Blog

The European food and drink wholesaling market reaches a volume of EUR 2.0 trillion in 2026. Europe accounts for 25% of global B2B food marketplace revenue, making it one of the most important procurement markets worldwide. For buyers of nuts, superfoods, dried fruits, cocoa, coconut, and seeds, this means competition among suppliers is intensifying — but so are the opportunities to secure better terms and higher quality.

Digitalization of B2B Procurement

62% of wholesale food transactions now occur through digital platforms, and cloud-based procurement solutions are growing by 48%. For B2B buyers, this shift means more efficient price comparisons, ordering processes, and supply chain management. Wholesalers that offer digital ordering portals, real-time inventory information, and automated reordering are increasingly establishing themselves as preferred suppliers.

Sustainability as the Top Procurement Criterion

Europe captures 27% of the global B2B food market with a strong sustainability focus. 53% of B2B buyers prioritize vendors with eco-certified, traceable products. Anyone sourcing nuts, cocoa, coconut products, or dried fruits at wholesale today must be able to document the origin seamlessly. IoT technologies and blockchain solutions for end-to-end traceability are becoming essential throughout the supply chain.

Certifications: Securing Market Access

In European wholesale, certifications are increasingly becoming a prerequisite for market access. B2B buyers should specifically look for the following standards when selecting suppliers:

• ●BRC (British Retail Consortium) — internationally recognized food safety standard
• ●FSSC 22000 — comprehensive food safety management system
• ●IFS (International Featured Standards) — widely adopted by European retailers and wholesalers
• ●GLOBALG.A.P. — standard for good agricultural practice and sustainable farming
• ●Organic certifications (EU Organic, Naturland, Bioland) — essential in the growing organic segment

Plant-Based Alternatives and Functional Foods

Demand for plant-based alternatives is rising by 41% across Europe, while functional foods are growing by 38%. Both segments are driving wholesale demand for specific raw materials: nuts and nut pastes for plant-based milk and cheese alternatives, superfoods for functional beverages and bars, seeds and flakes for protein-rich snacks, and cocoa and coconut for vegan confectionery. For wholesalers in natural ingredients, this opens up entirely new sales channels.

Smart Packaging and Extended Shelf Life

Smart packaging solutions can extend food shelf life by up to 14 days — a critical factor in the wholesale trade of perishable ingredients. For B2B buyers of dried fruits, nuts, and superfoods, smart packaging means less spoilage, lower return rates, and more efficient warehouse logistics. Suppliers investing in modern packaging technologies deliver measurable added value to their customers.

What European B2B Buyers Should Look For

• ●Prefer suppliers with digital ordering and tracking systems
• ●Establish sustainability certifications and traceability as selection criteria
• ●Require certification standards such as BRC, IFS, and FSSC 22000
• ●Prioritize suppliers with a broad range of natural ingredients — from nuts and cocoa to superfoods
• ●Build long-term partnerships to ensure price security and supply continuity

DeliNatural: Your European Wholesale Partner

DeliNatural is your certified wholesale partner for natural ingredients across Europe. Whether nuts, dried fruits, superfoods, cocoa, coconut, or seeds — we combine reliable supply chains with the highest quality standards and digital procurement expertise. Partner with a supplier that understands and delivers on the demands of the European B2B market.