The following GAIN reports were released on June 13, 2024. _______Cote d'Ivoire: Food Processing Ingredients AnnualCote d’Ivoire’s food processing industry is developing and remains a major importer of ingredients for food processing. These imports will continue to grow as the sector is unable to meet increased demand. Cote d’Ivoire’s imports of food processing ingredients totaled $845 million in 2023, an increase of about 6.8 percent from $791 million in 2022. There are significant opportunities for imported food ingredients in Cote d’Ivoire. The food retail industry is a fast-growing sector thanks to expanding urbanization and a growing middle-class. Despite inflation and the high cost of living, consumers continue to demand quality products.
Egypt: Egypt Increases Price for Subsidized Bread for First Time in 36 YearsIn late May 2024, the Egyptian Government announced its intention to increase the price of subsidized bread (from 5 piasters {$.001} per loaf to 20 piasters {$.004} per loaf) as of June 1, 2024 -- marking the first increase in the price of subsidized bread in Egypt in 36 years. The Government reports the increased price will reduce its subsidy costs – savings which will be used to improve the utilization of bread and reduce waste.
Mexico: Mexican Organic Production and TradeTrade in organic products between the United States and Mexico is flourishing, reaching record highs in 2023. The top five organic exports from the United States to Mexico in 2023 were apples, pears, grapes, spinach, and lettuce. Mexico's top five organic exports to the United States in 2023 were avocados, strawberries, raspberries, blackberries, and tomatoes. Mexico prioritizes selling its organic products to the United States and Canadian markets due to closer proximity and efficient transportation channels, despite having numerous free trade agreements with other countries. |