Favorite Product Not Found in the US

[Bubbasteve]

Hey all,

I have a project for my International Marketing class that requires me to find a product that is:
- Not found in the United States;
- Not a food or beverage item

I figured this would be a fun and interesting thread to not only help me out but to also showcase some international products that some of us might not be familiar with.

Thanks in advance to those who participate!

[puckhead193]

cell phones that are comparable to those found in Asia (i.e. video conferencing)
some cars

[Doctor Q]

It's hard to find anything that's not sold on a website somewhere, and you don't always know if a website is U.S.-based. However, here are a few categories that might fit your description:

* medicines not approved for sale in the U.S. but sold in other countries

* tourist souvenirs that you can only get in person, for example, items sold only at Disneyland Paris. Another example: My wife made a scrapbook out of the beautiful admission tickets we collected as we visited temples in Japan. I assume that those come only from those temples.

* the original versions of Japanese video games and video game systems, before they reach the U.S. market

Of course, at auction sites people resell items they get elsewhere, so technically they could be available in the U.S. no matter where they originally came from.

[silbeej]

1 and only one that matters: Audi RS6 Avant:rolleyes:

[Macaddicttt]

That reminds me:

The Fiat Nuova 500.

[anjinha]

www.telabags.net

Bags made from discarded PVC banners.

[Bubbasteve]

Thanks for the quick responses!

I'm looking for specific examples of products, like the telebags example or the Audi (which are great examples BTW)

[Peterkro]

Cuban cigars,although obviously available not legally plus just about anything else Cuban.

[Schtumple]

Wine gums...

http://www.sweetiesonline.com.au/products/2006112312wine-gums-box.jpg

The maynards version, not the cheapy, crappy, overly sugar filled pills of hyper "joy" as pedal pushed by most american brands.

Sorry, probably not the best example...

[LeahM]

Betty Crocker 2-in-1 Mini Blender/Chopper

And Ketchup chips (I know you said no foods but I had to add it)

But the blender wasn't available in the US, just Canada that I found anyway

[mlemonds]

cell phone jammer

[jknight8907]

Tacos del pastor.

Pig meat cooked on a vertical rotisserie in front of a propane fire, then sliced super thin onto tacos with cilatro, onion, and pineapple.

It's heaven.....

Edit2: I finally read the thread and now know it's not supposed to be food, but I'm drawing a blank on something else so I'll leave this for now.

[anjinha]

http://www.pelcor.pt/en/

Here's another one. This is stuff made from cork like briefcases, gloves, bags... I don't know how practical they are but it's an interesting idea.

[Saikou]

I've gotta go ahead and add these guys...

http://mb.softbank.jp/mb/en/product/lineup/3g/index.html

http://www.nttdocomo.co.jp/english/product/foma/

[rhsgolfer33]

And Ketchup chips (I know you said no foods but I had to add it)

You can get those in America! I took a tour of a factory that makes chips and one of the types they make are Ketchup chips. Here's a link to the company, and I believe you can buy online.

http://www.herrs.com/Products/Products.html


As for me, it has to be the Audi A3 or S3 2 door version. They have the four door here, but no two door.

[Vivid.Inferno]

Tim Hortons!!

It's a Canadian Coffee/Doughnut place. Like Dunken Doughnuts...only wayyyy better.

[SilvorX]

You can get those in America! I took a tour of a factory that makes chips and one of the types they make are Ketchup chips. Here's a link to the company, and I believe you can buy online.

http://www.herrs.com/Products/Products.html


As for me, it has to be the Audi A3 or S3 2 door version. They have the four door here, but no two door.
I hate ripple-type chips. The US needs stuff like Old Dutch's ketchup chips, I hear they are starting to exist in the US Midwest, but only very limited so far.


http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3176/2826035580_32b5befeaf_b.jpg


Mmm *drool*
The best ketchup chips in the world.. plus the factory is only a few hours away from where I live, so sometimes the chips are sooo fresh!



Tim Hortons!!

It's a Canadian Coffee/Doughnut place. Like Dunken Doughnuts...only wayyyy better.
Yeah it does exist..
http://www.timhortons.com/us/locator/index.html

Locations in 11 states right now, hopefully more in the next few years!

[Bushplum]

Vegemite

[Abstract]

VW GTI (new Mk VI design).

Tokyu Hands (the entire shop).

Cool Japanese clothes (all the coolest stuff is from there, and they don't even deliver internationally)

Mountain Equipment Co-op (in Canada).

Nice umbrellas like Fulton Umbrellas (UK)





I'm sure there are lots of things.

[liquidtrend]

Tacos del pastor.

Pig meat cooked on a vertical rotisserie in front of a propane fire, then sliced super thin onto tacos with cilatro, onion, and pineapple.

It's heaven.....

Edit2: I finally read the thread and now know it's not supposed to be food, but I'm drawing a blank on something else so I'll leave this for now.

every single roach coach in texas serves that.
i love em. had them almost everyday on my architecture outings.

[TwinCities Dan]

The US needs stuff like Old Dutch's ketchup chips, I hear they are starting to exist in the US Midwest...(snip)...plus the factory is only a few hours away from where I live, so sometimes the chips are sooo fresh!

What? :confused:

They're made right here in St. Paul, MN, USA...

[SilvorX]

What? :confused:

They're made right here in St. Paul, MN, USA...

Depends where you live, where I live in Canada, our chips are made in Winnipeg Manitoba

[TwinCities Dan]

Depends where you live, where I live in Canada, our chips are made in Winnipeg Manitoba

Oh really? :o I didn't think about the fact that they might have regional (international) plants nowadays. I just knew that they are a hometown company, because I've actually seen the way the original headquarters plant/factory works (all different products) first hand, years ago! :cool: :D

[SilvorX]

Oh really? :o I didn't think about the fact that they might have regional (international) plants nowadays. I just knew that they are a hometown company, because I've actually seen the way the original headquarters plant/factory works (all different products) first hand, years ago! :cool: :D

Old Dutch was sold to some Canadians back in the 50s, so they started producing chips up here. Old Dutch in Canada has alot of prestige it seems, you see their chips on television shows all the time. I've noticed some differences in the chips between Canada and US for Old Dutch, but nothing major. Now days you can find their chips almost anywhere in Canada.. which is amazing! Before.. it was like Old Dutch in the states.. mainly a regional product. Now I want some ketchup chips!

[CalBoy]

The OP specifically mentioned non-food/beverage products, so in that more limited spectrum I guess I wish we had:


Better cell phones and better service.
More internet infrastructure with higher speeds.
More acccessories for men like belts, shoes, and bags.

Now if we were to include foods:

More choice in British biscuits
Coke with real sugar, not corn syrup (I know, the Mexican Coke is there and the special Kosher one during Passover, but still it would be nice to have our own all the time)
Chocolates/sweets from Europe.

I'm sure there's more, but that's what I've got so far.

[és:]

Irony and sarcasm.

[garybUK]

New Renault Megane Coupe http://www.renault.co.uk/cars/model/newmeganecoupe/explore.aspx

[daustin]

Tim Hortons!!

It's a Canadian Coffee/Doughnut place. Like Dunken Doughnuts...only wayyyy better.

We do have Tim Hortons in the US. Don't know if it's the same or not, and I've never been to one, but they always run commercials about how fresh their coffee is.

[Unspeaked]

Coke with real sugar, not corn syrup (I know, the Mexican Coke is there and the special Kosher one during Passover, but still it would be nice to have our own all the time)

Am I the only one who doesn't notice the difference?

Granted, I think Coke stinks, anyway, but overseas Coke tastes like US Pepsi to me, if any difference at all...

[ButtUglyJeff]

All the major Japaneese watch makers offer amazing models in Japan only.

Citizen make an "Attesa" line of Titanium watches that I would love to get my hands on. I'm just nervous about getting it serviced in the US, after importing one in.

[99MustangGTman]

Ford Falcon from AU.

[mithrilfox]

One thing I've taken to lately is the Japanese video game magazine Famitsu (Japanese name: ファミ通). I really like the magazine's "hodge-podge" approach, being different to many western video magazines.

Just to give you an idea, there's a section for the latest movies, stuff about restaurants and food, sometimes stuff about latest gadgets, and even a small blurb about an "idol" (usually an attractive woman who is popular as a singer/actress/model). These take up just a small portion of the magazine, since it's mostly about video games (as it should be).

http://img.jp.wazap.com/images/article/2008/2501r_1.jpg

[CalBoy]

Am I the only one who doesn't notice the difference?


Yes. ;)

The Mexican Coke also has a slight flavor difference (I think there might be a smidge more vanilla), but overall it's the real sugar that does it.

[leekohler]

Jaffa Cakes! We NEED these in the US!

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Jaffa_Cakes

[CalBoy]

Jaffa Cakes! We NEED these in the US!

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Jaffa_Cakes

Boy do we!

I'm still expecting a shipment from a certain lovely Brit, and the excitement is building!

[leekohler]

Boy do we!

I'm still expecting a shipment from a certain lovely Brit, and the excitement is building!

OMG- I just finished the last of mine this weekend. I'm going to go a little crazy without them.

[CalBoy]

OMG- I just finished the last of mine this weekend. I'm going to go a little crazy without them.

Isn't it funny how you can be hooked onto something you had never had before?

[leekohler]

Isn't it funny how you can be hooked onto something you had never had before?

They're truly evil. :)

[dmr727]

I'm gonna get flamed for this, but fellas, Jaffa Cakes just aren't my thing. Maybe I just haven't had the right ones. :)

[TSE]

Legally? Prostitutes.

[CalBoy]

I'm gonna get flamed for this, but fellas, Jaffa Cakes just aren't my thing. Maybe I just haven't had the right ones. :)

You have access to them? :eek:

They're nowhere to be found in the Bay Area.

[Surely]

We do have Tim Hortons in the US. Don't know if it's the same or not, and I've never been to one, but they always run commercials about how fresh their coffee is.

Yes, the Tim Hortons in the U.S. is the same as the Tim Hortons in Canada. Tim Hortons is owned by Wendy's, actually.

The OP specifically mentioned non-food/beverage products


I know, but I still had to mention Coffee Crisp.

http://i35.photobucket.com/albums/d196/laurelharrish/coffeecrisp.jpg

Oh, and Canadian Kraft Dinner. Maybe it's OK for this list- does it really qualify as food?

And, yes, it is different than the American Kraft Macaroni and Cheese.

http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_XcDU1_ImTqs/R2y0dU7ZlgI/AAAAAAAAADI/3uaYkoBZPUc/s320/KraftDinner.jpg

[dmr727]

You have access to them? :eek:


I used to go to these parties that had them. I have no idea where they came from. I'll see if I can find the source. :)

For some reason, my brain can't seem to reconcile orange flavor with a treat.

[CalBoy]

For some reason, my brain can't seem to reconcile orange flavor with a treat.

You're just like my sister.

She detests any fruit and chocolate combo, but orange and chocolate is the absolute worst thing in her book. :p

[JeffTL]

Legally? Prostitutes.

They have them in northern Nevada.

[mgguy]

MG cars. Used to be made by British Leyland but I think they are now being made in China. I hear they are still fun to drive. I used to own 2 MGBs and loved the way they handled.

[Abstract]

I'm gonna get flamed for this, but fellas, Jaffa Cakes just aren't my thing. Maybe I just haven't had the right ones. :)

I hate them. :eek:



Sorry demi people. :o



You're just like my sister.

She detests any fruit and chocolate combo, but orange and chocolate is the absolute worst thing in her book. :p

Yep.


I know, but I still had to mention Coffee Crisp.

http://i35.photobucket.com/albums/d196/laurelharrish/coffeecrisp.jpg


I had no idea that wasn't available in America.

[és:]

JAffa Cakes are average. It's funny watching those youtube video's with people that have just come back from the UK or have received a shipment of UK chocolate and goodies. They seem amazed at the quality of the chocolate compared to America's offerings, and the biscuits (or 'cookies' as they incorrectly call them ;) ) they go mad for. I guess they just over do it with the sugars and crazy ingredients over there.

[juanster]

ketchup flavoured chips (Canada) and lemon flavoured chips (Colombia)...

[northy124]

Cuban Cigars:D

[notjustjay]

Wait, what? Y'all don't have Coffee Crisp (http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Coffee_Crisp)?

Also: Smarties (http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Smarties). No, not those roll things.

Let's see, what else?

Buckley's Mixture -- the most foul tasting cough syrup ever (but it works.. I think?)

Milk that comes in bags (http://cache.virtualtourist.com/879736-Milk_in_bags_instead_of_bottles-Province_of_Ontario.jpg) :D

Things that you have in the US that I miss in Canada:

Permethrin spray - mosquito killer/repellant (banned in Canada)
Jiffy instant corn muffin mix
iTunes Store that actually has stuff worth buying

[northy124]

Yes Smarties, I thought they were available in US? oh and UK TV Shows like Skins and Shameless:p

[bartelby]

Yes Smarties,

I used to love Smarties. Then they ruined them with natural colouring. You can taste the vegetableness of the colours now :(

[Unspeaked]

I used to love Smarties. Then they ruined them with natural colouring. You can taste the vegetableness of the colours now :(

Totally agree.

Some colors are more noticeable than others.

[bartelby]

Totally agree.

Some colors are more noticeable than others.

The beetroot one!!
:eek:

[arkitect]

The beetroot one!!
:eek:

Luckily I love beetroot — but the blue is crap.
:p

[oscillatewildly]

OP,

From Japan -

Computerised, health assessing, food ordering, fragrance spraying, talking toilets.

[Lava Lamp Freak]

Philips LivingColors isn't available in the US, yet. They told me last year they would be available before Christmas but alas they were not.

http://www.lighting.philips.com/microsite/living_colors/

http://technabob.com/blog/wp-content/uploads/2007/06/philips_livingcolors.jpg

[yojitani]

I used to love Smarties. Then they ruined them with natural colouring. You can taste the vegetableness of the colours now :(

Better than the chemicaliness of the colours, no? I can't say that I've ever noticed a vegetable flavour with any naturally flavoured sweet.

Food-wise: Marmite. I ran out a few months ago and am now seriously 'jonesing.'

Clothes: I do miss my cheap-o uniqlo
(edit: I just found that there is one store in NYC.)

Irony and sarcasm.

I suppose those have been commodified to some degree...

[northy124]

I used to love Smarties. Then they ruined them with natural colouring. You can taste the vegetableness of the colours now :(
What? are you sure, I never had? I do taste Orange in the Orange one though (which I don't mind as I think it should always be like that :D )

[lAciDl]

EU diesel cars, nissan skyline (not the GTR)