A recall of Haribo gummies in the Netherlands, prompted by the discovery of cannabis in some packs, has raised fresh concerns about supply chain traceability and safety standards. Even well-known brands aren’t immune to unexpected issues, and this case shows how things can go wrong.   

For B2B players, it’s a timely reminder to make sure systems are in place to quickly trace, flag, and fix problems when they arise. 

Get ready to pack your bags! June 2025 is set to be a busy month for business professionals across Europe. From tech and digital innovation to smart farming and food production, key events are taking place across Spain, the United Kingdom, and France.  

Starline, a bold new proposal, aims to connect 39 major destinations across Europe through a high-speed rail network designed to operate like an urban metro. That means, for example, traveling from central Berlin to central Helsinki could take less than five hours. 

The project promises speed, reliability, and a cleaner, more connected future of mobility across Europe.

Carbon dioxide, often seen as a driver of climate change, is being used in a surprising new role: as a powerful purification tool that can help make recycled plastics cleaner, safer and suitable for high-value reuse. 

Who would have thought that a luxury handbag labeled “Made in Italy” might actually come from a factory in Shenzhen? And that its production cost is only a fraction of the price it commands in Europe? 

In response to renewed tariff threats from Donald Trump, Chinese manufacturers are now revealing the European brands they produce for. Their videos are turning hidden supply chains into very public headlines, raising questions about the credibility of European labels.

Arabic perfumes are gaining traction in Europe’s fragrance market. Known for their rich scents, refined packaging, and competitive pricing, they offer a blend of quality and value that appeals to a broad range of consumers. For retailers, this is a growing category with room for new opportunities on the shelf.

Who would have thought that saying “please” and “thank you” to a chatbot could cost real money? Yet recent revelations show that these (polite) habits come with a price. As more European businesses lean on AI tools, this could lead to surprising financial and environmental consequences. It turns out, digital politeness isn’t free!

The European Union is introducing stricter rules to make toys safer in 2025. While the new rules won’t be fully enforced until 2029, toy makers, importers, and sellers have just enough time to implement the changes or risk losing access to the EU market. 

This new law will change the way all toys are sold in the EU, a market valued at approximately €26 billion in 2024.

Climate change is shifting where and how wine is made, drinkers are moving toward lighter, more mindful choices, and sustainable packaging is becoming the norm. Add tech and changing tastes to the mix, and it’s clear: 2025 is rewriting the rules.  For producers and suppliers, it’s time to rethink wine offers and align with what today’s consumers are really looking for. So, is it goodbye to French wine as we know it? 

Last Wednesday, Donald Trump announced a 90-day delay in the implementation of new trade tariffs on several countries—excluding China. 

While this news brought temporary relief to the markets, with Wall Street rebounding sharply, it leaves many unanswered questions for European small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs), particularly those operating in B2B sectors like manufacturing and production.

The EU is getting ready to ease its rules on new genomic techniques like CRISPR, something that could change the way food is grown across Europe. While the shift promises more resilient crops and an updated sustainable farming scheme, it also comes at a time of growing tension. Farmers protests across Europe have highlighted deep concerns over patents, labelling, and who will control the seeds of the future. 

Nearly 60% of industrial energy in the EU goes toward generating heat—much of it still produced by burning fossil fuels, according to the European Heat Pump Association (EHPA). This alone accounts for around 25% of total EU industrial emissions. Yet despite growing pressure to decarbonize, the industry continues to overlook one of the most effective tools available: the industrial heat pump.

Rising inflation, evolving household structures, and post-COVID habits are reshaping how Europeans eat—increasing the demand for frozen foods across both retail and foodservice. Today’s consumers want more than convenience: they’re looking for healthier, affordable, and time-saving options, from vegan frozen food to superfood breakfasts and ready-to-cook frozen meals.

Tesla, once the undisputed leader in the electric vehicle (EV) market, is now facing its toughest year yet. Tesla sales have taken a sharp hit across major European markets, including Germany, the UK, France, and Norway. With its stock plunging by more than 50%, concerns are growing about the company’s long-term stability. 

For the European manufacturer of car parts, this shake-up is both a challenge and an opportunity. As the market pivots away from Tesla and toward established automakers and emerging EV startups, suppliers must rethink their strategies. Adapting to new product sp ...

Geopolitical tensions, economic uncertainty, and climate change are shaking up global trade and Europe's vegetable market. Traditional sourcing isn't cutting it anymore, and businesses need better ways to plan their supply chains. One solution getting attention is friendshoring: buying from closer, politically friendly countries. It sounds promising, but can it really strengthen Europe's food supply chain? Or could it lead to issues like higher prices or new environmental risks? 

The global trade environment is shifting once again, and European businesses are feeling the impact. Trump’s Executive Orders 2025 are driving up costs, disrupting supply chains, and creating uncertainty for industries across the EU. 

For a  provider of raw materials, the challenge is clear: adapt to higher costs while staying competitive in a rapidly changing market. Will businesses turn to new sourcing strategies, automation, and digital tools to survive, or will these tariffs push some sectors to the edge? 

As Europe rethinks its trade policies and explores new partn ...

As European countries boost their army armament, the demand for essential raw materials, especially metals, is skyrocketing. This surge is putting pressure on country supplies, pushing prices higher, and causing production delays.

It's not just the defense sector feeling the squeeze. Industries like automotive and construction, which rely on the same materials, are now competing for limited resources, making it even harder to keep the production chain running smoothly. For every supplier of metalworking products, the challenges are mounting—shortages, unpredictable costs, and longer wai ...

Coffee lovers, be warned: your daily cup is in trouble! A mix of climate change, global conflicts, economic problems, and broken supply chains has pushed coffee bean prices to record highs. This isn’t just a small price increase—it’s a serious threat to the entire coffee industry, risking millions of livelihoods and your favorite morning drink. 

From small family farms to big global companies, every provider of coffee is under pressure. The future of every type of coffee – from your go-to ground coffee to special artisan coffee – is at stake. Saving our morning brew and the industr ...

A big problem is brewing that could wipe out real French Brie and Camembert cheese, causing major concerns in the food industry. For manufacturers of cheese, this isn’t just about losing a fancy product – it’s a wake-up call about how fragile our food systems are and why we need to plan ahead to avoid risks.

The smooth, rich texture and soft, edible rind that make soft French cheese like Brie and Camembert so special are now in danger. The reason? A tiny fungus that’s been overused and is now struggling to survive. This isn’t an exaggeration; it’s a real scientific issue that could seri ...

The production of winter sports equipment is a high-precision process that requires a combination of traditional craftsmanship and state-of-the-art technology. Skis and snowboards are more than just sports equipment - they are high-tech products whose manufacture places the highest demands on material selection and processing. In this article, we take a look behind the scenes and shed light on the complex processes that lead to the creation of this high-performance sports equipment.

Olive oil, a fundamental ingredient of the Mediterranean diet, has seen a price drop in supermarkets since July 1st, thanks to the Spanish government's reduction of VAT to 0%. Considering this data, europages has conducted an analysis of extra virgin olive oil prices in Europe. Additionally, using information from our B2B supplier platform, we have studied the global demand for olive oil produced in Spain.

The UK government’s net zero strategy has provided impetus for the move towards renewable energy sources. The government recently announced a budget of over £1 billion for the latest renewable electricity auction, with an additional £800 million allocated for offshore wind energy. While renewable energy is already firmly part of the country’s electricity mix, increased adoption by businesses is crucial for the UK to hit its target of achieving net zero by 2050.

Faced with a challenging domestic economy, many UK businesses are turning towards international trade for growth – but this is becoming increasingly difficult due to global conflicts, the impact of Brexit, and supply chain regulation. Here we take a look at the main barriers and what can be done to overcome them.

The EU AI Act, which was approved by the European Parliament in March 2024, lays the foundations for the regulation of artificial intelligence (AI) in the EU. Its goal is to provide “clear requirements and obligations regarding specific uses of AI”, according to EU policymakers. It is also intended to reduce administrative and financial burdens for businesses, in particular small- and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs). The Act should be fully implemented by 2026. 
The EU AI Act aims to set out a regulatory framework for AI systems, with a focus on safety, privacy and preventing bias and ...

Most experts agree that the UK economy is showing signs of emerging from its recent slump, but the road ahead still appears rocky. With a general election looming and the impact of conflict in Europe and the Middle East still affecting the economy, growth is predicted to be slow. Find out here what the UK’s economic future could look like.

In the ever-changing connectivity landscape, companies are faced with a choice: to deploy their own 5G network or stick with Wi-Fi. Each technology has its advantages, so the choice depends on your specific business needs.

Scientists have developed a water battery that promises to be safer and cheaper than existing energy storage systems. Here you can find out how these batteries work, which raw materials are needed to produce them and how sustainable the current batteries are.

E-learning enables employees to access quality education and training, regardless of their location. This allows them to acquire the skills and qualifications needed to meet the demands of the labour market.

The electrification of transport might be in full swing, but batteries are by no means the number one source of power. E-fuels – synthetic fuels made using renewable energies – could be a sustainable alternative. Find out more here.

Businesses need to be highly adaptable, including in terms of workforce planning. The concept of skills-based organisation promises greater flexibility and better use of resources.