Exporting aloe vera to Europe offers growing opportunities, driven by rising consumer demand for natural, functional health ingredients. Aloe vera is valued for its digestive and immune-supporting properties. It is used in supplements, beverages and functional foods in key markets like the Netherlands, Germany and Spain. But exporters need to deal with complicated regulations around health claims, increased competition from European producers, and stricter requirements for traceability and sustainability.

Although it is still small, the European market for baobab oil is growing. The increasing use of natural ingredients in cosmetic and personal care products is generating demand for baobab oil. There use of baobab oil is expected to be higher in the coming years. However, growth is being limited by low awareness of baobab oil amongst cosmetic formulators and product developers. Baobab oil is used primarily in the cosmetics sector and can be segmented into conventional and certified baobab oil.

Exotic plant-derived butters, such as mango butter, are popular ingredients in cosmetics and personal care products. Cosmetics companies use mango butter because of its superior moisturising, softening and skin-conditioning properties. It is found in skin-care and hair-care products, colour cosmetics and so on.

Exporting organic coffee to Europe requires a lot of hard work and knowledge. To help you prepare CBI provides a Market Potential study with a list of European countries that offer the most opportunities for export of organic coffee and it describes the trends that offer new opportunities. The Market Entry study on this page contains information about buyer requirements and certifications, main market segments and distribution channels as well as information about the competition. 

Once known as the tea-drinking nation, the United Kingdom has become a large and important coffee market. Today it ranks among the largest coffee markets in Europe and is home to an enormous number of coffee shops. The growth of out-of-home consumption is driving the growing consumption of specialty coffees. Younger generations are driving the growth of the specialty sector, just as the growing retail sales of coffee pods and ground coffee in the United Kingdom. The United Kingdom is a major market for certified coffees.

France has a large and varied market for bulk, specialty and certified cocoa. It is one of the main markets for speciality chocolates in Europe. French consumers favour premium ingredients and high-quality cocoa, reflecting the French gourmet tradition. Consumers prefer dark chocolates. Niche markets for organic and Fairtrade chocolates are significant in France, and these two certifications are often combined.

Italy is an important cocoa importer and one of Europe’s main chocolate producers. The country is known for its famous chocolate brands, like Ferrero, Perugina, Venchi and Domori. Italian buyers want cocoa that is high-quality, traceable, and produced in a fair and sustainable way. This creates good opportunities for exporters from producing countries, especially in premium, organic and certified cocoa. To enter and stay in the Italian market, you must follow strict European rules on traceability and sustainability.

Processing of cocoa beans at origin is a highly-debated topic on the European chocolate market. Although the manufacturing of semi-finished cocoa products is interesting from the perspective of developing countries, the European market for this type of local value addition is still limited. Developing and exporting locally processed cocoa products requires you to have proper quality management, documentation, long-term commitment and close cooperation with European companies.

The European occasional furniture market offers good opportunities. Demand for occasional furniture is boosted by the flexibility it offers, allowing consumers to easily move pieces around and maximise the use of their space. As the lower end of the market is dominated by mass-producing countries, the mid- to high-end segments are most promising for you. To supply these segments, you need to add value to your products through design, craftsmanship, sustainability and storytelling.

Europe’s bed textile market offers opportunities for exporters from developing countries. The focus on sustainability and wellness is growing, driving interest in natural materials and designs. As the lower end of the market is dominated by volume-producing countries, the mid-high segment is most promising for added-value products. Value can be added through special techniques, artisanry, and the type and quality of raw materials. Emphasising the story behind a product can further add to its value.