Spices and Herbs

http://www.astaspice.org
http://www.indianspice.org
http://www.fioti.com
http://www.dotfood.com./ingred/
http://www.ingrid.co.uk
5.6.3 Assistance with market entry
The stringent quality specifications and the standards for safety and health for all food
products, which are designed to protect consumers, are the main barrier to market entry for
new exporters. These exacting requirements are continually forcing exporting countries to
upgrade the quality of their spices and herbs through the adoption of improved cultivation
techniques, reliable sourcing programmes, better post-harvesting methods, adequate
storage facilities and improved packaging. Before approaching organisations abroad it is
recommended that the exporter checks with local trade promotion organisations, Chambers
of Commerce and foreign representatives in his/her country whether the information
required is readily available. There are many organisations in European countries which
are important in the field of general representation, promotion and public relations
activities for exporters from developing countries.
Import Promotion Organisations:
In most EU countries, there are organisations (for example CBI in The Netherlands)
which support the imports from developing countries through a specific export
promotion programme. They can provide the following services:
supplying information about:
- statistics and publications about the national market
- regular news bulletins
- database of importers
- product market opportunities
individual assistance:
- management training
- testing products by display
- product adaptation services
establishing contacts:
- collective trade fair missions
- selling missions
Branch organisations
In most European countries producers, wholesalers and retailers are organised in
branch organisations.
These organisations help new exporters to the EU, by supplying information about the
market. In The Netherlands, van Sillevoldt can be contacted.
For addresses, telephone and fax numbers of Import Promotion Organisations and other
organisations which can be of assistance in entering the European Union market, see list in
Appendix 9.
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