The world’s fourth largest growing economy, increasing at an annual rate of over 30 percent, and the world’s fastest growing retail food market, the Russian Federation holds great potential for U.S. suppliers. Russia currently ranks as one of the top ten world economies. By the end of 2008, Russia’s economy continued to strengthen at a steady growth rate with a GDP that had grown to an estimated 6.0%. The nation’s total population of about 143.8 million has been growing at annual percentage 0.5% and the Gross National Income (GNI) of the nation has reached $491 billion.  The size of the retail food market in Russia has doubled since 2001 and has been growing at a rapid pace, with consumers in Moscow spending 70 percent of their income on consumer goods. A greater emphasis on quality rather than price creates a natural advantage for U.S. high-quality, consumer-ready products. The growing preference for Western-style food and beverages and rising consumer incomes make Russia an excellent prospect for exporters.