/ |
| Almirante         |                    |     |        | Di        |
|                   |                    |     |        | stributor |
+-------------------+--------------------+-----+--------+-----------+

2.  **Restaurants**

Santo Domingo has an extensive up-scale restaurant sector, which caters
to the wealthier classes, businesses and tourists. The economic crisis
that began in 2003 has hurt business for many of these establishments,
but not to the point of forcing closures. The list below is only the
main upscale restaurants in Santo Domingo. There are many others. All of
them have international menus and individual specialties. Ethnic
restaurants include German, Arabic, Argentine, Spanish, French, Italian,
Mediterranean, Mexican, and Chinese.

Restaurants offer good opportunities for exporters from the United
States. Most buy from local importer/distributors and a few import some
products directly. To meet the needs for international dishes, they
import beef, fish and seafood, pasta, and hams. Since these restaurants
do not function as chains and purchases are small, they source almost
all products through importer/distributors.

The general trend towards eating out has led to the opening of many
small restaurants focusing on the lunch crowd, independent cafeterias,
cafeterias located inside businesses, and cafeterias in supermarkets.
These establishments provide local food, sandwiches, and snacks at
affordable prices to working-class Dominicans.

## DOMINICAN UPSCALE RESTAURANTS

  --------------- ---------------- ---------------- -------------------------
  **Name of       **Locations**    **Type of        **Purchasing Agent**
  Restaurant**                     Cuisine**        

  La Bricciola    Santo Domingo    International    Importer/Direct

  Davy Crockett   Santo Domingo    Steak House      Importer/Direct

  Fellini         Santo Domingo    Italian          Importer/Direct

  Outback         Santo Domingo    Australian       Importer/Direct
  Steakhouse                                        

  Scherezade      Santo Domingo    Mediterranean    Importer/Direct

  Taboo Bamboo    Santo Domingo    Asian            Local Purchasing

  Bella Cristal   Santo Domingo    Cantonese        Importer/Direct

  Juan Carlos     Santo Domingo    Spanish/French   Importer/Direct

  Toscana         Santo Domingo    Italian          Importer/Direct

  Mytos           Santo Domingo    Steak House      Importer/Direct

  Tony Romas      Santo Domingo    Steak House      Importer/Direct

  Samurai         Santo Domingo    Japanese         Local Purchasing

  Pepperoni       Santo Domingo    Pastas           Local Purchasing

  Seasons         Santo Domingo    Creative Foods   Local Purchasing

  Vesuvio I & II  Santo Domingo    Italian          Local Purchasing
  --------------- ---------------- ---------------- -------------------------

3.  **Fast Food**

Fast food restaurants are the fastest growing sector in the food service
industry. Foreign fast food chains, mostly from the United States,
started in the Dominican Republic in 1994 and have been very well
received by Dominicans. Over 48 of these establishments have been
opened, mostly in Santo Domingo and Santiago. The entry of foreign fast
food chains has spurred the development of local businesses, although
they tend to specialize in local popular foods. Many of them import
their own products, primarily in the case of hamburger, meats, chickens,
potatoes, sauces and ice cream. Fresh vegetables and bread are procured
domestically.

**FAST FOOD RESTAURANT PROFILES**

  -------------- ---------------------- ------------- ----------------------
  **Name of      **Locations**          **Number of   **Purchasing Agent**
  Restaurant**                          Outlets**     

  Burger King    Santo Domingo,         27            Direct
                 Santiago, San                        
                 Francisco, La Vega,                  
                 Puerto Plata, Boca                   
                 Chica, La Romana,                    
                 Punta Cana                           

  Wendy's        Santo Domingo          3             Direct

  Kentucky Fried Santo Domingo          4             Direct
  Chicken                                             

  Domino\'s      Santo Domingo,         6             Direct
  Pizza          Santiago                             

  Pizza Hut      Santo Domingo,         6             Direct
                 Santiago                             

  Taco Bell      Santo Domingo,         8             Direct
                 Santiago                             

  McDonalds      Santo Domingo,         3             Direct
                 Santiago                             
  -------------- ---------------------- ------------- ----------------------

**3. Institutions**

Many large businesses have set up cafeterias in order to offer food to
their employees. These are independently run. Some free trade zones and
industrial parks have also begun to install cafeterias, with the
objective of offering inexpensive food of an acceptable quality. These
cafeterias are more oriented to serving traditional dishes, with over 90
percent of ingredients being produced domestically. In this category
there is limited opportunity for U.S. exporters, except for basic items
and condiments offered at cut-rate prices. The handling of food in
prisons and public hospitals has not been privatized and most inputs are
sourced domestically.

**III. COMPETITION**

The level and types of competition faced will depend on the sector of
the food service industry. There have been serious problems in obtaining
import permits, which have been used to limit imports of meat and dairy
products. Generally imports of other processed food products come in
without problem. The recently negotiated DR-CAFTA free trade agreement,
if approved, will provide better access for many products and lower
duties, which will make U.S. products even more competitive.

Resorts: A number of resort changes have European ownership, cater to
European tourist groups, and therefore, have a strong bias toward
European products. However, the all-inclusive style requires that
attractive food be served with a close eye on price. This does provide
openings for many U.S. food and beverage products, because of
competitive U.S. prices and lower transportation costs. Produce and
fruit are generally sourced domestically, as well as ingredients for
bread and pastry products.

Business Hotels/Restaurants: Although there is a European bias in many
up-scale restaurants, the U.S. has a strong presence. Wine has been an
especially difficult for U.S. suppliers, mainly because of the bias
toward European wines for the perception of quality and from Chilean
wines because of their price competitiveness. However, in the free trade
agreement, the duties on U.S. wines were lowered to zero from 20
percent, which should increase interest in this sector.

**IV. BEST PRODUCTS PROSPECTS**

The following products are those that have shown the highest average
growth during the past five years (1998-2003).

**Table 1.a.**

# HIGH GROWTH RATE PRODUCTS

**(Calendar 1998-2003)**

+----------------------------------+-------+-----------+--------------+
| **PRODUCT**                      | **2   | **AVERAGE | **AVERAGE    |
|                                  | 003** | VALUE     | GROWTH %**   |
|                                  |       | (US\      |              |
|                                  |       | $1,000)** | **(CY        |
|                                  |       |           | 1998-2003)** |
+----------------------------------+-------+-----------+--------------+
| 1\. Wine and Beer                | 1     | 4,325     | 77.11        |
|                                  | 1,267 |           |              |
+----------------------------------+-------+-----------+--------------+
| 2\. Nursery Products and Cut     | 388   | 259       | 76.20        |
| Flowers                          |       |           |              |
+----------------------------------+-------+-----------+--------------+
| 3\. Tree Nuts                    | 1432  | 846       | 34.17        |
+----------------------------------+-------+-----------+--------------+
| 4\. Red Meat-Prepared/Preserved  | 2,825 | 2,116     | 31.86        |
+----------------------------------+-------+-----------+--------------+
| 5\. Fresh Fruit                  | 9,675 | 7,754     | 19.72        |
+----------------------------------+-------+-----------+--------------+
| 6\. Pet Foods                    | 3,366 | 2,885     | 12.40        |
+----------------------------------+-------+-----------+--------------+
| 7\. Red Meats,                   | 5,220 | 7,189     | 7.12         |
| Fresh/Chilled/Frozen             |       |           |              |
+----------------------------------+-------+-----------+--------------+
| 8\. Snack Foods                  | 1     | 12,868    | 6.65         |
|                                  | 2,617 |           |              |
+----------------------------------+-------+-----------+--------------+
| 9\. Processed Fruit & Vegetables | 1     | 10,452    | 2.98         |
|                                  | 1,765 |           |              |
+----------------------------------+-------+-----------+--------------+
| 10\. Fruits and Vegetables       | 6,081 | 7,061     | 2.86         |
|                                  |       |           |              |
| Juices                           |       |           |              |
+----------------------------------+-------+-----------+--------------+
| 11\. Breakfast Cereals           | 4,360 | 3,993     | 2.68         |
+----------------------------------+-------+-----------+--------------+
| Source: U.S. Census Data         |       |           |              |
+----------------------------------+-------+-----------+--------------+

# Products Present in the Market with Good Sales Potential

Other high-value products imported from the United States, which show
good sales potential are beef and dairy products, although the import
permits remain a problem.

# Products Not Present in Significant Quantities with Good Sales Potential 

Usually the Dominican Republic follows trends in the United States.
Diet/healthy products, although not present in large quantities, are
increasing in demand.

# Products Not Present Because They Face Significant Barriers

Importers of meat and dairy products face continual problems in
obtaining sanitary and phytosanitary (no objection) import permits.
Although these products are not subject to quotas, the import permit
process is arbitrary and unpredictable, making it difficult to bring in
reliable supplies. The Dominican Government is being pressured to
improve the situation. In addition, imports for seven major agricultural
categories (rice, sugar, garlic, poultry meat, beans, onions and powered
milk) are managed through import quotas.

V.  **KEY CONTACTS AND FURTHER INFORMATION**

If you have any questions or comments regarding this report or need
assistance exporting to the Dominican Republic, please contact us at:

**U.S. Mailing Address: Local Address:**

**OFFICE OF AGRICULTURAL AFFAIRS OFFICE OF AGRICULTURAL AFFAIRS**

**U.S. EMBASSY-SANTO DOMINGO** **U.S. EMBASSY-SANTO DOMINGO**

Unit 5530 Avenida Pedro Henriquez Ureña, #133

APO AA 34041 La Esperilla. Santo Domingo.

Dominican Republic

Tel: (809) 227-0112

Fax: (809) 732-9454

Email: <AgSantoDomingo@usda.gov>

Home page: www.usemb.gov.do/fas.htm

NATIONAL ASSOCIATION OF HOTELS AND RESTAURANTS, INC. (ASONAHORES)

Johnny Bernal, President

Calle Presidente González, Esquina Avenida Tiradentes

Edificio Cumbre, 8 Piso, Plaza Naco

Santo Domingo, D. R.

Tel: (809) 540‑4676, Fax: (809) 687-4727

Email:

Contact: Ramón Rodríguez, Executive Director

**APPENDIX 1**

**ALL INCLUSIVE RESORTS, RESORTS, BUSINESS HOTELS AND RESTAURANTS IN THE
DOMINICAN REPUBLIC**

# I. ALL INCLUSIVE RESORTS

BARCELO RESORTS

Francisco Mendez, Purchasing Manager

Tel: (809) 686-5797

Fax: (809) 685-3827

E-mail: \@barcelohotels.com.do

PUNTA CANA BEACH RESORT

Frank Rainieri, President

Isabel Inoa, Purchasing Manager

Punta Cana, D.R.

Tel: (809) 541-2714

Fax: (809) 540-5120

E-mail: iinoa@puntacana.com

OCCIDENTAL HOTEL & RESORTS

José Luis Herman, Purchasing Manager

Avenida Sarasota #65

Santo Domingo, Dominican Republic

Tel: (809) 221-2131

Fax: (809) 532-5306

PREMIER HOTELS

Adolfo Kiaty, Purchasing Manager

Manuel Rodriguez, Purchasing Director

Central Romana, La Romana, D.R.

Tel: (809) 686-1243

Fax: (809) 523-8154

IBEROSTAR

Bavaro, Dominican Republic

Jose Antonio Guijarro, Purchasing Manager

Tel: (809) 221-6500

Fax: (809) 688-6186

FIESTA HOTELS and RESORTS

FIESTA BAVARO

Juan Antonio Daura, Purchasing Manager

Tel: (809)221-8149

Juan Francisco Tur

Manager, International Purchasing

Tel: (Spain) 011-34-971312964

HOTETUR DOMINICAN BAY

Carlos Rubio, General Manager

Edwin Orlando Ventura

Purchasing Manager

Calle Juan Bautista Vicini,

Esquina 20 de Diciembre

Boca Chica, Santo Domingo, DR

Tel:(809) 412﷓2001

Fax: (809) 412﷓0687/523﷓6310

Email: economato.dominicanbay@hotetur.com

AMHSA MARINA HOTELS & RESORTS

Nieves Sobrino, Corporate Purchasing Manager (Ext. 316)

Calle Los Pinos #7

Ensanche La Julia

Santo Domingo, DR

Tel: (809) 562-7475, Ext. 303

Fax: (809) 566-2354

E-mail: nsobrino@amhsamarina.com

LTI BEACH RESORT PUNTA CANA

Domingo Antonio Paez, Purchasing Manager

Bavaro, Punta Cana, Dominican Republic

Tel: (809) 221-6640

Fax: (809) 221-4658

Cell: (809) 861-4582

SOL MELIA

Clarissa Ramirez, F&B Manager

Avenida George Washington #365

Santo Domingo, Dominican Republic

Tel: (809) 221-6666

Fax: (809) 686-0125

Email: <meliasd@codetel.net.do>

PRINCESS HOTELS

Antonio Cano Lopez, Corporate Purchasing Manager

Bavaro, Dominican Republic

Tel: (809) 221-2311

Fax: (809) 686-5427

Email: antonio.cano@princess-hotels.com

SUPER CLUBS BREEZES PUNTA CANA SPA & CASINO RESORTS

Ivette Rivera, Corporate Purchasing Manager

Avenida 27 de Febrero No. 589

Los Restauradores, Santo Domingo, D.R.

Tel: (809) 412-8782/84

Fax: (809) 412-8578

RIU HOTELS & RESORTS

Mayerlin Domínguez, Purchasing Manager

Punta Cana/Bavaro, Dominican Republic

Tel: (809) 221-7515

Fax: (809) 221-1250

Email: <purchase.puj@riu.com>

####### II. BUSINESS HOTELS

####### A. SANTO DOMINGO

MELIA SANTO DOMINGO HOTEL AND CASINO

Roberto Henriquez, General Manager

Clarissa Ramírez, F&B Manager

Avenida George Washington #365

Santo Domingo, D.R.

Tel: (809) 221-6666

Fax: (809) 686-0125

Email: meliasd@codetel.net.do

HOTEL SANTO DOMINGO

Kurt Tschamper, General Manager

José Soto, Purchasing Manager

Avenida Independencia, Esq. A. Lincoln

Santo Domingo, D.R.

Tel: (809) 221-1511/ 221-3675

Fax: (809) 535-4050, 533-7455

Email: hotel.stodgo.com.do

BARCELO GRAN HOTEL LINA

Bartolomé Más, General Manager

Rosario Sangiovanni, F&B Manager

Avenida Máximo Gómez

Santo Domingo, D.R.

Tel: (809) 563-5000

Fax: (809) 686-5506/686-5521/686-5797

Email: h.lina@codetel.net.do

Website: www.barcelo.com

HOTEL DOMINICAN FIESTA

José Bonet, General Manager

Jaime Then, Purchasing Manager

Avenida Anacaona #1974

Los Cacicazgos

Santo Domingo, D.R.

Tel: (809) 562-8222, x7035

Fax: (809) 482-8938

Email: salesdominican@codetel.net.do

RENAISSANCE JARAGUA HOTEL AND CASINO

Roberto Grisi, General Manager

Alejandro Vidal, F&B Manager

Avenida George Washington #367

Santo Domingo, D.R.

Tel: (809) 221-2222

Fax: (809) 686-0528

E-mail: hjaragua@codetel.net.do

HOTEL V CENTENARIO

INTERCONTINENTAL

Svonko Siroki, General Manager

Juan Piñeiro, F&B Manager

Avenida George Washington, No. 218

Santo Domingo, D.R.

Tel: (809) 221-0000

Fax: (809) 221-2020/686-2580

E-mail: santodomingo@interconti.com

HOTEL PLAZA NACO (CLARION)

Johnny Bernal, President

Johnny Bernal (Son)

International Purchasing Manager

Calle Presidente González,

Esquina Avenida Tiradentes

Ensanche Naco

Santo Domingo, D.R.

Tel: (809) 541-6226/544-4112

Fax: (809) 541-7251

Email: hoplaza@internet.codetel.net.do

HOTEL & CASINO NACO

Manuel Pimentel, Owner

George O'Reilly, General Manager

Ronnie Ramirez, Purchasing Manager

Avenida Tiradentes No. 22, Ensanche Naco

Santo Domingo, D.R.

Tel: (809) 562-3100

Fax: (809) 544-0957

Email: hnaco@tricom.net

OCCIDENTAL EL EMBAJADOR

Belén Goméz, General Manager

Max Llorens, Purchasing Manager

Avenida Sarasota \# 65

Bella Vista

Santo Domingo, D.R.

Tel: (809) 221-2131

Fax: (809) 532-5306

HOTEL EL GRAN ALMIRANTE (HODELPA)

Vicente del Rosario, General Manager

Dimas Hoeperman, F&B Manager

Avenida Estrella Sadhalá

Santiago, D.R.

Tel: (809) 580-1992

Fax: (809) 241-1492

Email: almirante@codetel.net.do

####### III. RESTAURANTS

####### A. SANTO DOMINGO

LA BRICIOLA

Sabrina Colombo, General Manager

Franco Riccobono, Owner

Calle Arzobispo Meriño #152

Zona Colonial

Santo Domingo, D.R.

Tel: (809) 688-5055

Fax: (809) 688-6038

Email: labriciola.com.do@codetel.net.do

REINA DE ESPAÑA

Catalina Henríquez, Owner/Manger

Calle Cervantes #103, Gazcue

Santo Domingo, D.R.

Tel: (809) 685-2588/687-5029

Fax: (809) 689-8461

RESTAURANT VESUVIO

Vincenzo (Enzo) Bonarelli, Owner

Avenida George Washington \# 521

Santo Domingo, D.R.

Tel: (809) 221-1954

Fax: (809) 221-3300

Email: vesuvio@restaurantvesuvio.com

RESTAURANT VESUVIO II

Gaetano Bonarelli, Owner

Giancarlo Bonarelli, General Manager

Avenida Tiradente #17, Ensanche Naco

Santo Domingo, D.R.

Tel: (809) 562-6060

Fax: (809) 541-1104

RESTAURANT JUAN CARLOS

María Lidía Hurtado Gil, Owner/Manager

Avenida Gustavo Mejía Ricart #7

Santo Domingo, D.R.

Tel: (809) 562-5088

Fax: (809) 562-6444

RESTAURANT DON PEPE

José María Díaz, Owner

Avenida Pasteur #41,

Esquina Calle Santiago

Gazcue

Santo Domingo, D.R.

Tel: (809) 686-8481/689-7612

Fax: (809) 685-7984

RESTAURANT PALACIO DE JADE

Jhonson Ng, Owner

Leonida Montilla, Manager

Calle José María Heredia #6

Gazcue

Santo Domingo, D.R.

Tel: (809) 686-3226

Fax: (809) 689-9562

T.G.I. FRIDAY'S RESTAURANT & BAR

Euclides Moncion, Operations Manager

Plaza Acrópolis 3rd Level

Av. Winston Churchill #25

Santo Domingo, Dominican Republic

Tel: (809) 955-8443

Fax: (809) 955-1100

Website: www.tgifridays.com

OUTBACK STEAKHOUSE

Omar Cepeda, General Manager

Plaza Acropolis

Av. Winston Churchill esq. Rafael Augusto Sanchez

Santo Domingo, Dominican Republic

Tel: (809) 955-0001

Fax: (809) 955-0003

TONY'S ROMA

Giselle Taveraz, Purchasing Manager

Av. Sarasota No. 29

Santo Domingo, Dominican Republic

Tel: (809) 535-5454

Fax: (809) 532-7360

STEAKHOUSE CAFÉ

Eduardo Alvarez, General Manager

Avenida Gustavo Mejía Ricart #52

Ensanche Naco

Santo Domingo, D.R.

Tel: (809) 565-1039/7137

Fax: (809) 476-0226

Email: steakh@tricom.net and e_alvarezf@hotmail.com

FELLINI RISTORANTE & BAR

Lucas Piraccini, Owner

Calle Roberto Pastoriza #504

Santo Domingo, D.R.

Tel: (809) 540-5330

Fax: (809) 541-4924

E-mail: fellini@codetel.net.do

SCHEREZADE RESTAURANT

Juan Scheker, Rafael Scheker and

Elizabeth Scheker, Owners

Avenida Roberto Pastoriza \# 226,

Ensanche Naco

Santo Domingo, D.R.

Tel: (809) 227-2323

Fax: (809) 540-3030

TABOO BAMBU

Avenida Roberto Pastoriza #313

Enrique Peynado, Owner/Manager

Tel: (809)227-2727/3443

Fax: (809) 227-3555

EL MESON DE LA CAVA

Otto Ricart, Owner

Radhames Ramirez, General Manager

Avenida Mirador del Sur #1

Santo Domingo, D.R.

Tel: (809) 533-2818/532-2615

Fax: (809) 533-8150

RESTAURANT DAVID CROCKET

Aníbal Fernández, Owner

Avenida Gustavo Mejía Ricart #34

Santo Domingo, D.R.

Tel: (809) 547-2999/227-2899

Fax: (809) 566-7743

TOSCANA

Alfredo Alonso, Owner

Calle Erick Leonard Ekman #34

Arroyo Hondo

Santo Domingo, D.R.

Tel: (809) 549-5191

Fax: (809) 540-0761

Email: a.alonso@codetel.net.do

NEPTUNO\'S CLUB (BOCA CHICA)

Claus Reprich, Owner

Autopista Duarte #20, Boca Chica

Tel: (809) 523-4703/6534/4279

Fax: (809) 523-4251

E-mail: neptunos@codetel.net.do

RESTAURANT SPAGHETTISSIMO

Frederic Gollong, Owner

Paseo de los Locutores #13

Santo Domingo, D.R.

Tel: (809) 565-3708/547-2650

Fax: (809) 549-6443

RESTAURANT EL BUCANERO

Marino Díaz, President

Avenida España, Puerto Sans Souci

Santo Domingo, DR

Tel: (809) 592-2202

Fax: (809) 592-2305

SEASON\'S RESTAURANT

Roberto Sanson, Owner

Angela Bertha Medina, General Manager

Avenida Roberto Pastoriza No. 14, Ensanche Naco

Santo Domingo, D.R.

Tel: (809) 412-2655/565-2616

Fax: (809) 547-3005

MYTOS

Julio Hazim, Owner

Paseo de los Periodistas

Santo Domingo, DR

Tel: (809) 565-1578, (809) 566-1380

Fax: (809) 565-1514

RESTAURANT SULLY

Carlos Fermin, President

Avenida Charles Summer #19, Los Prados

Santo Domingo, DR

Tel: (809)562-3389

Fax: (809)566-6405

RESTAURANT EL PAPARAZZO

Heriberto Hernández, Owner

Avenida Roberto Pastoriza #315

Santo Domingo, DR

Tel: (809) 540-5000

Fax: (809)540-5007

IL CAPPUCHINO

Claudio Paccagnella, Manager

Av. Maximo Gomez No. 60

Santo Domingo, Dominican Republic

Tel: (809) 689-8600

Fax: (809) 687-2876

B.  **SANTIAGO DE LOS CABALLEROS**

RESTAURANT EL PEZ DORADO

Alfredo Sang Ho, General Manager

Calle El Sol \# 43

Santiago, DR

Tel: (809) 582-2518

Fax: (809) 971-6840

RESTAURANT EL PAPARAZZO

Heriberto Hernández, Owner

Calle Mauricio Alvarez #6

Urbanización Los Colegios

Santiago, DR

Tel: (809) 587-6578

Fax: (809) 226-0161