30 large and medium-sized industries participated in a workshop with the National Supermarket Association of New York to explore opportunities for increased exports from the Dominican Republic. The event was organized by the Dominican Republic Association of Industries (AIRD). Executive vice president of AIRD, Circe Almánzar said that the alliances seek to take advantage of economies of scale, generate synergies, lower costs and improve logistics. The alliance seeks to increase access of products from local manufacturers, agribusinesses and farms to one of the largest markets in the world.
Campos de Moya, president of AIRD, said the workshop was an opportunity for Dominican companies to understand the export challenges but also the opportunities in accessing the important supermarket chain of the US East Coast.
Also participating were representatives of the Center for Export & Investment (CEI-RD), the Bilateral Business Division of the Ministry of Foreign Relations, and Osmar Benítez, executive president of the Dominican Agribusiness Board.
William Rodríguez, a past president of NSA, speaking for the group said that there are opportunities for traditional farm products but also for organic products.
Rodríguez spoke about how the supermarkets are surviving in New York. “It is not only about prices, but also creating experiences for consumers,” said Rodríguez.
The representatives of NSA said that as a follow up on 30 August 2017 the NSA Trade Fair will be held in New York where participating companies will be able to meet and interact with 400 owners, and managers of NSA supermarkets. NSA groups independent supermarkets located on the East Coast of the US from Massachusetts to Florida. NSA sales were US$10 billion in 2016.
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Listin Diario
21 July 2017
