Vanilla extract is used in the food industry as a flavouring agent and for its aroma. Europe is a prospective market because of growing demand for natural ingredients. Western-European countries are the most interesting export markets for suppliers of vanilla extract. The COVID-19 pandemic has affected the supply chain in various ways. One positive impact is that it created higher demand in 2020 because of the rise in home cooking.

The Netherlands is a medium-sized coffee market playing an important role in the European coffee trade. Similar to coffee cultures in other European countries, the Dutch demand for sustainable and high-quality coffee has increased over the years. This offers opportunities to exporters of high-quality green coffees with a unique story. In addition, adopting sustainable production and trade practices is important to gain access to the Dutch market. Certified products have become mainstream on the Dutch coffee market.

France is a large and mature coffee market with a long tradition of coffee consumption. The country holds an important position in European imports of green coffee, with a well-established coffee roasting industry. Sustainability and certification are major trends on the French coffee market. Given the widespread availability of certified coffee in France, certification may be a key entry requirement for coffee exporters. The specialty coffee market in France is taking shape, offering interesting opportunities to exporters offering high-quality coffees with unique stories.

Exporting certified coffee to 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 export of certified coffee 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. 

Hibiscus health products are becoming increasingly popular in the European market. Rising consumer awareness and the ageing European population are two major drivers that are generating demand for nutritional supplements. The COVID-19 pandemic has accelerated this trend, and it is likely to continue. There is a growing demand in Europe for natural health products, such as hibiscus-based supplements. Hibiscus is used in food and beverages, cosmetics, as well as health products. The major competing products to hibiscus include moringa, baobab and matcha.

Spain plays an important role in the cocoa market, having the seventh-largest import volume of cocoa beans in Europe. Cocoa grinding companies lead the country’s growth in the cocoa and cocoa products sector, in which Spain also features as an important worldwide exporter and consumer of chocolate. Spanish domestic consumption is consistent, yet the value of consumed products is increasing, which indicates a growing national demand for high-quality products, particularly chocolates with high cocoa content.

The cocoa market in Scandinavia (Denmark, Norway and Sweden) is rather small in volumes. The market is increasingly looking for higher-quality and more sustainable cocoa products in general. Hence, cocoa beans traded using transparent, sustainable, and ethical practices may find interesting opportunities. Exporters should expect strict requirements on food safety and sustainability from Scandinavian buyers.