Lower incomes relative to other Baltic countries have hampered demand for consumer-ready food products in Lithuania. Imports exceed exports in vegetable products, beverages, spirits, vinegar and some prepared foodstuffs such as yoghurt, vegetable oils and juices. Trade opportunities also exist for agricultural products not produced in northern climates, such as cotton, tobacco, rice, fresh and dried tropical fruit seeds. A few supermarkets have opened in urban areas. Presently, some reliable private food wholesale companies handle a fair amount of key food and grocery imports.
Specific agreements are important between exporters and distibutors.
Fish fillets, crabs and crabmeat, surimi, caviar, canned salmon and other fish delicacies are good best export products. Particularly with the current economic debacle, most Russian fish importers deal with suppliers who have agreed to provide credit terms, and they use several means to avoid company guarantees, or good existing business relationships. Import and customs requirements in Russia are complex and subject to change. It is recommended to work with accomplished importers having good international trade and customs experience. Croatia traditionally imports a majority of its frozen fish products, and also imports large amounts of fish to service its tourist trade.