Food Export – Midwest and Food Export – Northeast have developed a network of 19 uniquely experienced In-Market Representatives around the globe. These local marketing experts in the food industry provide Food Export with on-the-ground assistance to implement our various programs and services.

In addition, through regular trade servicing, these local representatives report on local issues, trends, and opportunities for international buyers to connect with suppliers of U.S. agricultural and food products. Every month we share with you some of the top market insight from the trade servicing reports we receive in order to improve your international export efforts.

Brazil 

Increased Meat and Plant-Based Protein Consumption 

Meat consumption in Brazil has risen by 56% compared to 2023, with consumers reporting that they eat beef protein at least twice a week. Additionally, 39% of Brazilians have also consumed plant-based proteins, a growing trend in the country. The processed meat industry in Brazil grew by 13.2% in 2023, while the market for plant-based substitutes increased by 38.1%, presenting opportunities for U.S. suppliers.

Surge in Hamburger Consumption in Brazil 

According to Kantar data, hamburger consumption in Brazil surged by 228% between the first quarter of 2020 and the first quarter of 2024. From January to March 2024, 47 million people made 113 million hamburger purchases. The main consumers are women (52.3%) aged 18 to 29 (38.9%) from classes A and B (47.1%). Beef hamburgers dominate consumption at 85%, with a 7-percentage point increase, while chicken hamburgers have declined by 6.9 percentage points.  

Dominican Republic: Economy Shows Strong Growth 

The Dominican Republic’s economy demonstrated robust growth, expanding by 5.1% between January and April 2024, as reported by the Central Bank of the Dominican Republic (BCRD). This economic upturn is primarily driven by dynamic economic activities in April, which saw a year-on-year growth rate of 7.8%, the highest observed in the past 28 months. 

A pivotal driver of this economic expansion is the HRI sector, specifically hotels, bars, and restaurants, which exhibited a remarkable average growth of 9.5% from January to April 2024. This sector’s substantial growth highlights the importance of tourism and services in propelling the national economy. 

The notable growth in the Dominican Republic presents new opportunities for suppliers in the food and agriculture industry. With the rising demand for high-quality food products due to the thriving hotel and restaurant market, U.S. exporters can capitalize on this trend to expand their presence and market share. There is a growing demand for gourmet, organic, and specialty products in high-end restaurants, offering U.S. exporters a chance to meet these new market demands. 

Morocco: Trends Shaping Morocco’s Retail Space 

Morocco is a price-sensitive market with limited representation of U.S. food and beverages in its retail sector. Around 85% of retail business is conducted by traditional small-scale and informal operators, which typically do not stock imported products. However, several trends are reshaping Morocco’s retail space and could contribute to increased demand for imported food products. 

• Rise of Modern Grocery Stores: Supermarkets and hypermarkets are expanding, offering a wider selection of products and a more convenient shopping experience. Larger supermarkets, once common in major cities, are now opening in medium-sized cities, providing alternatives to traditional buying habits. 

• E-commerce Growth: Online grocery shopping is gaining popularity, especially in urban areas. Many Moroccan grocery retail chains have launched apps and started offering delivery services, presenting opportunities for U.S. exporters to partner with online retailers. 

• Proximity Retail: Smaller convenience stores are emerging in neighborhoods, offering quick and easy access to everyday essentials. 

• Demand for Convenience: Rapid urbanization and evolving consumer preferences are driving demand for convenient food options. Packaged food has gained acceptance, and there is a growing perception that supermarkets offer safer and cheaper products. 

• Emerging Discounters: Convenience stores face competition from emerging discounters, but they mitigate the threat by expanding their product offerings. 

Singapore: Singapore’s Soy Milk Market

Singaporean soy milk companies Yeo’s and NutriSoy are launching new products targeting health-conscious consumers, despite some challenges in the broader plant-based food market. Soy milk remains a popular and affordable dairy alternative in Asia, making it a safer category for innovation compared to plant-based meat alternatives.