The Netherlands is a relatively small country in Western Europe, bordering Germany and Belgium. It is home to the largest seaport in Europe (Rotterdam) and plays a big role in European trade. The positives of doing business in the Netherlands include the its EU membership, high living standards, the culture of direct communication and English as  a commonly spoken second language.

The Netherlands can be seen as a gateway to the wider European apparel market. It may be small in terms of physical size and population (the seventh largest in the EU), but it is 4th in terms of apparel imports by value, re-exporting 90% of it. Dutch buyers can be hard negotiators. Successfully doing business in the Dutch apparel market, however, can open doors to other EU markets as well.

To sell pine nuts in Europe, suppliers need to prove food safety, origin, species and consistent quality. Test every lot for cadmium, aflatoxins, nickel, microbes, rancidity and residues. Buyers expect Global Food Safety Initiative (GFSI) certification, UNECE-based specifications, traceability and protective packaging.

Europe is an attractive market for pine nuts because it depends on imports and uses pine nuts as a high-value cooking ingredient. Demand is supported by pesto, Mediterranean cooking, premium retail, foodservice and plant-based diets. The best opportunities can be found in Italy, Germany, Spain, the Netherlands, France and the United Kingdom. Future opportunities will depend on providing a reliable supply, clear origin, traceability, organic certification and credible sustainability stories.

European requirements for Arabica coffee are strict, and they are mainly the same as those for Robusta coffee. Though there are some country-specific requirements, most legislation comes from the EU and applies to all member states. 

Europe is the largest coffee market, as well as the largest market for Arabica coffee. Germany and Italy are the main Arabica-importing countries. Germany has a large certified and specialty coffee market. In Italy, much Arabica is used in blends with Robusta. Climate change, increasing prices and a growing demand for specialty coffee are factors that change the Arabica market.

Apparel manufacturing can be a risky business. Issues may arise at every stage of the process: from sourcing materials to producing garments and supplying buyers in international markets. Fabric prices change, laws become stricter, trade routes may be disrupted and poor communication can lead to mistakes. This study will help you identify, prioritise and prevent risks across the apparel supply chain, so you can successfully export to the European Union (EU).