Around 90% of all cocoa exported to Europe is bulk cocoa. It is primarily imported to Europe as cocoa beans, but large volumes of bulk cocoa paste, butter and powder are also imported. The main importing countries are the Netherlands, Belgium, Germany, Spain, France and Italy. The requirements to enter the European market are similar for all cocoa products, although bulk cocoa is often of a lower quality and sold in larger shipments. The main exporting countries are Côte d’Ivoire, Ghana, Cameroon and Nigeria.
As the European market for pumpkins and squash is dominated by local supply, exporters from outside Europe should look for the gaps in the European supply window. This window occurs during the first and second quarter of the year. As pumpkins are considered a relatively healthy and environmentally sustainable vegetable, they are a good match with consumer trends for more healthy and sustainable food options.
Onions are the most widely grown crop in Europe. Therefore, consumers in Europe mainly consume locally grown onions. In the off-season and for particular types of onions, Europe still relies on imported onions. Countries that can supply European markets in the off-season have good opportunities. To export successfully, you should be up to date on the European onion season, the European harvest situation, prices, regulatory aspects, competition and other market dynamics.
The European market for watermelons offers many opportunities for exporters from outside Europe. There is a strong demand for watermelons during summer and a lesser demand during the off-season. Specialised varieties, such as seedless melons or ones with a flesh colour other than red, will allow you to access value-added niche markets. European buyers are more and more interested in organic products. If you can supply organic-certified watermelons, you will be able to sell them at higher prices.
The European market offers significant opportunities for certified honey due to growing concerns about environmental issues, bee vulnerability and honey adulteration. Organic certification schemes are widely used in this market.
The European Union (EU) developed the European Union’s Regulation on Deforestation-free Products (EUDR) to ensure that specific products sold in the EU do not come from deforested land.
The regulation is part of an EU regulatory strategy to address human rights and environmental degradation in agricultural supply chains. The requirements apply to traders and operators in the EU. From 30 December 2024 onwards, producers can only sell or export coffee on the EU market if it meets the EUDR requirements.
Europe is an interesting market for suppliers of ginger from developing countries. Imports have been stable in the past five years and are expected to grow in the upcoming years. China, Peru and Brazil are the main suppliers of ginger to the European market and will therefore be your main competitors. The Netherlands – as a trade hub – is an important entry point for ginger to end up in the European market. Other interesting destination markets include Germany and the United Kingdom.
As Europe’s pet population grows, there is more demand for pet furniture. Pet furniture has developed from purely useful items into home decoration products for the mid to high-end market, which offers you the most potential. To target these segments, you should add value with design, craftsmanship, functionality and sustainability. European consumers love their pets and often consider them family. Pets are companions and can improve people’s mental and physical wellness, which is a key trend in the sector.