European cutlery imports are growing, with almost half of them coming from developing countries. This makes Europe an interesting market for you. Depending on your concept, a high or lower-middle market is available to you. The latter requires an innovative design approach, where the former is based on high productivity and low cost. Generally, sustainable values are new to this category and can be used to differentiate.

As the world’s leading candle importer, Europe is an interesting market for you. Demand is mainly driven by candles creating ambience in the home. In addition, candles increasingly play a supporting role in maintaining and improving consumers’ physical and mental wellbeing. The mid- to high-end market has the most potential for you. To target these segments, you can add value related to the origin of your ingredients, high-level craftsmanship and design, gift packaging and sustainability.

The demand for mango puree in Europe is driven by the popularity of mango as an exotic flavour and the increasing awareness of its health benefits. The largest consumer of mango puree in Europe is the fruit juice industry. It is also increasingly being used as an ingredient in the baby food, bakery, confectionery and dairy industries. There are opportunities for new developing country suppliers in large markets, such as the Netherlands, the United Kingdom, Germany, France, Spain and Portugal.

Demand for dried tropical fruit in Europe is driven by the healthy snacking trend and the popularity of exotic flavours. New developing country suppliers can find opportunities in large importing, processing and consuming countries such as the United Kingdom or Germany. Emerging suppliers can gain a competitive advantage by offering safe, sustainable and high-quality products with stable prices. Most competition for dried mangoes comes from Burkina Faso, from Ghana for dried pineapple, and from Ecuador for dried bananas.

The demand for frozen berries in Europe is driven by the general popularity of berries. Berries are often sold as ‘superfruits’ due to their high levels of antioxidants and other nutrients. Demand is driven by the popularity of smoothies and increased use in the food processing industry. However, the market has faced some challenges in recent years because of high energy costs and inflation. As pricier fruits, the demand for berries is affected by price and consumer incomes. Prospects for growth are likely to return with stronger economic growth.

The demand for frozen vegetables in Europe is driven by convenience and healthy eating trends. European consumers’ busy lifestyles and the need for healthier eating options drive the demand. Opportunities for new suppliers can be found in large markets, particularly Germany, France, Belgium, the United Kingdom, Italy and the Netherlands. New suppliers must be able to compete with leading suppliers from Belgium, Spain and Poland as well as emerging suppliers like China, Turkey, Ecuador and south-east European countries.

Demand for pistachios in Europe is driven by the popularity of pistachios as a luxury snack and the healthy snacking trend. Pistachio kernels are being used more often in novel products too. There are opportunities for new developing country suppliers in Germany, Italy, Spain, Belgium, the Netherlands and France. Emerging pistachio suppliers can gain a competitive advantage by offering safe, sustainable and high-quality products at stable prices. New suppliers must be able to compete with strong competition from the United States and Turkey.