CBI - Centre for the Promotion of Imports from developing countries

CALL FOR APPLICATIONS | 📣 Are you passionate about transforming Morocco's olive oil sector and building a sustainable future? 🌍

The global market increasingly demands high-quality extra virgin olive oil, and Morocco's olive oil sector holds great growth and job creation potential. CBI is looking for SMEs to join the AnMOON project, which aims to make Morocco’s olive oil industry more resilient, competitive, and climate-conscious.

This project will also provide opportunities for youth and women, ensuring a future-proof sector that benefits both people and the planet.

Who can apply? We are calling on small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) producing olive oil in Morocco to express their interest.

📅 Application deadline: 31 October 2024.

🌐 For more information and to express your interest, please visit our website:https://www.cbi.eu/projects/olive-oil-morocco?utm_source=facebook&utm_medium=social&utm_campaign=20241011_cbi&utm_term=io-cbi_nvt&utm_content=banner_call-for-applications-moroccooliveoil_

🤝 SBM Bank has joined forces with CBI, funded by the Dutch Ministry of Foreign Affairs, to empower Kenyan women entrepreneurs in export value chains. The partnership will initially support 15 women-owned SMEs through affordable financing, export-readiness training, and coaching during a six-month pilot phase, with plans to expand.

💡 Women-owned SMEs with export ambitions are encouraged to apply for this programme. Despite their strong loan repayment rates, many women still struggle to secure export financing. This partnership aims to bridge that gap with affordable finance solutions, hands-on training and coaching on financial management, export readiness, and other essential skills for navigating international markets.

📢 SBM Bank calls on other banks to join this effort in fostering gender equality and economic growth. If you are a woman in export who banks with SBM, get in touch to find out how you can participate ➡️ https://www.cbi.eu/projects/womens-economic-empowerment-kenya?utm_source=facebook&utm_medium=social&utm_campaign=20241010_cbi&utm_term=io-cbi_nvt&utm_content=banner_smbbank-calltojoin-kenya_

THROWBACK | On 23 and 24 September, CBI’s Expert Days took place. Two intensive days full of energy and valuable connections. 🤝

📊 We kicked off Monday morning with an opening by Judith Arends. The rest of the day was centred around the 9 principles and Scaling. The day ended with a relaxed evening, sharing stories around the fire pit. On Tuesday, the emphasis shifted to Sustainability Challenges and Trends, followed by drinks. The green surroundings of the Lunteren location created a lovely atmosphere. Some dedicated participants even kicked off the days with a morning run!

🚀 One of our experts reflected on the event, saying: "I worked well on my project with my PM, but I only half-realised how vast CBI is and what resources are available. The brainpower, MSD thinking tools, systems thinking, scaling, etc. I feel incredibly empowered to continue applying these tools in the field."

📣 A big thank you to all the colleagues who contributed to and attended this successful event! For those who were not able to attend, we are already planning something special—stay tuned!

🌱 Sustainability is becoming more important in the European market for home decoration and home textiles. Buyer and consumer values and the European Green Deal also force the garden industry to take responsibility now. 🌍

Learn what the sector and consumers can do: https://www.cbi.eu/news/why-responsible-gardening-important?utm_source=facebook&utm_medium=social&utm_campaign=20240905_cbi&utm_term=io-cbi_nvt&utm_content=banner_news-item-home-textile-decorations_

👗👚 From 2019 to 2023, CBI’s Jordan Apparel project helped develop Jordanian apparel exports to the European Union (EU). The project also emphasised environmentally friendly practices and sustainable solutions by positioning Jordan as a new sourcing destination for EU importers in specialised areas like Islamic wear, corporate wear, lingerie, and sportswear.

Jordan’s apparel sector offers flexibility in small orders, near-sourcing, innovative materials, and Responsible Business Conduct (RBC) compliance. Through the programme, CBI helped participants design modest wear collections and launched the collective brand HIYA.

A group of 20 companies took part in the project, with 16 successfully completing it, resulting in:
✅ Export Marketing Plans
✅ Enhanced production processes
✅ Increased awareness of recycled materials
✅ Code of Conduct and workers' handbook
✅ Nearly 100 new business contacts

One of the programme's major successes was the launch of BOKEH, an e-commerce multi-vendor platform, in Q1 2023, developed in collaboration with the Garment Design Centre, Jordan Chamber of Industry, and JEDCO. This platform opens new opportunities for the sector to explore online sales.

Interested in learning more? Get in touch with us at https://www.cbi.eu/contact?utm_source=facebook&utm_medium=social&utm_campaign=20240924_cbi&utm_term=io-cbi_nvt&utm_content=carrousel_jordan-apparel-projectresults_

WEBINAR | Join us on Thursday, 3 October 2024, at 15:00 CEST to learn how to meet EUDR requirements in the coffee sector! ☕🌍

The European Union’s Regulation on Deforestation-Free Products (EUDR) is set to significantly impact the coffee industry. From 30 December 2024 onwards, coffee sold or exported to the EU must comply with strict EUDR guidelines to prevent deforestation and promote sustainability.

Webinar Highlights:
✅ How companies are preparing for the EUDR
✅ Challenges faced by businesses in ensuring compliance
✅ Tools and systems used to meet regulatory demands
✅ What the EUDR means for exporters targeting the EU market

This webinar is essential for entrepreneurs and business support organisations in the coffee sector. If you are aiming to export to the European market, this is a must-attend event to understand the EUDR’s impact and the steps needed to meet its requirements.

🎤 Host and expert speakers: Hans Mensah, Tjalling de Boer, Ruben Bergsma, Alex Schumann and Pedro Luis Manga.

🔗 See the full agenda and register here: https://www.cbi.eu/events/tips-meet-eudr-requirements-coffee-sector?utm_source=facebook&utm_medium=social&utm_campaign=20240919_cbi&utm_term=io-cbi_nvt&utm_content=banner_webinar-coffee-eudr_

🍇🍊 Between 2018 and 2023, CBI’s Jordan Fresh Fruits and Vegetables programme focused on strengthening sector cooperation, improving quality standards and developing sustainable exports. Due to regional conflict, the sector lost some key markets. The programme helped participants explore new opportunities in North-West Europe, the Gulf Region and Southeast Asia.

A group of 33 farmers, 90% of whom are date farmers, participated in the project. Of these, 21 successfully completed the programme with:
✅ Export Marketing Plans
✅ CSR Road Maps
✅ Global GAP certification
✅ Nearly 500 new business contacts

In collaboration with the Jordan Exporters and Producers Association (JEPA), the programme also enhanced sector branding with a new logo and company values, an Excellence platform for members, and participation in major international trade shows like Fruit Logistica Berlin and SIAL Jakarta.

💡 Additionally, a market information platform was created in partnership with the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, offering local farmers vital insights into promising new markets.

Interested in learning more? Get in touch with us at https://www.cbi.eu/contact?utm_source=facebook&utm_medium=social&utm_campaign=20240917_cbi&utm_term=io-cbi_nvt&utm_content=carrousel_jordan-freshfruitandveg-projectresults_

WEBINAR | Join us on Thursday, 26 September 2024, to learn about regulatory trends and challenges in the fresh fruit and vegetables sector. 🍎🥦

Quality and food safety are very important in the European trade of fresh produce. European rules on chemical residues are strict, and major retailers often have even higher demands. There is little room for negotiation, so being well-prepared is essential.

Webinar Highlights:
1. Trends and challenges in European market requirements
2. How to prepare for regulatory demands and avoid border rejections
3. Important information on crop protection product residues
4. Where to find useful regulatory information.
5. Meet our host and expert speakers: Thomas Vonk, Michel Peperkamp, and Michel Witmer

This webinar is important for entrepreneurs and business support organisations in the fresh fruit and vegetable sector. It is a must-attend for anyone who wants to export to the European market and understand the market requirements and regulatory challenges.

🔗 See the full agenda and register here: https://www.cbi.eu/events/webinar-regulatory-trends-and-challenges-fresh-fruit-and-vegetables-sector?utm_source=facebook&utm_medium=social&utm_campaign=20240912_cbi&utm_term=io-cbi_nvt&utm_content=banner_webinar-fresh-fruit-vegetables_

🌍 Have you seen our annual report yet? 🌍

🚀 Last year, we supported 456 small and medium enterprises (SMEs) through 43 projects, creating more jobs supporting sustainability and inclusivity. Our focus on inclusive and sustainable economies led to exciting outcomes in women’s employment, youth opportunities and CO2 reduction.

Curious to read more? See the full highlights here ➡️https://infographics.rvo.nl/cbi/annual_report/2023/?utm_source=facebook&utm_medium=social&utm_campaign=20240911_cbi&utm_term=io-cbi_nvt&utm_content=carrousel_annual-report-2023highlights_

🥭 Are you looking for refreshing and unique mango products from reliable suppliers? Find them at SIAL, the world's leading trade fair for organic food.

A group of promising companies, supported by CBI and the Import Promotion Desk, will exhibit their organic products at this edition of SIAL. These companies have been a part of a CBI export coaching project that focuses on implementing innovative practices and emphasising women’s empowerment and youth employment.

📅 Visit the CBI stand in Hall 3 G047 at SIAL Paris from 19 to 23 October.

For more information, visit ➡️ https://www.cbi.eu/events/meet-ginger-and-mango-exporters-sial-2024?utm_source=facebook&utm_medium=social&utm_campaign=20240909_cbi&utm_term=io-cbi_nvt&utm_content=banner_sial-beurs_

Despite a slight decrease in 2023, pesticide issues remain the leading cause of rejection for spices and herbs in the European market. The European Commission reported 248 problems last year, with pesticides topping the list.

Do you know what requirements spices and herbs must meet to be allowed on the European market? Learn more here ➡️ https://www.cbi.eu/news/pesticides-are-still-main-reason-rejection-spices-and-herbs?utm_source=facebook&utm_medium=social&utm_campaign=20240819_cbi&utm_term=io-cbi_nvt&utm_content=banner_mi-news-item-spicesandherbs-pesticides_

WEBINAR | Join us on Thursday, 12 September 2024, to explore European Union (EU) regulations and market changes in the natural ingredients for the cosmetics sector. 🌿💄

The European cosmetics industry is changing quickly due to new laws under the European Green Deal. This challenges non-European companies wanting to export to Europe while the demand for natural ingredients remains strong.

✨ Webinar Highlights:
1. Updates on European rules for safety, traceability, transparency, and sustainability.
2. How new laws affect natural ingredient exporters.
3. Key market trends in the European cosmetics industry.
4. Tips to make the most of opportunities and reduce risks.
5. Meet our host and expert speakers: Edouard van der Haas, Andrew Jones, and a guest speaker.

📅 Agenda:
14:00 - 14:10 CEST: Opening and introduction
14:10 - 14:30 CEST: Update on European legislation and market changes
14:30 - 14:50 CEST: Discussion on the impact for non-European exporters
14:50 - 15:20 CEST: Tips to make the most of opportunities and reduce risks
15:20 - 15:30 CEST: Q&A and closing remarks

This webinar is important for exporters and producers of natural ingredients in cosmetics who want to enter the European market. Business Support Organisations in this sector are also welcome.

🔗 Register now to stay ahead of changes in the European cosmetics market and ensure your success!

For more information and to register, visit our website: https://www.cbi.eu/events/webinar-nic-eu-regulations?utm_source=facebook&utm_medium=social&utm_campaign=20240829_cbi&utm_term=io-cbi_nvt&utm_content=banner_webinar-naturalingredients-eu-regulations_

TENDER ALERT | 📣 Are you an expert in tourism development focusing on sustainability and community impact? CBI is seeking 3 consultants for its Sustainable and Community-based Tourism (CBT) project to transform Egypt’s tourism sector!

Egypt’s tourism industry is important to its economy but is currently centred around mass tourism. This project aims to promote more inclusive and sustainable tourism practices that benefit local communities and businesses while reducing environmental impact.

CBI is looking for three types of consultants:
1️⃣ Expert in small and medium-sized businesses (SME) ecosystem development for sustainable and community-based tourism
2️⃣ Expert in SME export and company development support in sustainable and CBT
3️⃣ Expert in local stakeholder management and coordination

📅 Application deadline: September 26, 2024

🌐 For more information and to apply, go to: https://www.cbi.eu/consultancy-assignments/tender-consultants-cbis-sustainable-and-community-based-tourism-egypt?utm_source=facebook&utm_medium=social&utm_campaign=20240828_cbi&utm_term=io-cbi_nvt&utm_content=banner_tender-communitybased-tourism-egypt_

THROWBACK | Earlier this month, CBI held a closing ceremony for the Edible Nuts Benin and Côte d'Ivoire project. This project aimed to help companies process and export market-ready cashew kernels to Europe. Together with Conseils du Coton et de l'Anacarde (CCA), the cashew processors and CBI's consultant developed a strategy by successfully connecting suppliers and the government to the international market. 🥜

This programme was a collaboration with the Conseil du Coton et de l'Ananacarde (CCA), National Export Council (CNE), and Groupement des Industriels du Cajou de Côte d’Ivoire (GIC-CI).

The achievements of the past 4.5 years of the programme are something to be proud of:
✅ The export of processed cashew nuts to the European Union (EU) and other markets exceeded initial goals.
✅ Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) was embraced by CBI companies and the Cotton and Cashew Council (CCA), making CSR a part of its strategy. This positions Côte d'Ivoire to brand itself as a CSR-compliant country in the future.
✅ The sector association, Groupement des Industriels du Cajou de Côte d’Ivoire (GIC-CI), is now ‘alive and kicking’. It actively represents the interests of factories, organises activities, and has become a key partner in the access to finance pilot.

While the programme has ended, its impact will continue as the sector moves forward, building on the foundation laid over the last few years. Read more about this project here ➡️ https://www.cbi.eu/projects/nuts-benin-cote-ivoire?utm_source=facebook&utm_medium=social&utm_campaign=20240827_cbi&utm_term=io-cbi_nvt&utm_content=banner_ediblenuts-benin-cotedivoire-wrapup_

As the youngest and most influential consumer group, Gen Z is reshaping travel trends. The digital native generation is making a greater mark on modern tourism. 🚀
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How does this young group influence travel trends, and how can local tour operators reach them best?
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Learn more here:
https://www.cbi.eu/news/gen-z-tourism-trends?utm_source=facebook&utm_medium=social&utm_campaign=20240807_cbi&utm_term=io-cbi_nvt&utm_content=banner_mi-tourism-newsitem_
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🌱 Empowering Women Farmers in Kenya’s Macadamia Value Chain 🌰
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At CBI, we are committed to creating jobs for women, promoting female entrepreneurship, and increasing women's roles in management positions. Too often, the contributions of women entrepreneurs in rural areas are overlooked. To address this, we launched a pilot project to support grassroots women entrepreneurs who lack the resources to grow their micro-enterprises and compete in the market.
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During the pilot phase, we partnered with Onja Uone Limited, a women-led macadamia processing enterprise in Bungoma County, Kenya. This project aims to empower women macadamia nut farmers in Bungoma and Trans-Nzoia counties.
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Using a Market Systems Development approach, Onja Uone was supported to train female farmers in farming best practices, entrepreneurship and giving them more confidence. Women like Josephine Waceke Maina and Lylian Musime have increased their income and gained confidence in their business skills. Through household decision making training the female farmers and their head of households were trained how to spend their income effectively and to make decision together.
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Interested in learning more? Get in touch with CBI and discover how we can work together! 🤝
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https://www.cbi.eu/collaborate?utm_source=facebook&utm_medium=social&utm_campaign=20240815_cbi&utm_term=io-cbi_nvt&utm_content=banner_macadamia-kenya-wrapup_
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EVENT | WHO’S NEXT
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Are you looking for high-quality, finished leather products from reliable suppliers? Find them at the Who's Next trade fair from 8-10 September 2024 in Paris, France. Visit us at the CBI Country Pavilion Leather Products Ethiopia. Discover the unique qualities of ultra-thin Ethiopian highland sheep leather.
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CBI experts Jan Willem Richelmann, Serge Léon, Giovanni Beatrice and Eyob Ararsa support the exhibiting companies in the 4-year CBI Ethiopia Leather project.
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For more information visit our website!
➡️ https://www.cbi.eu/events/meet-cbi-companies-ethiopia-whos-next-2024

EVENT | MAISON & OBJET

Are you looking for refreshing and unique products from reliable suppliers? Find them at Maison&Objet, the home decor fair connecting the international interior design and lifestyle community.

Visit us at Maison&Objet, on 5-9 September 2024 in Paris.

For more information visit our website! ➡️

https://www.cbi.eu/events/meet-cbi-companies-maisonobjet-september-2024?utm_source=linkedin&utm_medium=social&utm_campaign=20240806_cbi&utm_term=io-dgis_nvt&utm_content=banner_maisonetobjet_?utm_source=linkedin&utm_medium=social&utm_campaign=20240808_cbi&utm_term=io-dgis_nvt&utm_content=banner_maisonetevent_

WEBINAR | Join our webinar on Thursday, 22 August 2024, to explore the Solo Tourism Market in Europe. 🌍
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Why Join?
Solo tourism is growing fast in Europe. Discover during our webinar why solo tourism is good for your business. Learn to market directly to solo travellers. Hear from top European tour operators about their solo travel clients.
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Webinar Highlights:
📈 Trends in solo tourism
👥 What solo travellers want in small-group trips
🎯 How to target solo travellers
💡 Insights from European tour operators
🎤 Meet our host and inspiring speakers:
Edouard van der Haas, Alison Burgh & James Adkins. We will also announce our third guest speaker soon!
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📅 Register now and gain valuable insights to boost your business with solo travellers!
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For more information, visit our website: https://www.cbi.eu/events/solo-tourism-european-growth-market?utm_source=linkedin&utm_medium=social&utm_campaign=7082024_cbi&utm_term=io-dgis_nvt&utm_content=banner_solotourism_
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Ayurvedic products such as Ashwagandha and turmeric are gaining popularity in Europe. 🌿
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However, national authorities in the European Union (EU) are increasingly concerned about the safety of these ingredients. Want to know why?
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Find out more here 👉 https://www.cbi.eu/news/growing-safety-concerns-over-ayurvedic-ingredients?utm_source=facebook&utm_medium=social&utm_campaign=20240717_cbi&utm_term=io-dgis_nvt&utm_content=banner_news-item-ayurvedic-natural-ingredients_
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THROWBACK | On 25 and 26 June, CBI organised a two-day event in Copenhagen for alumni in the coffee sector. ☕
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Following a similar event last year in Rwanda, this year's theme centred around the upcoming EU Deforestation Regulation (EUDR). As the European market sets increasingly high Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) requirements in the coffee sector, CBI met with former Small and Medium-sized Enterprises (SMEs) exporters last week to discuss the implications of the EUDR, which will take effect on 1 January 2025.
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✅ This event provided an excellent platform to reconnect with alumni and discuss crucial topics affecting the coffee sector. Engaging with former participants offered valuable insights into the challenges and opportunities presented by the EUDR.
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Key speakers included Gustavo Ferro, Jeroen (Jerome) Kruft, Michael K Jakobsen, Ariel Zorrilla, Teun Vogel, Muhammad N. M. Fadli, David Browning and Anne-Marie Roorda.
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Interested in making an impact or connecting with us? Visit our website:
https://www.cbi.eu/?utm_source=linkedin&utm_medium=social&utm_campaign=20240713_cbi&utm_term=io-dgis_nvt&utm_content=banner_copenhagen-coffee_

About one-third of the world's coffee is consumed in Europe. ☕
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Quality, sustainability, and certification are becoming increasingly important in the European market. These are five reasons why Europe is a great destination for coffee exporters in producing countries:
1️⃣ Europe is the world's largest coffee market.
2️⃣ Europe is a great market for speciality coffee.
3️⃣ Europe is the world leader in certified coffee.
4️⃣ Germany is an important entry point into Europe's coffee market.
5️⃣ The European coffee market value will likely keep growing.
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Want to learn more? Read more here 👉 https://www.cbi.eu/news/5-reasons-why-europe-great-coffee-exporters?utm_source=facebook&utm_medium=social&utm_campaign=2024_&utm_term=io-cbi_nvt&utm_content=banner_news-item-mi-coffee_

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Liberian cacao is being recognised for its high quality. 🍫
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Thanks to CBI's Mano River Union project, Liberian cocoa, once unknown for its quality, has made remarkable progress, allowing local cocoa companies like Liberia Cocoa Corporation (LCC) to improve their cocoa quality greatly.
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Founded in 2009, LCC set up an advanced lab for quality testing that supports other local cocoa companies and pushes Liberia's cocoa sector to international standards. CBI contributed mainly through technical assistance and export coaching and arranged for specialised training sessions.
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💬 Lu Tolbert: "CBI's support boosted our business. There is more interest in Liberia as a supplier of high-quality cacao."
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Higher quality means better prices for LCC's cocoa products, improving income for workers and farmers in the community. With 25 employees and 20 seasonal workers, LCC purchases cocoa beans from 522 smallholder farmers, directly benefiting their lives. As part of its sustainability policy, LCC prioritises fair prices, no child or forced labour, and good working conditions. It also provides training on environmental issues like deforestation prevention, organic farming, agroforestry, and biodiversity conservation, which is supported by CBI.
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2024 has been a milestone year for LCC with the launch of its chocolate brand, Selé Chocolates. Available in four flavours, Selé Chocolates are 100% traceable and organic and are now available in Germany and the Netherlands. 🌟
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Lu Tolbert sums it up perfectly: "CBI’s support was a big boom for our business. There is now more interest in Liberia as a supplier of high-quality cacao."
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For more information visit our website: 👇
https://lnkd.in/dmHAmVRi
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WEBINAR | Join our webinar on Tuesday, 9 July 2024, to explore the emerging opportunities for African-grown spices in the European market. 🌶️🧄
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As climate change and evolving global consumption patterns reshape the spice market, new opportunities emerge for African-grown spices. This webinar will explore these opportunities and provide insights into the key success factors for entering the European market. Discover how African spice producers can adjust to meet EU demand and take advantage of these new market trends.
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🎤 Meet our host and experts: Thomas Vonk, Poul Wiertsema, Luz Maria Barrientos, and Paul de Rooij.
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Don't miss this chance to stay ahead in the market! Register now on our website ➡️ ​​ https://www.cbi.eu/events/webinar-african-spices-seizing-opportunities-europe?utm_source=facebook&utm_medium=social&utm_campaign=2024_&utm_term=io-cbi_nvt&utm_content=banner_webinar-african-herbs-spices_