Mung beans are an ingredient used in a variety of South Asian dishes. In Europe they are mostly consumed as sprouts, but some innovative food processors have begun to use them as pasta, ready-to-eat meals and healthy snacks, and in applications for plant-based animal product alternatives. The demand for mung beans outside of Asia (where they are an important food crop) has been growing steadily.
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The European market for lentils is split between use in traditional European and ethnic cuisines, and an expanding convenience and health food market. Versatility, healthfulness and affordability are important factors in the growing demand. Its comparatively small lentil production means that European buyers depend on imports. While the market in Europe is dominated by a few large producers, opportunities for new suppliers exist in countries like Spain, Italy, Germany, United Kingdom, France and the Netherlands.
Mung beans are a beloved product in Asian cuisine. In Europe they have long been sold as an ethnic product, and their popularity in the mainstream market has been growing over the past years. Mung beans in Europe are sold mostly as sprouts. However, many consumer goods companies have begun to sell mung bean-based pasta and chips to cater to consumers following a low-carb, high-protein diet. This is a growing market segment with many opportunities, especially in the United Kingdom, Belgium, the Netherlands, Germany, Italy and France.
The pigeon pea has been cultivated for thousands of years and is a staple food in its main growing regions. Like other pulses, it is a healthy food choice thanks to its high levels of protein and nutrients. Pigeon peas are versatile in their uses and inexpensive despite being imported. While they are still relatively unknown in Europe, current food trends offer interesting market opportunities for new suppliers, especially in the UK, Belgium and the Netherlands.
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Pigeon peas are widely consumed in many regions of the world. Europe is only a small market that is dominated by ethnic consumption. The traditional use of pigeon peas in South Asian, African and Latin American cuisines creates a niche in countries with large ethnic communities from these regions, particularly the United Kingdom. As it is a crop from tropical and subtropical regions, European buyers of pigeon peas rely on imports.
Morocco is an emerging market, with a growing demand for coffee. Moroccan green coffee imports have been increasing over the last decade. Guinea has been an important supplier of green coffee to Morocco, mainly to serve the country’s steady mainstream market. While the Moroccan market is slowly moving towards more distinguished, premium flavour profiles, demand for lower-grade Robusta is still high. The Moroccan coffee market is mainly a market for standard coffee and is driven by price. This provides opportunities for Guinean exporters.
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Nature tourism is an important segment of tourism, and it includes many niche markets. Europeans are becoming increasingly environmentally conscious and are eager to reduce their carbon footprint when they travel. They are also fond of immersive, authentic experiences that enable them to interact with nature and local communities, whilst making a positive contribution to others.
Every day, millions of travellers use OTAs and other online travel platforms to plan and book their holidays and business trips, to destinations all over the world. The OTA market is crowded and competitive, and the Tours and Activities sector is one of the fastest growing sales channels. OTAs offer a quick, convenient way to enter the market, but local operators need to do their research, understand their target market and choose the most appropriate OTA to work with.
Communicate regularly with an OTA and their country representatives if there is one in your destination. You both have the same goal: selling more packages. It’s much easier to provide an offer that sells if you use their data and insights. When calculating your margins, look further than a one-off deal from the OTA, especially for day tours. One sale can lead to more sales – upgrades, more bookings, or references to your company to other customers. Make sure these bookings are direct bookings. And use the OTA offer to build trust.
Guido van de Graaf, Value through Passion
OTAs can help your business gain traction and put you in front of an audience you may never get. It’s a great way to generate revenue quickly, but you shouldn’t rely on OTAs for the bulk of your business. If you do, you aren’t really running a business but you’re the equivalent of an Uber driver for tours and activities. If you’re happy with that, then go for it, but if you want to grow a brand and business, make sure that 70% or above of your booking comes from direct channels. That’s the only way to be in control of your destiny.
Chris Torres, Founder – Touriosity, Tourism Marketing Agency
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Accessible tourism is the ongoing endeavour to ensure that tourist destinations, products and services are accessible to all people, regardless of their physical limitations, disabilities or age. This market offers great opportunities, as competition is still limited. Suppliers of accessible tourism should be aware of the high European standards.
Europeans love garlic. Europe is a major market for dried garlic from developing countries. Consumers and food manufacturers use large amounts of dried garlic in a wide variety of products, besides the typical spice grinders, while production of dried garlic in Europe is very small. This makes dried garlic buyers look for supplies from outside Europe and creates plenty of opportunities for you as a supplier. China will be your main competitor, as it dominates dried garlic supplies. This study will help you find ways to differentiate your offer from that of the Chinese suppliers.