Venezuela: Retail Foods
The retail sector in Venezuela continues to be an important point of sale for U.S. importers. There are 163,321 retail outlets, including supermarkets (chain and independents), pharmacies, mom & pops, and government-owned stores in Venezuela selling food and beverages. Most supermarkets are modern and offer good service to customers. U.S. exports of consumer-oriented products to Venezuela in 2013 were valued at US$160 million. However, U.S. agricultural export value to Venezuela is down in 2014, due mostly to an economic system in crisis. The lack of dollars is arguably the most significant obstacle to trade for Venezuelan importers.
