Robbie Hogervorst and CBI health ingredient expert Klaus Dürbeck travelled to Vitafoods in the beginning of May for a Market Orientation mission with South African producers of natural ingredients.

During this mission, companies verified their market entry strategy with classroom trainings. They met with potential buyers and came to a better understanding what they need to enter the EU market.  Not only did the trade fair show them potential customers, but also their competitors. Key in this work was to acquaint the companies with documentation: using company contact forms for effective decision making and follow up. Visiting retail outlets showed them how ingredients are used and marketed by European manufacturers and retailers.

In a network event participants met with EU experts, companies and representatives from key UN institutions in Geneva (UNCTAD Biotrade and EMPRETEC). Participants  discussed market entry opportunities in more detail with these key stakeholders, resulting in some key action points to take up by companies or sector/product specific interest groups.