The European cosmetics market offers opportunities to liquorice extract exporters from developing countries. The main drivers include increasing consumer awareness as well as the avoidance of synthetic ingredients in cosmetics and toiletries, as well as the increasing segmentation of the European cosmetics market. Cosmetics companies increasingly offer dedicated lines for specific applications such as anti-ageing products and sun-care products.
Nilotica shea butter is a high-quality, soft-textured butter from East Africa. The word ‘nilotica’ refers to its place of origin, as it is native to the Nile River valley and surrounding areas. Valued for its high oleic acid content and rapid skin absorption, nilotica offers a premium alternative to West African shea butter. It is gaining attention in Europe’s expanding market for natural and ethical cosmetics.
The European cosmetics market offers opportunities to suppliers of palm oil alternatives, such as coconut oil and babassu oil, from developing countries. This demand is driven by growing consumer awareness and an increasing demand for more environmentally friendly products. Western European countries are the most attractive for exporters of palm oil alternatives from developing countries.
The demand for essential oils in the European cosmetics market is expected to grow further in 2026 and beyond. Essential oils are increasingly used in personal care formulations both for their fragrance and for their aromatherapeutic and skin-beneficial properties. The health, wellness and natural beauty trends remain key drivers behind this growth, with brands developing new products that cater to consumers seeking sensorial, clean-label and holistic cosmetic experiences.
Organising your exports correctly can make the difference between making a profit or a loss. You need a good understanding of practical matters regarding customs, tariffs, transport, payment terms and insurance. You also need to organise your export documents and address key sustainability issues, such as packaging and certification schemes.
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Spain is Europe’s leading agricultural producer. In recent years, the country has also gained status as a trader. Opportunities can be found in both local production and the supply of tropical fruits to the market. Spain can also be the right partner for reaching other markets in Europe. The up-and-coming role of Spain as a hub for other European markets comes with additional requirements for certifications and pesticide levels.
The European market for coconuts is relatively small with many potential suppliers. Young and mature coconuts are very different markets, each with its own specifications and requirements. Ivory Coast (mature coconuts), Thailand and Vietnam (young coconuts) are the main players reaching large sales channels, such as supermarkets. Freshness and sustainable production are key if you want to participate in the European coconut trade.
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Exporting coconut 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 coconut 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.
To export lemons to the European market, you should follow strict legal and buyer requirements. European suppliers dominate the lemon market for a large part of the year, especially those from Spain. Competition from outside Europe comes from South Africa, Argentina and Türkiye. As a non-EU supplier, your biggest window of opportunity is to supply the European market from June through September.
If the Spanish supply is short at the end of the Northern Hemisphere season, Argentine lemons can enter the European market earlier to fulfil demand and could keep up to the prices of local lemons, especially at the start of the southern hemisphere season, with great quality fruit and compliance with European specifications.
Guillermo Raya, General Manager at SA Veracruz
For products like lemons, retailers define the specifications and choose suppliers. Importers then execute the sourcing and supply according to those requirements.
Anonymous QA manager at a medium-sized fresh fruit importer in Northern Europe
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The Netherlands, the United Kingdom, Italy, Portugal, Romania and Bulgaria offer the best opportunities for fresh lemons from low- and middle-income countries. European supply is dominated by Spain for much of the year. The best export window for non-European suppliers is from June to September, when European supply is lower and prices can be stronger.