| The following GAIN reports were released on January 15, 2025. _______
Tree nut production in Egypt is limited due to its climate and thus heavily relies upon imports. The top varieties for tree nut exports to Egypt include walnuts, almonds, and pistachios. Tree nuts are a popular snack item in Egypt, and walnuts are used in many deserts, especially during the month of Ramadan. Although consumption peaked during Covid-19, Egyptian imports and consumption of walnuts have since declined. The United States is a large exporter of walnuts to Egypt, as many Egyptians value the quality that U.S. walnuts provide. Consumption is not expected to increase for marketing year 2025/26, as consumers will continue to prioritize essential foods over non-compulsory items, like walnuts. Additionally, lower cost, savory snacks, particularly puffed snacks and potato chips, represent the fastest growing category in terms of retail sales volume. The Consumer Affairs Agency (CAA) of Japan proposed three sets of revisions. One is for Japan's maximum residue levels for three agricultural chemicals (Fluazinam, Flupyrimin, and Mandestrobin) for various agricultural commodities. The second is for the CAA's proposal to eliminate provisional MRLs of 26 agricultural chemicals which MHLW could not confirm their use in Japan. The last is for establishment and revision for food additives. Interested U.S. parties should submit their comments to PlantDivision@usda.gov for plant products, TFAA.FAS.AnimalDivision@usda.gov for animal products, and PPTRD@usda.gov for processed products by January 24, 2025. The CAA will also notify these proposed revisions to the World Trade Organization. The New Zealand government has introduced the Gene Technology Bill 2024, aiming to establish a modern regulatory framework for gene technology and genetically modified organisms (GMOs). This legislation seeks to replace the existing regime under the Hazardous Substances and New Organisms Act 1996 (HSNO Act) with a more flexible and enabling system. Key objectives include risk-proportionate regulation, efficient decision-making processes, and international alignment to enhance trade and technological advancements. On December 17, 2024, the Bill underwent its first reading in Parliament and legislators approved it for further scrutiny by the Health Select Committee. The Philippines' private label grocery market is projected to reach $896 million in 2025, representing seven percent of total food and beverage grocery sales. Key categories include fresh produce, frozen meats, oils, condiments, and spices, with growth in gourmet, free-from, and ready-to-eat products. With some grocery operators aiming to double their private label portfolios within the next five years, significant opportunities exist for exporters to supply U.S. food and beverage products under both U.S. and grocers' private label brands. This report describes the agricultural biotechnology sector in Portugal, covering production and trade, policy, and marketing aspects. It includes topics related to plant, animal, and microbial biotechnology. Portugal is the European Union's (EU's) second largest grower of genetically engineered (GE) corn, and a major consumer of genetically engineered (GE) soybean meal in animal feed. For more information, or for an archive of all FAS GAIN reports, please visit gain.fas.usda.gov/. | 
No comments:
Post a Comment