Europe is a good market for exporters of sesame seed oil from developing countries. It is the world’s biggest market for cosmetics and there is a constant demand for natural ingredients. Sesame seed oil can be used in a wide range of cosmetic products and is known for its antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties.
Lentils have been eaten since prehistoric times and are a staple food in many cultures. Like other pulses, they are an excellent source of protein and nutrients. Lentils are a very versatile and inexpensive food product. This makes them an important source of high-quality protein in diets. In addition to their use in traditional and ethnic foods, these qualities are also advantageous in increasingly popular healthy, vegetarian and vegan diets. Demand is also driven by a large canning industry.
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The European market for lentils is split between use in traditional European and ethnic cuisines, and an expanding convenience and health food market. Versatility, healthfulness and affordability are important factors in the growing demand. Its comparatively small lentil production means that European buyers depend on imports. While the market in Europe is dominated by a few large producers, opportunities for new suppliers exist in countries like Spain, Italy, Germany, United Kingdom, France and the Netherlands.
Morocco is an emerging market, with a growing demand for coffee. Moroccan green coffee imports have been increasing over the last decade. Guinea has been an important supplier of green coffee to Morocco, mainly to serve the country’s steady mainstream market. While the Moroccan market is slowly moving towards more distinguished, premium flavour profiles, demand for lower-grade Robusta is still high. The Moroccan coffee market is mainly a market for standard coffee and is driven by price. This provides opportunities for Guinean exporters.
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Nature tourism in Europe requires a lot of hard work and knowledge. To help you prepare CBI provides a Market Potential study with a list of European countries that offer the most opportunities for nature tourism and it describes the trends that offer new opportunities. The Market Entry study on this page contains information about buyer requirements and certifications, main market segments and distribution channels as well as information about the competition.
Every day, millions of travellers use OTAs and other online travel platforms to plan and book their holidays and business trips, to destinations all over the world. The OTA market is crowded and competitive, and the Tours and Activities sector is one of the fastest growing sales channels. OTAs offer a quick, convenient way to enter the market, but local operators need to do their research, understand their target market and choose the most appropriate OTA to work with.
Communicate regularly with an OTA and their country representatives if there is one in your destination. You both have the same goal: selling more packages. It’s much easier to provide an offer that sells if you use their data and insights. When calculating your margins, look further than a one-off deal from the OTA, especially for day tours. One sale can lead to more sales – upgrades, more bookings, or references to your company to other customers. Make sure these bookings are direct bookings. And use the OTA offer to build trust.
Guido van de Graaf, Value through Passion
OTAs can help your business gain traction and put you in front of an audience you may never get. It’s a great way to generate revenue quickly, but you shouldn’t rely on OTAs for the bulk of your business. If you do, you aren’t really running a business but you’re the equivalent of an Uber driver for tours and activities. If you’re happy with that, then go for it, but if you want to grow a brand and business, make sure that 70% or above of your booking comes from direct channels. That’s the only way to be in control of your destiny.
Chris Torres, Founder – Touriosity, Tourism Marketing Agency
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Accessible tourism is the ongoing endeavour to ensure that tourist destinations, products and services are accessible to all people, regardless of their physical limitations, disabilities or age. This market offers great opportunities, as competition is still limited. Suppliers of accessible tourism should be aware of the high European standards.
Dried garlic is a popular taste enhancer in the European market. Food makers love its long shelf life, clean label and ability to replace salt. European imports from developing origins rose to 78,800 tonnes in 2024 and should keep increasing in 2025-2026. China still supplies the largest volumes, but buyers now also look to Egypt, India, Serbia and Uzbekistan to spread their risk.
Europe is a growing market for cardamom exporters. Increasing demand is fuelled by consumer appetites for exotic flavours and cuisines. Guatemala and India are the main suppliers of whole and crushed/ground cardamom to Europe and will be key competitors for new entrants. Suppliers from other countries may benefit from buyer demand for cardamom from unique origins and sustainably produced cardamom. Niche markets for high-quality and certified cardamom can also offer interesting export opportunities.
Europe is one of the largest global markets for pickles, especially fermented cucumbers. This is primarily because of its long tradition of consuming pickled cucumbers. Consumption is also driven by the awareness of the benefits of minimally processed foods amongst the general population. Pickles also provide a crunchy, tangy bite to sandwiches and burgers. In terms of health benefits, they contain antioxidants, probiotic organisms and minerals that protect against free radicals. Pickles are also a cost-effective choice for various cuisines.