Setting up a business relationship with a European buyer can be challenging. This report will explain what the most important opportunities and requirements are in the European market. You will learn about the rules and regulations for exporting women’s underwear to Europe, about the best channels to get your product to the market, about the countries where your competitors are and the best ways to provide quotes for potential buyers.

This report highlights the most important opportunities and requirements for exporting fashion sportswear to Europe. It covers rules and regulations, the best channels to get your product onto the market, the countries where your competitors are and the best ways to submit a quotation.

Certification is becoming a ‘license to operate’ (permission to do business) when exporting cocoa to Europe. Consumers are demanding more sustainable products and companies are increasingly demanding more sustainable cocoa. New laws and regulations in Europe are further increasing the demand for certification. Certification is the most widely used tool to put ambitions and commitments about sustainability into action. This makes Europe the most important market for certified cocoa in the world. 

Consumers are increasingly demanding premium chocolate. This makes the speciality cocoa market the fastest growing segment in Europe. Whether cocoa is labelled as speciality cocoa depends on the variety, post-harvest practices, countries of origin, and taste and aroma profiles. Traceability, direct trade and price premiums for quality are all important characteristics of the speciality cocoa trade. This makes it a high-potential market for producers and exporters.

Switzerland has a strong reputation as a producer of high-quality chocolate. Several Swiss chocolate brands are well-known and established internationally, and the domestic market is also strong. The premium chocolate market provides opportunities for specialty and certified cocoa. The Swiss market for fair-trade and organic products is especially large compared to other countries. As in other countries, sustainability rules are tightening under Swiss and EU laws, making traceability and compliance with the new regulations an industry priority.

Germany is one of the biggest and most interesting cocoa and chocolate markets in Europe. It offers good chances for cocoa exporters and small chocolate businesses from producing countries. Most of the cocoa which is ground and processed is still what is called bulk cocoa. There is however, a small but existing niche for premium, high-quality cocoa. This niche is slowly growing. Some consumers want cocoa that is high quality, organic, and made in a fair and sustainable way.

The Netherlands is the largest importer of cocoa beans and home to one of the largest cocoa-grinding industries in the world. The Netherlands imported almost 91% of its cocoa beans from West Africa in 2020, primarily as bulk cocoa. The demand for high-quality cocoa, however, is growing and attracting further interest in cocoa beans from Latin American countries. The focus on the high-quality segment also offers an opportunity for a closer relationship with buyers such as smaller specialised traders and craft chocolate makers.

The LGBTQ+ market is growing, driven by increasing numbers in the Gen-Z group. Tolerance, acceptance and safety are major factors impacting travel decisions of this group. Germany and the UK have the largest LGBTQ+ populations, and travel to long-haul destinations is increasing in popularity across Europe. There are good opportunities for local operators to tap into this unique and diverse niche if they can meet its inclusivity needs.

Multigenerational travel refers to people of various ages spending holidays together. The rise of multigenerational holidays is a growing trend among European travellers. Multigenerational groups can be an interesting target group, if you are able to meet their complex and diverse needs.

Italy is Europe’s second-largest import market for green coffee. Over 96% of the green coffee is sourced directly from producing countries. It is home to a strong coffee culture. Italians favour strong espresso-based coffees, which are usually blends using Arabica and Robusta varieties. Next to a substantial consumer market, Italy represents a huge roasting industry. The Italian market remains traditional in certain aspects.