One of the most important steps when starting a fruit trading business targeting the European markets is to find fruit markets in Europe. A large part of the European food market is devoted to the processing of fruits and vegetables. Value of almost €40 billion and thousands of players are involved with it.
With so many players out there, there are numerous ways to spot potential buyers. Below you will find a comprehensive guide that will show you where and how to find buyers for your processed fruit and vegetables. Your buyer identification process will also become more manageable with these tips.
It is essential that you be well prepared when searching for buyers. Select your trade partner carefully to represent your company in the European market. Know your strengths and weaknesses.
Recognizing yourself and the target market, European fruit market, fully
The first step for finding fruit markets in Europe is that you need to recognize what you are selling and who your buyer is. Two aspects of the offer should be carefully defined before searching for buyers.
You should first clearly define your product in terms that have measurable implications. There are several factors to take into account, including the specific quality, relevant technology, the product description, certificates, the quantity, prices, and delivery terms.
Secondly, you should convince your buyers that your offer is unique and different from your competitors. Be very clear about the products, processes, and brands you do best.
You have to recognize the target market fully. Tropical producers are beginning to recognize Europe as one of their top markets. More than 500 million people live there, as well as the largest, wealthiest, and most mature market in the world, and there is an increasing demand for fresh produce year-round as well as exotic produce.
A whopping 45 percent of global fresh fruit and vegetable trade value is accounted for by five of the world’s top ten importing countries, which are all in Europe.
Find the buyers when we are in the COVID-19 pandemic
Many short-term opportunities have changed as a result of COVID-19. As a general rule, buyers are likely to stick to their usual suppliers. Yet, with the impending pandemic, unavoidable changes will still open up doors for new trade relations, if only for certain products.
As a supplier of fruits that cannot be sourced sufficiently in Europe, you will be able to find buyers in Europe more easily. At the moment, fresh herbs and limes, which usually are sold in the foodservice channel, offer fewer possibilities.
A supplier’s inability to export owing to a shortage of resources or inadequate logistics forces their buyers to find replacement suppliers.
The cost of air freight is also very high, so companies will have an advantage when reaching European customers via sea logistics. Now is the time for you to determine how you can outpace your competitors. A successful business relies on online communication to connect with buyers.
Visiting trade fairs online and using the catalogs
By attending trade shows, you will be able to find fruit markets in Europe and European buyers. This is a common way for European businesses to manage relationships with other businesses on the market and to demonstrate their presence. Therefore, trade shows are the ideal venue because they allow you to meet with importers personally.
As well as finding background information about your target market(s), these events also allow you to directly interact with potential customers and present your company. Clearly, making costs is a part of this process. Nevertheless, you’ll find a large number of relevant prospects all at once in one place. Preparation is the key. Investing in yourself is worth the effort.
COVID-19 has forced events to be rescheduled online or cancel entirely due to the pandemic. The online exhibitor catalogue is still available for use (for current or past events).
A search engine is available in a Listed form with relevant information regarding the buyer, such as their website and contact information, which makes the directory a great place to begin searching for clients or preparing for a future tradeshow visit. These online catalogues exist so that you may search for buyers by product or by product group.
Make use of online news platforms for promotions and information
If you want to find fruit markets in Europe, you need to take advantage of online news platforms. The news platforms are good sources of information for the agricultural sector, including information on buyers and markets.
Private businesses often post news articles on the Internet – including those from potential business partners – as well as their own. They are the perfect place to advertise your own business because they offer this option.
Visiting wholesale market
When it comes to finding out what the region has to offer, visiting wholesale markets can be very useful. It may be possible to find buyers at wholesale markets as well, for instance, by browsing the website or walking around the market. Scheduling meetings with decision-makers is recommended when attempting to reach wholesalers.