Exporting organic 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 organic 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. 

The United Kingdom (UK) is Europe's 8th-largest coffee importer. The country sources a lot of conventional and specialty coffee. While consumption is growing in volume and value, imports are under pressure. Since the country left the European Union (EU) in 2020, legislative requirements may differ slightly from those of buyers in the EU. The UK's main suppliers are Brazil, Vietnam, Indonesia, Colombia, Honduras and Peru.

France has a large and varied market for bulk, specialty and certified cocoa. It 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. Consumers prefer dark chocolates. Niche markets for organic and Fairtrade chocolates are significant in France, and these two certifications are often combined.

Italy is an important cocoa importer and one of Europe’s main chocolate producers. The country is known for its famous chocolate brands, like Ferrero, Perugina, Venchi and Domori. Italian buyers want cocoa that is high-quality, traceable, and produced in a fair and sustainable way. This creates good opportunities for exporters from producing countries, especially in premium, organic and certified cocoa. To enter and stay in the Italian market, you must follow strict European rules on traceability and 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.

Europe’s bed textile market offers opportunities for exporters from developing countries. The focus on sustainability and wellness is growing, driving interest in natural materials and designs. 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, artisanry, 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 globally. As the focus on sustainability is increasing further, the higher mid-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 €39.1 billion (2023) and a five-year average annual growth rate of 5%. The biggest markets are Germany, France, Spain, the Netherlands, Italy and Poland. Women’s and girls’ pants and trousers are the dominating product subsegment in most countries, accounting for 53% of the total, but men’s pants and trousers are typically more expensive per unit. Pants and trousers make up over 20% of all European apparel imports from developing countries.

Europe is a strong market for dresses and skirts, with a total import value of €13.7 billion and a five-year average annual growth rate of 6.2%. The biggest markets are Germany, Spain, France, the Netherlands, Poland and Italy. Dresses are the dominant product subsegment (81.3% of the total) and are typically the most expensive per unit. Synthetics are the most commonly used fibre, followed by cotton. Dresses and skirts make up around 7.5% of all European apparel imports from developing countries.