Precious and few

I always keep an eye out for interesting USDA FAS reports, but lately it seems there has been a drought of reports pertaining to the fruit and vegetable market. However, I noticed a 55 page report on the Japanese market that's more than a worthy read. Find it here. From the report:

From the summary page:

Even with the recent food scares, there continues to be significant opportunities in the Japanese food market for U.S. exporters. For example, Japanese consumers are becoming more health conscious and organic, naturally prepared, and functional foods are growing in popularity.


Later...

As of 2007, supermarkets handled 34% of food retail trade. Over the last 10 years, total store sales have jumped by more than 40%, while the number of stores has risen by 20%. Leading supermarkets are building larger stores, aided by declining land prices and the easing of restrictions on store size. Average retail floor space nearly doubled to 1,000 m² in 2004, compared to 500 m² - 600 m² in 1991.