Commodity Innovation Series - Snapshot of Opportunities in Germany's Berry Sector

August 2017

• Canadian dollar (CAD$)
• Euro (€)

Germany is the largest importer of fresh berries in the European Union (EU)

• Germany imported CAD$1.4 billion worth of fresh, frozen, and processed berries from the world in 2015. Imports from canada were CAD$52.6 thousand.
• However, the 2014 Nielson Global Snacking Durvey indicated that 37% of respondents said that fresh fruits were their preferred snack, followed by chocolate (12%), yogurt (6%), bread/sandwiches (6%), cheese (4%), and vegetables (4%).

Comprehensive Economic and Trade Agreement (CETA) will provide canadian producers with new market opportunities in Germany and the European Union

• Tariffs on Canadian berry products to the eu range from 12% for frozen blueberries to 24% +23 €/100 kilograms/net for jellies. When CETA enters into force, these tariffs will immediately be eliminated.
• Canadian exporters can use the EU's binding tariff information system to obtain a written ruling certifying that their products correspond to categories given preferential treatment by CETA.

Trade

Germany's value of fresh, frozen, and processed berry imports from the world grew by 11% in 2016

• Germany's total value of fresh, frozen, and processed berry imports has increased 22% over the past five years.

Germany's volume of fresh, frozen, and processed berry imports from the world grew by 8% in 2015

• Germany imported 2.7 thousand tonnes of fresh, frozen, and processed berries from canada in 2016.
• Germany's total volume of fresh, frozen, and processed berry imports has increased 6.56% over the past five years. The volume of imports from canada grew by 2.75% from 2015 to 2016.

Challenges:

• Buying local campaigns continue to be an important issue affecting imports from foreign suppliers.

Opportunities:

• Consumers enjoy variety and berry mixes, they are thus becoming more popular.
• Cconsuming berries as a healthy convenience snack is gaining popularity.
• Growing interest in organic products.

Innovation

Increase in vegetarian and low sugar eating habits

Growing claims:

1. Vegetarian
2. No additives/preservatives
3. Low/no/reduced fat

Declining claims:

1. High/added fibre
2. Cardiovascular health
3. All natural
4. Premium
5. Low/no/reduced calorie

Growing focus on convenient and eco-friendly packaging

Top packaging types:

1. Tub
2. Jar
3. Flexible

Top packaging materials:

1. Plastic unspecified
2. Glass plain
3. Polypropylene plastic

Top innovative markets for berry products in europe

Germany has the largest number of new berry product launches in the world.

How we can help

We offer multiple programs and services to help you achieve your international business goals, such as the Agri-Food Trade Service, AgriMarketing Program, and Canada Brand. International Trade Commissioners are also an excellent point of contact for export advice and can provide Canadian industry with on-the-ground expertise regarding market potential, current conditions, and local business contacts.

Have we piqued your interest?

For more information on opportunities in Japan or to join our distribution list, contact Single Window at aafc.mas-sam.aac@canada.ca

Find out about our programs, services and tools to support your exporting efforts. Agri-Food Trade Services for Exporters