This report describes the most important opportunities, trends and requirements for exporting leather accessories to Europe. You will learn about rules and regulations, the best channels to get your product on the market, the countries where your competitors are based and the best ways to provide quotations.

The European adaptive apparel market is estimated to be worth approx. €70 billion and is growing because of an increasing share of elderly and disabled populations. In the next few years, the market is expected to grow at higher rates due to the aging society. The biggest European markets for adaptive apparel include Germany, the Netherlands, France, the UK, Spain and Italy.

Setting up a business relationship with a European buyer can be challenging. This report will explain what the most important opportunities and requirements are in the European market. You will learn about the rules and regulations for exporting women’s underwear to Europe, about the best channels to get your product to the market, about the countries where your competitors are and the best ways to provide quotes for potential buyers.

This report highlights the most important opportunities and requirements for exporting fashion sportswear to Europe. It covers rules and regulations, the best channels to get your product onto the market, the countries where your competitors are and the best ways to submit a quotation.

Certification is becoming a ‘license to operate’ (permission to do business) when exporting cocoa to Europe. Consumers are demanding more sustainable products and companies are increasingly demanding more sustainable cocoa. New laws and regulations in Europe are further increasing the demand for certification. Certification is the most widely used tool to put ambitions and commitments about sustainability into action. This makes Europe the most important market for certified cocoa in the world. 

Consumers are increasingly demanding premium chocolate. This makes the speciality cocoa market the fastest growing segment in Europe. Whether cocoa is labelled as speciality cocoa depends on the variety, post-harvest practices, countries of origin, and taste and aroma profiles. Traceability, direct trade and price premiums for quality are all important characteristics of the speciality cocoa trade. This makes it a high-potential market for producers and exporters.

Switzerland has a strong reputation as a producer of high-quality chocolate. Several Swiss chocolate brands are well-known and established internationally, and the domestic market is also strong. The premium chocolate market provides opportunities for specialty and certified cocoa. The Swiss market for fair-trade and organic products is especially large compared to other countries. As in other countries, sustainability rules are tightening under Swiss and EU laws, making traceability and compliance with the new regulations an industry priority.

Germany is one of the biggest and most interesting cocoa and chocolate markets in Europe. It offers good chances for cocoa exporters and small chocolate businesses from producing countries. Most of the cocoa which is ground and processed is still what is called bulk cocoa. There is however, a small but existing niche for premium, high-quality cocoa. This niche is slowly growing. Some consumers want cocoa that is high quality, organic, and made in a fair and sustainable way.

The Netherlands plays a central role in the global cocoa trade. It is the world’s largest of cocoa bean importer and one of Europe’s leading cocoa processing hubs. It offers many opportunities for cocoa exporters from producing countries. Dutch buyers more often want suppliers that can offer high-quality cocoa, reliable traceability and strong sustainability. Understanding the Dutch market, its requirements and consumer trends can help exporters become more competitive.