26 mai 2021 – United Nations Industrial Development Organization

Commissioned by UNIDO as part of the PAMPAT 2 program, this project aimed to evaluate the export potential of Tunisian prickly pear and its derivatives—such as seed powder, cladode powder, juice, purée, and vinegar. Oui Export (Admedera) was selected to design and execute the study, which included a comprehensive export analysis and the development of three detailed market access guides targeting Germany, France, and the Netherlands. The overall goal was to provide Tunisian producers with actionable insights and tools to structure their international expansion strategies.

The Problem

While Tunisian prickly pear holds high nutritional, cosmetic, and therapeutic value, it remains largely underexploited in global markets. The sector faces structural barriers: lack of standardized product classifications, unclear export nomenclatures, limited market data, and weak alignment with international buyer expectations. In addition, the industry had no consolidated commercial or regulatory reference to guide its export development. This project was designed to fill these gaps by offering a focused, evidence-based analysis and practical market access tools tailored to the realities of European trade.

The Solution

The Challenge

One of the main challenges was to determine which product forms had the most export potential among several very different derivatives. Another was the need to clarify tariff codes, regulations, and entry conditions per product category—some falling under food, others under cosmetics. The regulatory complexity, especially for organic and innovative formats like powders or extracts, further complicated the assessment. Creating market guides that were both comprehensive and easy to use was essential, particularly for small producers. Finally, it was important to harmonize cross-market requirements while keeping a country-specific approach for Germany, France, and the Netherlands.

We Made

A complete export opportunity study for Tunisian prickly pear and its processed derivatives
Three market access guides (Germany 🇩🇪, France 🇫🇷, Netherlands 🇳🇱) covering:
- Customs procedures, labeling, required certifications, and regulatory frameworks
- Consumer habits, distribution channels, and market positioning
- Pricing benchmarks and import conditions (VAT, tariffs, documentary checks)
- Strategic tips for market penetration via e-commerce, distributors, or trade events
A regulatory mapping of all customs nomenclatures relevant to the product categories
Country selection and prioritization based on quantified potential and entry complexity