Vanilla extract is used in the food industry for its flavour and aroma. Europe offers good opportunities for vanilla exporters due to increasing demand for natural ingredients. Western European countries are the most interesting markets, because they have a strong food-processing sector and a growing demand for organic products. However, the vanilla supply chain is highly volatile. Prices can vary a lot due to supply shortages, weather conditions and market speculation. This creates challenges for both exporters and buyers.

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, 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. The demand for certified coffee is not particularly high in France. Unlike in many other European countries, however, demand for certified products is still growing in France.

Europe is the world’s largest market for certified coffee. Rainforest Alliance, 4C, Fairtrade and organic are the main types of certification. Certification gives you better market access. However, not all certified coffee is sold as such. This, as well as the costs and what is needed for certification, shows the need for good research and careful planning before you get certified.

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.