Exporting sunflower seeds to Europe

Europe is an important sunflower seed producer. However, it does not produce enough to meet its own needs and therefore relies on imports from third countries. Most of the sunflower seeds produced in and imported into the EU are crushed into cooking oil. But whole sunflower seeds are important food ingredients used in baking goods and, increasingly, as healthy and convenient snacks for health-conscious consumers – a growing market segment with promising opportunities for suppliers outside of Europe.