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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To sell your products on the European market, you need to meet various legal requirements. European regulations for grains, pulses and oilseeds put consumer health and safety first. Potential buyers will also look at your compliance and certifications, such as BRC, IFS or FSSC 22000. If you want to work with them, you need to follow quality and safety procedures. You also need to respect the growing importance of sustainability standards.

You can see certification for one of the food safety standards as a license to operate in the EU. Companies from outside the EU that are keen on obtaining or retaining food safety certification find it easier to access the challenging European market. We select actively according to this criterion.

Maarten Molenaar

Maarten Molenaar, Do-It Organic

Certification is important for you as it opens new markets, and also as it builds trust within supply chains and towards the end consumer. At the same time, meeting standard and export requirements can be overwhelming and challenging. As a certification partner we see these challenges every day, guiding companies through every step of the process.

Jordi Meijer

Jordi Meijer, Regional Director Africa Middle East at Control Union

 

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European tour operators need to follow strict regulations to make sure their customers are protected financially and will be safe whilst travelling overseas. If you want to do business with them, you need to make sure that your business meets their standards. European tour operators are bound by the European Package Travel Directive, which is the most important legal requirement for them.

European buyers need confidence that suppliers are professional, reliable and aligned with their standards. Clear insurance, strong risk management, responsible tourism policies and transparent sustainability practices all help build trust. For local operators, these requirements should not be seen as barriers, but as tools to strengthen partnerships and show they are ready to work with the European market.

Portrait Molly Kinnaird

Molly Kinnaird, Co-Founder at Fable, a UK Luxury DMC specialising in tailor-made trips

European buyers need confidence that adventure suppliers are professional, reliable and able to manage risk. Many suppliers already operate responsibly, but they need to document their procedures, training, insurance, emergency plans and sustainability practices. Clear evidence helps buyers complete due diligence and gives local operators a stronger position in the European market.

Portrait Gustavo Timo

Gustavo Timo, President, Adventure Travel Trade Association (ATTA)

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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

 

 

Webinar recording

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

22 February 2024

 

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