The Czech Republic serves as an entry point to the Central and Eastern European markets, being one of the fastest-growing economies in Europe and one of the most developed countries from the former Soviet bloc. Dried nuts and fruits, fish, food preparations, wine and spirits are some of the country’s top imports from the food and beverages category.
The Czech Republic has one of the most developed and industrialized economies in Central and Eastern Europe. Its strong industrial tradition dates to the 19th century when Bohemia and Moravia were the industrial heartlands of the Austro-Hungarian Empire. Czech agriculture is also among the most advanced in Eastern Europe, with better than average yields. The country does not suffer from a shortage of agricultural land, but its land is used far less efficiently than that in western Europe.
As a medium-sized, open, export-driven economy, the Czech Republic is heavily dependent on foreign demand, especially from the Eurozone. In terms of imports, 76% come from EU Member States (Germany 29%, Poland 9% and Slovakia 6%), while outside the EU 8% come from China and 2% from the United States.
Food producers looking to work with Czech food importers and distributors, there are a lot of positive aspects: English is widely spoken in the business world; being part of the EU, the legislation is solid and quite business-friendly; the infrastructure is excellent and the connections with the rest of the world is easy.
Meat Imports
Meat (especially pork, poultry and beef) is one of the most consumed food types, like in most European countries. Imports have increased in the last years, especially beef imports. Even though the country is self-sufficient in the category of poultry, beef remains a top imported product with US$181.7 million worth of beef imported in 2018.
Poland, Belgium, Netherlands and Spain are the main suppliers.
Fish and Seafood Imports
As Czech consumers move toward a healthier diet and lifestyle, fish consumption is on the rise. Being a country surrounded exclusively by land, the Czech Republic does not have a major source for fish and seafood.
Thailand, South Korea and the Netherlands are the major suppliers and imports reached US$253. In the last period.
Other health foods and snacks are also gaining popularity quite fast. For nuts and Vegetables, Spain, Romania, Poland and Slovakia are the leading suppliers. This category is almost entirely covered by Eurozone imports.
Understanding Czech consumers
The Czech market is usually dominated by price-sensitive customers. Price is the major purchasing factor for most Czech consumers, however, awareness of quality, health benefits and food safety issues is increasing.
Czech millennials enjoy trying food and beverage novelties, new shopping experiences, convenience products, and snacks. The older generation tends to stick to their shopping habits, a preferred retailer and has an above-average affinity to promotions.
In recent years, there has been a shift in the market, towards high-quality foods and towards prestigious brands, over unknown names and law-cost competitors.
3 Food Importers from the Czech Republic:
- Abasto
Address: Obchodní Zóna, K Třešňovce 1348, Revnice
Phone: 00420 737 246 195
Website: www.abasto.cz - Aldem
Address:Dušní 112/16, Prague
Phone: 00420 774 207 645
Website: www.aldem.cz - Belvec
Address:Statenická 732, Velké Prílepy
Phone:00420 226 066 729
Website: www.belvec.cz
To get access to a list of more active food importers from the Czech Republic, you can access one of the BestFoodImporters databases.