Many food trends influencing consumer preferences and retailer profits in the US and Canada originate on the other side of the Atlantic. Germany, in particular, as the world's fourth largest exporter of foods and agricultural products, is an important place to watch.

This is why we have started a section called "Trend Watch EU and Germany" to provide ideas and insights to retailers and trade partners all over North America. Check out the latest topics: the latest trade data for German exports to the US and Canada, German sausage innovations, the latest news on food prices in Germany and comparisons to equivalent US products, Organic food trends in Germany.

Read more about EU and German trends

EU Citizen Priorities For Common Agricultural Policy

According to a recent Commission poll, for EU citizens the priorities of the Common Agricultural Policy (CAP) should be to:
- provide healthy and safe food
- ensure a fair standard of living for farmers
- promote respect of the environment
- guarantee that farm animals are well treated
- help farmers adapt to consumer's expectations
- ensure reasonable prices for consumers
- boost growth and jobs in the rural areas

The main aim of the CAP is to promote quality and safety and a farm sector in tune with the environment and animal welfare. The European Commission needs to develop an even more sustainable farm and food sector for the future.

European Commission Poll Results

FDA Establishes Food Protection Plan

The FDA has developed a comprehensive Food Protection Plan to address the changes in food sources, production, and consumption that we face in today's world. Building upon and improving an already sound food safety protection capability, the new plan presents a robust strategy to protect the nation's food supply from both unintentional contamination and deliberate attack.

Read more about the plan in Food Law News...