THIS REPORT CONTAINS ASSESSMENTS OF COMMODITY AND TRADE ISSUES MADE BY

USDA STAFF AND NOT NECESSARILY STATEMENTS OF OFFICIAL U.S. GOVERNMENT

POLICY

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Date:

GAIN Report Number:

Post:

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Report Highlights:

U.S. exports to Kazakhstan have done well this year, in spite of a variety of obstacles to U.S. exports in

Kazakhstan (economic climate, tenge devaluation, transit issues). Because of this, it was all the more

important to capitalize on the World Food Almaty show and strengthen our presence. With the support

of FAS/CSSF funding, U.S. cooperators were not only able to participate in the show, but this freed up

funding so that participating cooperators could supplement with additional activities.

Staff

Robin Gray

CSSF Activity Report

World Food Show 2016 Almaty

Astana

Kazakhstan - Republic of

KZ-13

12/7/2016

Public Voluntary

General Information:

CSSF Reporting Elements

1. Name of CSSF activity: World Food 2016, Almaty

2. Beginning/Ending Dates: November 2 – 4, 2016

3. City/Country: Almaty, Kazakhstan

4. Venue: Almaty, Kazakhstan Exhibition Center

5. Name of U.S. Cooperator: USMEF, USAPEEC and ASMI

6. Funding Allocated: $5000.00

7. Actual Cost: $5000.00

8. Purpose: Assist U.S. cooperators in establishing greater access to the Kazakhstani

market by supporting U.S. cooperator presence at World Food Almaty. Strengthen the image of U.S.

products, particularly within the HRI sector.

Market Constraints and Opportunities:

Constraints:

Current U.S. dollar/Kazakhstani tengi exchange rate decreases the competitiveness of U.S.

products.

Strong competition from EAEU member states.

U.S. transportation logistics to Kazakhstan are limited and expensive, and can be disrupted due

to regional political volatility.

Opportunities: Despite the recent economic downturn in Kazakhstan with the drop in the price of oil, incomes

are generally growing. With this growth in incomes, consumers are spending more for quality

meats – poultry and beef in particular. Additionally, with the growth in incomes, the HRI sector

has grown and this has been a sector for increasing growth for U.S. exports (USMEF and

ASMI).

To develop positive perceptions toward U.S. products through media and educational programs

that will counter Russian propaganda.

To generate publicity and interest.

To expand contact network for a variety of other FAS Kazakhstan projects.

Summary:

Over the last five years, several cooperators and partners have participated in World Food Almaty. Over

the last couple years we’ve seen significant growth in the quality, sophistication, and level of

participation in this show. Although the 2016 show was slightly smaller than the 2015 show,

cooperators reported more serious inquiries at the both this year.

At World Food Almaty 2015:

36 countries

402 exhibiting companies

5507 food industry professionals attended

2015 post show report - http://www.worldfood.kz/images/download/2015/PSR_WFK2015_eng.pdf

At World Food Almaty 2016:

33 countries

362 exhibiting companies

2016 post show report - http://www.worldfood.kz/en/press-centre/press-releases/348-21-11-2016wfk-pr

Please see pictures 1 – 2 showing the booth jointly sponsored by USAPEEC, USMEF and FAS.

Pictures 3 – 4 also show other booths at the show this year.

Finally, because FAS’ CSSF funding helped defray the cost of the booth, USMEF and ASMI were able

to capitalize on the activity by sponsoring a master class in Astana several days before the show,

(pictures 5 – 9). Additionally, USMEF sponsored a master class in Almaty the last day of the show

(pictures 10 & 11).

Recommendations

Work more closely with co-hosts to direct the range of invitees.

Utilize other social media outreach to maximize serious visitors to the booth.

Work more closely with participating cooperators to coordinate other in-country activities

during our visit.

Financial Information

Description Amount in $

FAS share of World Food Almaty booth expenses $5000.00

Total amount spent by FAS $5,000

Amount Used: $5000

Picture 1

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Picture 10

Picture 11