The EU Flavour Industry
The flavouring industry and the European economy: Key facts
The European flavouring industry is a major player on the European market, making a valuable contribution to the European economy in terms of employment and production. In addition, its research and development capabilities contribute greatly towards major innovations in the food industry.
The combined turnover of the industry's companies significantly enhances the national economies of Member States, earning hundreds of millions of Euros for the Union.
The flavouring industry also employs some 10,000 highly skilled workers in over 300 large, medium and small-sized enterprises across Europe. Interestingly, in some European countries, such as in Italy and Sweden, 100% of flavouring companies are SMEs. In addition, SMEs account for more than 70% of all flavouring companies in France, Germany, the Netherlands, Spain and Switzerland.
Sales of flavourings in the EU represent a 33% share of the global market. This figure is followed by the United States and Asia - each with a market share of 25%.