Doing Business In - International Franchise Association

Agricultural Sectors Return to top
B. Best Prospects for Agricultural Products
Note: Many U.S. products enter via Germany or Netherlands and are therefore counted
under these countries trade statistics, so the real U.S. market share is higher.
Dried fruits and nuts (almonds, pistachios, pecans, prunes, and other dried fruits and
nuts) (HTS Number: 0802 + 0813)
In mil. USD 2007 2008 2009
Total market size 37 41 33
Total local production 2 2 2
Total exports 13 12 11
Total imports 48 51 42
Imports from the U.S. 13 15 12
Source: Czech Statistical Office http://apl.czso.cz/pll/stazo/STAZO.STAZO
Almonds are mostly imported from California. Almonds sell well in retail, especially in
the hypermarkets. The processing sector (primarily bakers and confectioners) is
searching for cheaper substitutes for costly almonds, but as purchasing power grows,
consumers seek higher-quality products. The Almond Board of California promotes
almonds in the Czech Republic by holding seminars and participating at Snack Food
shows.
Wine and spirits (HTS Number: 2204 + 2208)
In millions USD 2007 2008 2009
Total market size 1,220 1,397 1,365
Total local production 1,020 1,165 1,173
Total exports 61 81 66
Total imports 261 313 258
Imports from the U.S. 10 13 9
Source: Czech Statistical Office http://apl.czso.cz/pll/stazo/STAZO.STAZO
Consumption of spirits picked up in the Czech Republic, while consumption of wine is on
the rise. The U.S. is holding its share of the bourbon market, and its share of wine
imports is growing rapidly due to the increased popularity of “New World” wines. Even
though the number for U.S. imports seems to be stagnating, due to transshipments
through European countries like Germany and Netherlands, real imports are much
larger.