Melon aisles are booming in European supermarkets. Sweet profits or bitter losses depend on knowing the market inside out. Our free CBI webinar will teach you which melon varieties and origins win space on European shelves. We will also discuss how to meet strict quality and residue rules.

Market expert Warner Uiterwijk will present the latest import volumes and consumer trends. Melon expert Frank Ocampo will share practical tips on:

Spain is Europe’s fourth-largest import market for green coffee, with 81% sourced directly from producing countries. Although Spain has traditionally been a market with a high demand for lower-quality beans, it is slowly changing and moving closer to coffee trends in Northern Europe. Rising incomes and increasing awareness of health and sustainability are driving these changes. Spain is also Europe’s largest market for decaffeinated coffee, and the demand for certified and specialty coffee is growing.

Europe is an attractive market for exporters of Acacia gum from developing countries. European countries have a strong food and drinks sector with a growing demand for packaged and fibre-enriched foods, in which Acacia gum is an important ingredient. Sustainability and traceability are important trends. As an Acacia gum exporter located in a developing country, you must comply with strict contamination, control, and traceability regulations. Importers are the most attractive channel for entering the market.

Outdoor games and toys offer interesting opportunities. Most Europeans have access to a garden or another outdoor area, and playing outside offers affordable entertainment when budgets are tight. There is also a growing interest in green outdoor spaces. The mid- to high-end segments of the European outdoor games and toys market have the most potential for you. To target these segments, you can add value through your design, craftsmanship and sustainability.

Hammocks offer interesting opportunities. With more and more Europeans using their gardens as extra living space, they buy hammocks for comfort and/or decoration. The mid- to high-end segments of the European hammock market have the most potential for you. To target these segments, you can add value through your design, craftsmanship, functionality and sustainability.

Exporting chocolate to Europe is a great opportunity for chocolate makers from developing countries. This is because Europe is the largest chocolate importer in the world. This study shows a growing trend of importing chocolate and cocoa-based products (HS 1806) from developing countries into Europe. This is driven by a strong demand for premium and speciality chocolates, including single-origin and artisanal chocolates. However, consumers are increasingly prioritising ethically sourced products and unique and innovative flavours.

Volunteer tourism is a growth market driven by increased awareness of social and environmental challenges and a desire for meaningful travel experiences. It is a popular form of tourism across Europe. Working with children, wildlife conservation and marine conservation are most popular. There are many specialist providers on the market, which offer good opportunities for local tour operators who can provide authentic and immersive volunteer experiences to partner with European tour operators. 

The honeymoon market in Europe is large. It accounts for 30% of the global market. Honeymoons are very popular amongst newlyweds; 72% of Europeans take a honeymoon. Developing country destinations are popular for honeymooning Europeans looking for unique experiences in scenic destinations. Sustainability is a key trend for European couples who want to minimise their carbon footprint when they travel. 

The European market accounts for a large portion of the global demand for pickled chillies. Europe’s cold climate meant vegetables needed to be pickled so seasonal vegetables could be eaten throughout the year, and this practice remains relevant today. Preserved chillies can be more convenient than fresh produce and are a versatile ingredient.

European imports of coconut oil are expected to grow 2–4% annually. This growth is driven by the perceived health benefits of medium-chain triglycerides, which are the main component of coconut oil. Opportunities for new developing-country suppliers can be found in supplying sustainably produced and virgin coconut oil to large European markets such as the Netherlands, Germany, Spain, Italy, France and Belgium. New suppliers should be aware of competition from the Philippines and Indonesia.