Most European imports of textile furnishings, including cushion covers, come from developing countries. This makes Europe an interesting market for you. The mid- and higher-end segments of the European cushion cover market have the most potential. To target these segments, you need to add value to your products through design, craftsmanship, sustainability and storytelling. Creating cushion covers as part of a wider range of similar products or in combination with bedspreads and throws also offers opportunities.

Most European imports of handwoven rugs originate from developing countries. The middle and high-end market segments offer you the most opportunities. To supply to these segments, you can use traditional techniques and designs to add a story to your products. Working with sustainable materials and co-creation can give you a competitive edge. Banning child labour is an especially relevant issue in the handwoven rug industry.

The European market for Christmas tree decorationsis growing, along with consumers’ holiday spending. This offers you good opportunities, as most European imports of Christmas articles come from developing countries. However, low-cost, high-volume production dominates the market. To compete, you can focus on high-end segments and niche markets, such as sustainable Christmas tree decorations. Premium niches are small, but profitable if you can offer well-designed, exclusive products.

Demand for dried thyme in Europe is driven by the popularity of the Mediterranean cuisine and interest in thyme’s health benefits. Dried thyme is a traditional culinary aromatic herb. It is also used in herbal teas and as raw material for the production of essential oils and other health and cosmetics products. Opportunities for new developing country suppliers can be found in large consuming markets, such as Germany, Spain, Belgium, the United Kingdom, France, and the Netherlands. Offering high-quality, safe and sustainable products will give you a competitive advantage.

Sport 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 sport 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.

Religious tourism 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 religious 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. 

Baby Boomers, born between 1946 and 1964, are frequent travellers. Many are retired and have the time and money to travel. More than one-fifth of the European population is made up of Baby Boomers, and most use European tour operators to organise their trips. There are good opportunities for local tour operators to attract this market with products carefully packaged to include active, immersive and meaningful experiences. However, it is important to remember that this is an ageing demographic, and products should meet a variety of needs.

The European tropical frozen fruit market is strong, with Germany and France standing out as leading consumers. Opportunities are arising from increased interest in exotic flavours and the health benefits of tropical fruits. Their frozen form offers convenience and year-round availability. New suppliers must be able to compete with already established offers from major exporters such as Peru, Vietnam and India. From beverages and desserts to culinary delights, tropical fruit infuses an exotic touch into the European diet.

In the long-term, olive oil is expected to increasingly replace vegetable oils, driven by a healthy image and the increasing popularity of Mediterranean cuisines. However, in the short term, sales of olive oil in Europe are expected to decline because of the price increase due to energy crises caused by the war in Ukraine. Opportunities for new developing country suppliers can be found in large European markets, such as France, the United Kingdom, Germany, the Netherlands, Switzerland and Sweden.