SASKATOON, Sask. – Canadians hoping to sell their latest lentil snacks or gourmet beef into Europe need to know what Europeans are eating before launching their food, said a European market consultant.
Neil Gordon told a group of people interested in displaying their wares at ANUGA, the world’s largest agriculture and food show, that they need to know the latest trends before planning their strategy.
Gordon identified several growth areas in Europe.
The greatest potential for expansion in Europe is bottled water. Last year bottled water sales grew 19 percent, he said. “It’s growing at an incredible rate.”
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Unlike Canada, which has one-third of the world’s fresh water, finding water has become a problem in Europe.
“Sooner or later water’s going to be a valuable resource,” he said.
As well, he pointed to other trends:
- A boom in the soft drink market.
- Sales of confectionery items have increased and although cheap chocolate bar sales are declining, the high-quality, gift-giving confectionery market is growing.
- Sales of health foods such as grains, nuts and vegetarian produce are rising.
- Any food that is calorie controlled is in high demand. Included in that group is a lowering of red meat consumption and an increase in wild game.
- Snack foods are becoming more popular as people eat on the run.
- Ethnic foods are growing in popularity.
- Pet food is one of the fastest-growing sectors in Europe. As the population ages, older people want to pamper their pets.
