Why Germany first?
Germany is the largest economy in Europe with an efficient healthcare system and very good medical care for people of all ages and demographics. The German healthcare market has experienced an enormous upswing in recent years.
At the same time, Germany has a great tradition in the areas of dietary supplements, OTC and pharmaceuticals. There is a vibrant research and innovation environment that attracts investors. Traditional companies such as Bayer, Hexal and Queisser have their origins in Germany. There are also fast-growing startups that create new markets or disrupt old markets within a decade.
This dynamic market also offers a lot of potential for companies from abroad. If you want to gain a foothold here, you need experts at your side who know the business inside out as the market is fragmented and strongly characterized by a dense network of many different players.
Top 7 reasons for Germany
1
Strong demand
The German population's increasing focus on health and wellness has led to an increasing demand for high-quality nutritional supplements and natural health products.
3
Regulatory standards
Germany has strict regulatory standards for dietary supplements, and approval in this market can increase a brand's credibility and trustworthiness worldwide.
5
Strategic gate
Due to its central location in Europe, entering the German market can serve as a strategic entry point for further expansion into the European market.
7
Cultural acceptance
Germany has a culture that widely accepts holistic health practices, making it an ideal environment for supplement manufacturers to establish their presence and build brand loyalty.
2
High consumer awareness
German consumers are well informed about the benefits of dietary supplements and are increasingly looking for trustworthy and effective products.
4
Advanced distribution networks
Germany has a well-developed distribution infrastructure which facilitates access to an extensive network of retailers and wholesalers.
6
Economic stability
Germany's strong and stable economy offers favorable conditions for business growth and investment in the supplement industry.
The opportunities also come with some challenges
01.
Complex regulatory environment:
Navigating the strict German regulations and compliance requirements for dietary supplements can be time-consuming and costly and represents a major challenge for new market entrants.
02.
Market saturation:
The German nutritional supplements market is highly competitive, with a variety of established local and international brands vying for consumer attention.
03.
Consumer preferences:
It can be challenging for foreign companies to understand and meet the specific preferences and expectations of German consumers, including aspects such as taste, formulation and packaging.
04.
Linguistic and cultural differences:
Overcoming language barriers and adapting marketing strategies to appeal to German consumers while respecting cultural nuances can present obstacles for foreign companies.
05.
Complexity of sales:
Establishing efficient and effective distribution channels, managing logistics and building relationships with retailers and wholesalers in a foreign market is challenging for new entrants.
How to gain a foothold in the German market?
Nobody in your company really knows anything about startups and suitable structures & processes are perhaps missing completely How do you deal with the many questions about starting a new business abroad and who can you contact quickly if you have any problems or questions? Are the numbers really good in the current situation and what can be done to ensure that the business model functions smoothly abroad?
This is exactly where we would like to support you!
Thanks to our experience in the German and European markets, we can quickly help you take your first steps. Your founders will be looked after from the first contact through to the growth phase. It is less relevant whether the startups are still in the founding phase or are already developing further.