A group of Sri Lankan small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) has gained valuable market access insights and buyer connections through a targeted exposure and capacity-building programme conducted alongside BIOFACH 2026 in Nuremberg, reinforcing efforts to expand the country’s export footprint in Europe.
The initiative, organised by the Sri Lanka Export Development Board (SLEDB) in collaboration with the Import Promotion Desk and the Sri Lanka Embassy in Berlin, was held from 9 to 14 February 2026. It brought together a select group of export-ready SMEs, including women-led enterprises from the spice, coconut, dehydrated fruit and coffee sectors, with the aim of strengthening their readiness to enter and expand in the European Union (EU) market.
The programme commenced with a pre-fair workshop designed to prepare participants for engagement at one of the world’s premier organic trade exhibitions. SMEs received hands-on guidance on refining their sales strategies, understanding buyer expectations and navigating the exhibition effectively. Interactive coaching sessions helped build the confidence and negotiation skills required to approach international importers.
During the event, participants attended specialised workshops conducted by German and European industry experts, certification bodies and testing agencies. These sessions provided detailed knowledge on EU regulatory frameworks, certification standards, quality assurance systems and market entry requirements. SMEs also carried out targeted market research, analysing pricing trends, competitor positioning and consumer preferences within their respective product categories.
Visits to organic and conventional supermarkets offered direct exposure to European retail standards, including packaging, branding, labelling and certification compliance. In addition, the delegation toured a leading German spice processing facility, gaining first-hand insights into advanced manufacturing technologies, stringent quality controls and sustainability practices demanded by European buyers.
A key feature of the programme was its B2B matchmaking component, implemented under the Sri Lanka Export Excellence Initiative with support from the International Finance Corporation and the European Union. This enabled SMEs to hold structured one-to-one meetings with prospective importers, allowing them to pitch their products and explore future business partnerships in the EU region.
The SLEDB said the programme proved highly impactful, equipping participating entrepreneurs with enhanced market intelligence, practical export skills and direct buyer linkages. The exposure is expected to improve the global competitiveness of Sri Lankan SMEs and support the country’s broader export diversification strategy.
Building on the success of the initiative, the SLEDB and its international partners plan to expand similar exposure, training and matchmaking programmes in the coming years, aimed at strengthening Sri Lanka’s SME export performance and increasing access to high-value global markets.
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