German import promotion initiative is now active in 13 countries and 5 sectors

Bonn/Berlin, 25.07.2018 – Since 2012, the Import Promotion Desk (IPD) has assisted small-to-medium-sized enterprises in selected developing and emerging counties to ac-cess the European market. In its third project phase, the IPD expands activities to 13 partner countries and five sectors. The IPD supports export companies on the so-called "last mile"– it accompanies producers to the European market, arranges contacts with importers, thereby closing a strategic gap at the interface of development cooperation and foreign trade.

"Re-thinking import activities" - this is the title of the 4th Cut Flower Day organised by the "Association of the German Flower Wholesale and Import Trade" (BGI), which this time took place in cooperation with the IPD. Currently, around 90 percent of cut flower imports are delivered via the Netherlands. Despite, the interest on the part of German wholesalers and retailers and their readiness for direct imports is large. This was confirmed by this year's Cut Flower Day, where IPD presented new study results on the export potential and the demand situation for cut flowers from the IPD partner countries. Further, IPD took the opportunity to talk to florists about the demands they place on their partners and their quality standards.

Further information on the Cut Flower Day can be found here.

Import Promotion Desk supports companies with virtual fairs and B2B meetings

Bonn/Berlin, 24.11.2020 – The corona pandemic poses challenges for companies worldwide: contact restrictions make international trade relations and the search for new products and reliable suppliers more difficult. Many of the international trade fairs that serve as important contact exchanges have been postponed. Import Promotion Desk (IPD), the import promotion initiative funded by the German Federal Ministry for Economic Cooperation and Development (BMZ), has developed a variety of online services to continue its work. In virtual meetings and trade fairs, IPD experts support German and European companies in opening up new supply markets and connect them with selected producers from developing countries and emerging nations.

Long stems and large flowers: Reliable high quality produce from Ecuador and Colombia
IPD presents South American producers of cut flowers at the “International Floriculture Trade Fair”

Bonn/Berlin, 05.10.2021 – For the first time ever, the Import Promotion Desk (IPD) will present a variety of cut flowers from its partner countries Ecuador and Colombia live at the "International Floriculture Trade Fair". The cut flower trade fair will take place from the 3rd to the 5th of November in Vijfhuizen, the Netherlands. After many weeks and many virtual meetings, an international trade fair located close to Amsterdam, is offering the opportunity to experi-ence cut flowers once again – their colours, shapes and most importantly their fragrance – offering the opportunity to get in touch with exporters directly. The IPD will arrange contact with carefully selected exporters and supports the direct trade from Ecuador and Colombia at the event.

Cut flowers and foliage are subject to various legal and non-legal requirements. Satisfying basic buyer requirements and legal requirements is a must for exporters to the European market, but additional efforts also offer opportunities for distinguishing yourself. Phytosanitary requirements as well as product labelling and packaging requirements of buyers should be followed strictly. This document provides an overview of the most commonly used buyer requirements and standards.

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Germany is the largest market for cut roses in Europe. Imports of roses to Germany increased from €272 million to €309 million between 2011 and 2015. The main import partner is the Netherlands, which supplies about 84% of the total rose imports, most of which are re-exported from developing countries. Opportunities arise among other things from a growing market for Fairtrade roses in the supermarket channel.

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Europe offers opportunities for exporters of hortensia. Here you'll find the information you need to help you get your hortensia on the European market.

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Flower shops are the main sales channel for cut flowers in Europe. Competition from supermarkets and other unspecialised stores is increasing. In response, flower shops are lowering prices, diversifying their product offerings, paying more attention to their shop design and online shops, and organising joint purchasing. European flower shops are becoming more professional than ever. The specialised retail channel is supplied by specialised wholesalers through cash and carries or “Flying Dutchmen” who bring flowers to the florists’ shops. A large share of the flowers in the specialised channel is sourced through the Dutch flower auction, which thus serves as the main point of entry for developing country (DC) exporters who want to supply the specialised market.

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Germany is the largest flower market in Europe. After a few years of decline, imports of foliage are increasing again. German consumers traditionally buy a lot of mixed bouquets at florist’s shops. The increasing market share of supermarkets is a concern to suppliers of mixed bouquets and foliage. Collaboration with Dutch traders that specialise in supplying to German retailers and additional efforts to promote mixed bouquets in supermarkets are an opportunity to increase demand further.

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