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Epicure's agony
(FORTUNE Magazine) – The U.S. trade dispute with Western Europe could bring bellyaches to lovers of imported foods and spirits. In the event that President Reagan makes good on his threat to slap a 200% tariff on more than $400 million of European imports: -- Cheeses selling for between $4 and $5 a pound -- Brie and Camembert from France, plus Edam and Gouda from the Netherlands -- could rise to as much as $12. -- A $12 three-pound Danish canned ham will sell for about $15. -- A $29 bottle of Martell's cognac or other good brandy will cost at least $46. -- A $12 bottle of Tanqueray gin will jump to more than $18. Many importers and distributors say they will not handle such high-priced products, so that even consumers who are willing to pay may be forced to switch to U.S.-made brands. One small consolation: Besnier, one of France's largest cheese producers, makes Brie in Belmont, Wisconsin. Does it taste as good as the real thing? The cows that provide the milk are different, and so is the manufacturing process. But you could no doubt fool at least some of the guests at your next party. |
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