Germany relies on imports to guarantee a year-round supply of fresh produce. Almost 40% of Germany’s fresh fruit and vegetable imports come from developing countries. The opportunities for tropical and exotic fruit are growing, such as bananas, grapes, avocados, blueberries and mangos. The same is true of (exotic) vegetables such as tomatoes, capsicum, beans, asparagus and pumpkins. The German organic market is the largest in Europe, which makes it attractive for suppliers from developing countries.

My most important advice for exporters seeking to enter the German market is to be patient and always look at quality. Do not rush to enter the market, as this is not something that happens overnight. Spend time on understanding the market and look for a buyer that aligns with your company vision and philosophy. When you start business with a buyer, begin with a few containers and you will learn by experience.

Nina Patil

 

Nina Patil, Director of Indian table grape grower-exporter Fresh Express. 

 

 

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17 October 2023

 

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Exporters of cosmetic ingredients to Europe must adapt to a market shaped by sustainability, traceability and innovation. These are no longer optional values. They are now basic expectations from both buyers and consumers. This shift is driven by new EU regulations such as the Green Deal, deforestation-free and due diligence requirements. It is also the growing link between beauty, health and ethics. As a result, companies must show clear and verifiable environmental and social performance.

The cosmetics industry is facing several challenges relating to sustainability, like achieving transparent and responsible supplies, reducing plastic dependence, and minimising greenhouse gas emissions. Provital has a strong commitment to sustainable development and innovation. Establishing responsible supply chain management is a key part of that. We aim to work with companies that share our commitment to taking actions for the planet and for people, based on the development of sustainable products with sustainable use of resources. Companies interested in supplying their products to the European cosmetic industry should base their work on sustainability criteria and communicate clearly and honestly about their policies on that.

Ricard Armengol

Ricard Armengol, CEO of Provital, Spain

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The processed fruit and vegetables market is one of the largest European food sectors. It has an import value of almost €40 billion and counts thousands of players. There are many ways to identify potential buyers among the many players. The tips below provide you with a short but detailed guide on how and where to find buyers for your processed fruit and vegetable products. However, finding a buyer does not guarantee that you will sell your products to them. This depends on many factors, some of which are out of your control.

Exhibiting at large trade events can be costly for small companies from developing countries. If that applies to you, consider participating in selective face-to-face events with a limited number of qualified buyers. In that case, you will have more time to talk to potential buyers, compared to crowded trade events. However, more time does not guarantee success if you are not prepared. So present your unique selling points, bring samples and answer your buyers' questions honestly.

Chris Debove

Chris Debove
CEO, Polaris Meetings, France

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If you want to successfully export processed foods to Europe, you should pay attention to what European buyers like and need. A deeper understanding of European buyers and their preferences helps SMEs offer products that buyers and their customers want. It also drives suppliers to adopt new business practices. This type of connection helps firms build a stronger market presence, boosting their long-term growth and profitability in Europe.

Open Trade Gate Sweden provides market studies, webinars and customised advice about the Swedish market for selected goods and services. Food products is one of our main focus areas and we can provide reliable and updated market intel. Our main target group is SMEs in developing economies, and in our long-term projects we can also offer capacity building that can take you all the way to a meeting with an end client in Sweden.

Linda Rydén

Linda Rydén, Trade Policy Adviser, Open Trade Gate Sweden

Finnpartnership's Matchmaking service connects companies from Finland and developing markets looking for long-term business partners. Companies from developing markets that register for the Matchmaking service have their own public profile in the online Matchmaking database. Included in the database are companies interested in exporting to Finland and in need of a Finnish partner for entering the Finnish, Nordic and EU markets. Upon registration, all companies are marketed in our monthly newsletter for visibility. We also actively market the Matchmaking database to Finnish stakeholders.

Axel Sointu

Axel Sointu, Business Partnership Lead, Finnpartnership

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The market for squid and cuttlefish has many different relevant species, origins and competitors. It is a mature market with many stable commercial relationships, modern processing facilities and many options for adding value to the raw material. Ensure that your product complies with all traceability and health and safety requirements to enter Europe. Once in Europe, make sure that your product goes to the right destination market and passes through the right channels. Competition is tough and markets know what they want.

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This document provides information about how and where to find European buyers for your IT or business process outsourcing (ITO/BPO) services. Discover the key elements that pave the path to success: understanding your unique offerings and target audience, establishing a strong online presence and making meaningful connections.

Your website is your business card, the gateway to partnership success. Showcase your best work in a captivating portfolio. Let your website speak volumes and attract the perfect partners.

Graphic designer at a Dutch/Finnish website and graphic design company

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European tour operators are bound by strict regulations. These ensure that their customers are protected financially and safe when travelling overseas. If you want to do business with tour operators in Europe, you need to make sure that your business meets their standards. The most important legal statute for them is the European Package Travel Directive.

Suppliers that have international representation or affiliations in relation to their niche market offering will better differentiate themselves. These partnerships give travel agents like us reassurance that a product or experience is suitable for that the specific market. The use of international representation can also help you build better relationships within the specific target countries and build greater awareness.

Molly Kinnaird

Molly Kinnaird, Head of Europe, True Travel

 

A sustainable destination aims to create an attractive destination for visitors, residents and local businesses that is respectful of local culture, traditions, heritage and the environment. This cannot be achieved without collaboration between the different stakeholders of the destination. In the best examples, the destination is a synergy between the leadership provided by the destination management and the engagement from local businesses, so both are working together towards the same goals.

Louise de Hemmer

Louise de Hemmer, Green Destinations Top 100

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In the European processed fruit, vegetables and edible nuts market sustainability has been a major driver for change. Leading trends are related to environmental issues such as waste reduction, changing consumer habits towards more personalised and healthier diets, new processing technologies, transparency, new sourcing origins and convenience.

In today’s dynamic food and beverage landscape, consumers are actively shaping the supply chain with their preferences and values. For ingredient suppliers, the key to seizing a significant share of the market lies in championing purpose-driven change. Those who empower their clients to lead the charge in the food and nutrition transition, facilitating innovation in both new and existing product categories, will find themselves at the forefront of this evolving market.

Reindert Dekker

Reindert Dekker, EuroBras Trade & Development

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To export processed fruit, vegetables and nuts to Europe, you need to meet high standards for food safety and quality. Food consumed in the European Union (EU) is largely free of harmful residues. However, limits on various contaminants keep rising. Increased traceability, transparency and responsible social and environmental practices are becoming more important. This has led to the development of lots of certification schemes.

Exporters of processed fruit, vegetables and edible nuts must closely monitor the development of market requirements in Europe. For example, the EU regulation for marketing fruit and vegetables has been published. Importers are expected to register on new platforms for customs control. New changes in documentation procedures for the proof of origin are in place. The market requirement changes are very dynamic.

Jens Borchert, Palm Nuts & More, Germany

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Europe's natural ingredients market for health products is changing fast. An ageing population and demand for preventive solutions drive these changes. Growth spans four segments: alternative medicine and natural remedies, preventive health products for immunity and digestion, functional beverages, and personalised nutrition. This creates opportunities for exporters from developing countries. 

Consumer interest in natural products to improve their health and general well-being continues to grow. This is not expected to slow down. At the same time, consumers are expecting more from ingredients, wanting them to work and be safe, natural and sustainable. As a result, European manufacturers are increasingly launching innovations based on safety and efficacy data. In turn, they will expect you to provide transparent, complete and structured technical dossiers on your ingredients.

Jolanda van Hal

Jolanda van Hal, Senior Journalist at Nutrition Insight

 

 

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CBI webinar: European trends and opportunities for natural ingredients for health products

22 February 2024

 

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