AGRAFOOD latin america

摘要

Trade news: Twelve South American countries have launched a new regional trading bloc. Meanwhile the weak US dollar is hurting Brazilian exporters. Biotech: Mexico has approved new legislation regulating genetically modified products. Bolivia is to carry out trials on GM soy. Grains and oilseeds: Brazil could benefit from a rise in soy prices after the first cases of soy rust were detected in the US. Rice output has risen sharply in Mercosur countries. Meat and Poultry: Argentinian beef exports are expected to reach their highest levels for two decades Panama has been cleared to export poultrymeat to Taiwan. Dairy: Argentine dairy companies are targetting new export markets. Sugar and ethanol: Brazil's sugar and ethanol sector continues to attract foreign investors. Fruit and vegetables: The US has opened more of its market to Mexican avocados, while lifting a ban on imports of Chilean mandarins. Coffee: Peruvian coffee output is recovering strongly as world prices continue to rise. Food and drink:Food consumption has risen sharply in Venezuela, Nestle continues its fight to hold on to the Garoto chocolate company in Brazil. Retail: Wal-Mart is expanding in the Brazilian market. But smaller stores are reclaiming market share from the largest supermarket chains.