Compared to other EU countries, the Austrian economy is performing relatively well. Austrian consumer expenditures have grown steadily in recent years and this is helping to drive up food and beverage sales. Although domestic, German, and European products tend to dominate Austrian food retail shelf space, there are good market opportunities for U.S. products, particularly at the upper end of the market. Consumer-oriented food and beverage products remain the most important agricultural import category from the United States. In 2012, the consumer-oriented sector accounted for 55 percent of total agricultural, fish and forestry imports from the United States, worth $ 56.5 million. Austrian consumer trends are creating good market opportunities for organic, health, diet, convenience, and ‘sustainable’ food products. Market opportunities for U.S. products include fish and seafood products, nuts, wine, bourbon, pet foods, dried fruits, fruit juices, snack foods, and high quality beef.
