Once known as the tea-drinking nation, the United Kingdom has become a large and important coffee market. Today it ranks among the largest coffee markets in Europe and is home to an enormous number of coffee shops. The growth of out-of-home consumption is driving the growing consumption of specialty coffees. Younger generations are driving the growth of the specialty sector, just as the growing retail sales of coffee pods and ground coffee in the United Kingdom. The United Kingdom is a major market for certified coffees.

France is one of the main markets for speciality chocolates in Europe. French consumers favour premium ingredients and high-quality cocoa, reflecting the French gourmet tradition and preference for dark chocolates. Niche markets for organic and Fairtrade chocolates are significant in France, and the two concepts and certifications are increasingly converging.

Italy is a large importer of cocoa beans, sourcing a high share of its imports directly from cocoa-producing countries. Together, West African countries account for more than 70% of Italy’s cocoa bean imports, but East Africa shows a growing trend. Italy is home to large-scale chocolate companies but also has several small-scale and high-quality chocolate makers. The market for certified chocolate is also increasing steadily in Italy, following a consumer and industry trend towards sustainability.

Processing of cocoa beans at origin is a highly-debated topic on the European chocolate market. Although the manufacturing of semi-finished cocoa products is interesting from the perspective of developing countries, the European market for this type of local value addition is still limited. Developing and exporting locally processed cocoa products requires you to have proper quality management, documentation, long-term commitment and close cooperation with European companies.

The European occasional furniture market offers good opportunities. Demand for occasional furniture is boosted by the flexibility it offers, allowing consumers to easily move pieces around and maximise the use of their space. As the lower end of the market is dominated by mass-producing countries, the mid- to high-end segments are most promising for you. To supply these segments, you need to add value to your products through design, craftsmanship, sustainability and storytelling.

The European bed textile market offers good opportunities. The focus on sustainability and wellness is further increasing, driving the interest in natural materials and eco-friendly production. As the lower end of the market is dominated by volume-producing countries, the mid-high segment is most promising for added-value products. Value can be added through special techniques, craftmanship, and the type and quality of raw materials. Emphasising the story behind a product can further add to its value.

The European market for soap offers opportunities, but competition is strong. The product group is dominated by European brands, with production both within Europe and elsewhere. As the focus on sustainability is increasing further, the mid- to high-end market is most promising for you. To succeed in a crowded product group, your soap needs to stand out. For example, with special ingredients or other cultural aspects that trigger the senses. Values related to health and sustainability are becoming the norm.

Europe is a strong market for Pants and Trousers, with a total import value of €34 billion and a 5-year average growth of 3.6%. The biggest markets include Germany, Spain, France, the Netherlands, Italy and Poland. Women’s Pants and Trousers is the dominating product subsegment in most countries, accounting for 55% of the total, but Men’s Pants and Trousers is typically more expensive per unit.

Europe is a strong market for Dresses and Skirts, with a total import value of €10.8 billion and a 5-year average growth of 5%. The biggest markets include Germany, France, Spain, Poland, the Netherlands, and Italy. Dresses are the dominating product subsegment in most countries, accounting for 82-86% of the total segment, but are also typically more expensive per unit.

This report explains the most important opportunities and requirements for exporting swimwear to Europe. It outlines rules and regulations, the best channels to get your product on the market, the countries where your competitors are and the best ways to provide a quotation.