Browse Data and Analysis

Total meat consumption in Venezuela has declined 68.9 percent since 2013 as a result of the economic collapse. However, a better economic environment since 2019 has led to a stabilization of beef production and significant growth in chicken production. In 2022, beef production is forecast to grow 5 percent from 2021 to 287,803 MT.

Germany is the third-largest importer of cherries in the world after China/Hong Kong and Russia. From 2010 to 2021, between 52 and 77 percent of the cherries consumed in Germany were imported, with the majority of imports originating in other EU member states.

The outcomes of COVID-19 pandemic have undeniably changed the gastronomic habits in Europe for the foreseeable future. Behaviors that developed over the lockdown months are continuing to shape purchasing preferences of German consumers.

Germany is one of the largest markets for fruit in Europe. The relative affluence of its population of 83 million people makes it an attractive outlet for exporters from many countries. This product brief highlights certain aspects of the German fresh fruit market and provides marketing, trade, and regulatory information for U.S. exporters.

Despite the dramatic impact of the COVID-19 pandemic, retail sales revenues in Germany have grown continuously since 2019. In 2021, the German retail sector recorded over $618 billion euros in sales revenues. Retailers benefitted from higher consumer spending for premium food products, while food service businesses suffered from low hospitality and catering demand during the series of lockdowns put in place.

On May 4 and 5, 2022, Venezuela’s National Supermarkets Association held an event entitled “Radiography of the Retail Sector in Venezuela 2022.” The goal of this event was to evaluate the Venezuelan retail sector situation including changes in retail and consumer trends, emerging threats, and new opportunities for growth.

Venezuelan seafood production totaled 241,000 MT in 2021, growing by 16 percent compared to 2020. Seafood products are Venezuela’s largest agricultural export, accounting for more than 54 percent of the total value of agricultural exports in 2021.

Venezuelan milk production reached 1.5 billion litres in 2021, just a 2 percent increase from 2020. The formal dairy industry processed 12 percent of this output, only working at 20 percent of their capacity, due to the collapse of the market and Venezuelan consumers favoring artisanal cheeses.

Germany, the largest economy in the European Union, is a large and promising pet food market. Imports of pet food account for more than half of the total market. While the market is mature and somewhat saturated, it is steadily growing.

Sugar production in Venezuela for MY 2022/23 is forecast to increase by 39% to 265,000 MT. The increase is primarily due to yield gains as a result of better access to quality inputs and a reduction in diesel shortages, as well as more favorable prices for producers.

This report identifies the export certification requirements by agricultural and food product. The Venezuelan ministries issue import permits, import licenses, and register processed food products. This report reflects minor changes from the 2021 report.

This report is an annual update of Venezuela's agricultural product import standards and enforcement mechanisms for U.S. exporters of agricultural commodities, foods, and beverages. Venezuela remains a complicated but promising market for U.S. agricultural products. The market has grown by 260 percent since 2019, illustrating opportunities exist.