As part of their preparation for ECRM’s sessions, buyers complete a form on the EPPS prep site, indicating the types of products they are looking for, and on what areas they are focusing their buying efforts. For the upcoming ECRM European Dry Food, Snack & Confectionery EPPS, these buyers are from retailers and distributors from across Europe, as well as some from the Middle East, Asia, Africa, Australia and South America who are seeking new and innovative products from suppliers around the globe.

Based on this information, collected from the more than 60 buyers registered so far to attend the session, to be held March 25 to 27 in Berlin, Germany, here are a few key areas of interest:

Long Shelf Life: Since the buyers and sellers are from all parts of the world, products will take some time to ship as well as to clear customs in the various destination countries, so many buyers are looking for products that have a shelf life of at least eight to nine months.

Natural, Organic & Vegan: As consumers, particularly Millennials, seek to live a more wellness-focused lifestyle, there is more demand for products containing natural and organic ingredients, or that are vegan. They are also interested in products with ingredients that are sustainably-sourced via socially-responsible practices, including FairTrade-certified products.

“Free-From”: Products that don’t have allergens like gluten, or that are non-GMO, or have reduced amounts of salt, fat, and sugar. Indeed, for some countries, such as Chile, products with large amounts of sugar, salt or fat require additional labeling, according to one buyer.

Halal-Certified: Buyers for some ethnic markets seek halal-certified products such as lentils, beans, peas, spices, food oils, beverages, sauces, snacks and rice.

Dried Fruits, Nuts and Seeds: Bulk or packaged versions of these products.

Private Label: Products that can be packaged and marketed under the retailer’s own brand labels.

Innovative Sweets & Snacks: Unique and novelty products in the categories of candy and snacks that will have impulse appeal for consumers.