September 18, 2020 | 20:52 (GMT+7)
U.S. Food Fair Highlights Variety of U.S. Products Available in Vietnam
PANO - On Friday afternoon, U.S. Ambassador Daniel J. Kritenbrink kicked off the U.S. Food Fair at Lotte Mart. The U.S. Food Fair highlights a wide range of U.S. products available in the supermarket chain. It also includes cooking demonstrations, food sampling, and interactive displays, so that Vietnamese consumers can learn more about U.S. foods and beverages.
The U.S. Food Fair is a collaboration between the U.S. Embassy, the U.S. Department of Agriculture, Food Export Midwest, and Lotte Mart. This year the United States and Vietnam celebrate 25 years of diplomatic relations. Food and agricultural trade is an important part of our relations, with bilateral agricultural trade at nearly USD 8 billion in 2019. 25 years after the establishment of diplomatic relations, consumers in both the United States and in Vietnam have reliable access to a diverse selection of food products from the other country.
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U.S. Ambassador Kritenbrink and representatives from Lotte Mart and Food Export Association of the Midwest USA cut the ribbon |
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U.S. Ambassador Kritenbrink and guests tour U.S. food stores |
Vietnam’s modern retail foods sector continues to develop and show excellent growth potential. According to the General Statistics Organization, total 2019 food and beverage retail sales were estimated at USD 51 billion, a 13 percent increase over the previous year, with modern retail food channels accounting for approximately 14 percent of the total. Strong economic growth, increasing foreign investment, a growing middle class with higher disposable income, rapid urbanization, and heightened concerns about hygiene and food safety continue to fuel the sustainable growth in this sector. The United States values food safety and is proud to provide safe, high-quality products to Vietnamese customers at supermarkets across Vietnam.
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U.S. Ambassador Kritenbrink in a group photo with representatives from Lotte Mart and Food Export Association of the Midwest USA and guests |
U.S. exports of consumer-oriented products reached USD 975 million in 2019. This includes products like beef, pork, and poultry; dairy products; fresh fruit; and snack foods. Additionally, distilled spirits and seafood exports accounted for another USD 140 million in U.S. exports. Top selling U.S. products preferred by Vietnamese consumers include beef, pork, poultry, dairy products, and fresh fruits including, apples, cherries, blueberries, oranges, pears, and grapes.
The U.S. Food Fair will run until September 23 at four Lotte Marts in Hanoi and Ho Chi Minh City.
Song Anh