Côte d'Ivoire's retail food industry is on an upward trajectory; it is a major importer of food products and ingredients. Food imports will grow in the near- to medium-term since the retail food industry is unable to meet demand through domestic food manufactures alone. In 2023, imports of food products hit $845 million, up 7 percent from $791 million in 2022. Côte d'Ivoire is the gateway and central hub for the West African regional market; also its growing middle-class (with preferences for both local and foreign taste sensations) and improving standard of living offer exciting opportunities. Growing purchasing power of Ivorian households, greater awareness and access to gourmet products, and consumer taste for international cuisines and food products act as growth catalysts in the sector. The fast growing food retail industry benefits from expanding urbanization and a growing middle-class. Ivorian consumers' demand for quality food imports is resilient despite inflation and the high cost of living.
On August 27, 2024, Japan's Ministry of Agriculture, Forestry, and Fisheries (MAFF) registered geographical indication (GI) protection for Pineapple Huaymun from Thailand, which is the third Thai GI item registered in Japan. As a result, MAFF is providing protection for six independently registered foreign GI items from Italy, Vietnam, and Thailand under the GI Act. Separately, Japan mutually protects many GI food items from the European Union and United Kingdom through Economic Partnership Agreements that are in force.
On September 13, 2024, the Dutch Cabinet presented its government program for Agriculture, Fisheries, Food Security, and Nature, outlining key initiatives and commitments for the coming years. For 2025, €40 million ($44.5 million) will be allocated, and €500 million ($555.9 million) is reserved for nature management. From 2026 onwards, a multi-year budget of €5 billion ($5.6 billion) will be available for the government program. The Dutch Agricultural and Horticultural Organization, LTO, responded positively, stating that "realism is back in our agricultural policy."
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