France is the EU’s second-largest economy (≈68 million people) with a rich food culture, making it a major consumer and importer of agro-products. French consumers enjoy high-quality chocolate and exotic foods. In 2023 France imported 147,000 tonnes of cocoa beans (mainly from West Africa) and is among Europe’s top cocoa grinders. It also leads Europe in consuming tropical fruits, nuts, seeds and spices. This presents clear opportunities for Nigerian exporters of cocoa, sesame, cashews, ginger, tropical fruits (e.g. mango, pineapple) and natural oils (e.g. shea, palm, coconut), provided they meet EU quality and sustainability expectations.

Cocoa and Chocolate: France is a huge cocoa consumer and a world-class chocolate producer. It imports most of its cocoa beans (again, largely from Côte d’Ivoire and Ghana) for domestic processing. Nigeria, as one of Africa’s largest cocoa producers, can tap this demand by supplying high-quality “superior” cocoa beans, cocoa butter or powder. Premium, sustainably sourced cocoa is especially prized by French chocolate makers.

Sesame Seeds: France also imports sesame seeds for bakery and oil production. Demand for organic and fair‑trade sesame in France is growing, as many consumers seek ethically sourced ingredients. Nigeria is already a top global sesame producer, so Nigerian exporters that obtain EU-standard certification (e.g. organic, HACCP) can compete in this niche.

Cashew Nuts: Cashews are a popular snack in France. French imports of cashew nuts reached about 16,100 tonnes (€115 million) in 2022, with consumption rising steadily. While most cashews come via Vietnam and the Netherlands, West African suppliers (especially Côte d’Ivoire) are expanding their share. Nigeria produces large quantities of cashews (in-shell and shelled) and can target this market by emphasizing quality and traceability. Cashews processed and packaged to European standards can fetch strong prices.

Tropical Fruits & Spices: France’s market for tropical fruits (mangoes, pineapples, papaya, bananas, etc.) is mature. Fresh mango and pineapple imports into France are significant, and there is interest in African-sourced fruit. Nigeria’s mango and pineapple production is substantial. To succeed, Nigerian exporters should target niche segments (organic, fair‑trade, speciality varieties) or off-season windows. Spices like ginger are also in demand: Europe imports over 160,000 tonnes of fresh ginger annually, mainly for food and beverages. Nigeria is one of the world’s top ginger producers, so Nigerian ginger (especially organic) can find buyers in France as demand for healthy spices grows.

Nigerian Produce and Export Potential

Nigeria is among the world’s largest producers of several key commodities. It grows cassava, yams, grains and a variety of fruits (mango, banana, plantain, papaya) and nuts (cashew, kola) and is a top African producer of sesame and cocoa. In fact, Nigeria’s latest export data show that premium cocoa beans and cashew nuts account for almost half of its agricultural export value. Sesame seeds, soy, and hibiscus (for tea) are also significant. In short, Nigeria’s agro-output closely matches many of France’s import needs. By scaling up quality processing (e.g. shelling cashews, drying spices) and packaging, Nigerian businesses can supply these high-demand items.

French Quality Standards and Buyer Expectations

European buyers demand rigorous quality and safety compliance. All food imports must meet EU sanitary and phytosanitary (SPS) rules, including strict limits on pesticide residues and contaminants (like aflatoxin). Exporters need proper phytosanitary certificates and lab test results. High-quality packaging, lot labeling and traceability (knowing the farm of origin) are also required. Moreover, French consumers increasingly favor sustainability labels: organic certification, Fairtrade or Rainforest Alliance can command higher prices. For example, France has above-average demand for organic ginger. In short, meeting EU/EU standards is challenging but essential. Compliance often pays off, as products that clear EU food safety checks and carry the right certifications can access premium retail and wholesale markets.

Export Readiness Tips for Nigerian Agribusinesses

• Invest in Quality Controls: Implement good agricultural practices and laboratory testing to meet EU standards (GlobalGAP, HACCP, ISO 22000, etc.). Consider organic or Fairtrade certification if feasible.
• Understand Regulations: Familiarize yourself with EU import requirements. Label products in French/English with ingredient lists and origin. Ensure proper documentation (phytosanitary certificates, certificates of origin, etc.).
• Consolidate Supply: EU buyers usually require consistent volumes and supply chains. Cooperatives or aggregators can help meet large orders (e.g. combine smallholder produce for export).
• Build Business Networks: Participate in trade fairs and buyer missions (e.g. Paris Food Show, Fruit Logistica) to meet importers. Use EU market intelligence (like Access2Markets) to identify importers and price data.
• Partner Strategically: Work with experienced exporters, processors or logistics firms who know the European market. Value-added processing (e.g. cleaning, grading, packaging) increases appeal.

Call to Action: Join the EU-Nigeria Agribusiness Platform

To bridge Nigerian suppliers with French and other EU buyers, we encourage all Nigerian agribusiness SMEs, cooperatives and exporters to register on the EU–Nigeria Agribusiness Platform (EUNAP). This new digital marketplace and networking hub connects Nigerian producers with European investors, traders and processors. By creating a profile on EUNAP, you can showcase your products, search for EU partners, and receive real-time trade alerts. The platform is part of the EU’s effort to boost sustainable agricultural trade and investment in Nigeria. Don’t miss this opportunity – sign up on the EUNAP portal today and open doors to the French market and beyond!

Suggested Visuals

• Photographs of Nigerian farmers harvesting key crops (cocoa pods, ginger roots, cashew apples) to illustrate origin.
• Close-ups of export products (jute bags of cocoa beans, piles of sesame seeds, bowls of cashew nuts or gari flour) to represent export commodities.
• Images of tropical fruits (mangoes, pineapples) and spices/oils (ginger, shea nuts/oil) to highlight Nigeria’s offerings.
• Photos of a French market or port (e.g. containers or shelves with imported products) to symbolize the destination market.
• The EU-Nigeria Agribusiness Platform logo or screenshots (if available) to promote the call-to-action.

Sources: EU trade and market reports indicate France’s strong demand for cocoa, nuts and tropical goods. Nigerian export statistics show cocoa and cashews dominate its agricultural shipments. Market analyses (CBI, UN Comtrade) confirm growth in French imports of cocoa, sesame, ginger and related products. The EU–Nigeria Agribusiness Platform was launched by the EU and Nigerian stakeholders to facilitate these trade links.