Chickpeas have good market potential in Europe beyond traditional consumption in Mediterranean and ethnic South Asian cuisine. The demand for health food and plant protein is driving significant demand for chickpeas in Europe, both for direct consumption and as a food ingredient. At the same time, shifts in global demand for chickpeas have been quite disruptive. This requires some careful navigation, particularly for inexperienced exporters. 

Sesame seeds have been used in cooking for centuries. Demand for sesame has grown recently because of increased interest in healthy and vegan diets. This trend is expected to continue. Europe imports almost all of its sesame, which makes it an interesting market for foreign suppliers. However, it is not an easy market to supply. Careful control of salmonella and chemical residues separates successful suppliers from less successful ones.

Teff is one of the smallest-sized grains and a staple food in Ethiopia. Teff was initially exported to supply Ethiopians living abroad, but it has caught the interest of many other consumers in Europe. The grain has much potential in the health-focused food segments in Europe, although further promotion of this ancient grain is needed. Becoming a supplier will take the necessary experience in cultivation and processing.

Oleoresins are used in the food industry as alternatives to spices, other flavouring agents and colourants. Europe is a potential market for oleoresins from developing countries because of its strong food processing sector. Western European countries are the most interesting export markets for suppliers of oleoresins, especially as a potential alternative to synthetic additives.

There are many export openings for gums, such as gum arabic and guar gum in the European market. One of the main advantages of gums is their versatility, as they have a wide range of functional properties. Gums are used in many types of food products, including beverages, meats, dairy products, confectionery and bakery products. To enter the European gums market, you must meet the European Union’s mandatory requirements. There use of gums is growing in the European food industry because of the rising demand for weight-loss and gluten-free products.