Southeast Asia's Food Service Market Abounds in Opportunities for U.S. Exporters - Statistical Data Included

AgExporter, April, 2001

The following U.S. products have good sales prospects.

* Fresh seafood: Shrimp, crab, salmon and lobster are popular with Asians, especially since a wide range of local, traditional dishes use seafood as an ingredient.

* Meat and chicken: Eating meat is a sign of affluence, and U.S. beef is likely to be ordered at high-end restaurants. Consumers of all religions are permitted to consume poultry. Delis are becoming more popular, and so are deli meats. However, consumer education and retail training are still needed to increase deli sales.

* Snack foods and frozen appetizers: Asians love to snack, and french fries, chicken nuggets and potato chips are popular snack foods, A number of hotels are looking for new snacks for their mini-bars and pubs.

* Ready-to-cook items: Demand for ready-to-cook items, such as pre- blanched and pre-cut products, is re-surfacing, especially in Singapore, which has a short labor supply and a steady need for products of consistently high quality. Frozen fruits and vegetables, pre-sliced meats and frozen appetizers have the greatest potential.

* Bakery ingredients: Most Asians have a sweet tooth and enjoy Western desserts and pastries. High teas in hotels and restaurants are common. There are growing requests for bakery products and ingredients, including dried fruits, pre-packaged frozen desserts, flour, and instant mixes for cakes, brownies, muffins and waffles.

* Gourmet foods: Demand for wines, cheeses and other gourmet items is growing.

* Healthier foods and lighter meals: Outlets will feature healthier foods on their menus, including more vegetarian dishes. They will also use more low-fat and low-sugar items in cooking, such as low-fat oils, salad dressings and mayonnaise.

* Other items: This category includes breakfast cereals, fruit juices, sauces and seasonings, condiments, fresh fruits and vegetables, canned fruits and vegetables, soft drinks and liquor.

This story is based on reports and information from FAS offices in Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia and Singapore.

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