Indonesia’s food and beverage (F&B) sector is gaining recognition as a strategic export area thanks to its rich local flavors, natural resources, and cultural food heritage. The Kementerian Perdagangan Republik Indonesia (Kemendag) reports that in 2024, Indonesian processed food and drink exports to the United States reached approximately USD 1.02 billion, constituting 18.06% of the country’s global F&B exports. In the first semester of 2025, exports to the U.S. reached about USD 512.63 million, reflecting a 1.71% increase from the same period in 2024.
Despite strong potential, Indonesian exporters face significant regulatory obstacles when entering the U.S. market. The U.S. market demands strict compliance with food safety and labelling standards, such as registration with the Food and Drug Administration (FDA), nutrition-facts labelling, and certified production processes like HACCP or ISO 22000. The Kemendag emphasises the importance of viewing these regulations not just as hurdles but as opportunities to build credibility and professionalism. Tailored strategic guidance—from understanding regional U.S. market differences (West vs East Coast) to leveraging e-commerce platforms—is being provided to help micro, small and medium enterprises (MSMEs) tailor their products for U.S. consumers, especially in healthy, sustainable, or unique flavour-niche categories.
