Tap new procurement sources securely and efficiently
Procuring products, raw materials and services around the world is a time-consuming and costly process, while establishing contact with unknown producers or service providers is always fraught with risk. For these reasons, the IPD provides impartial, free and high-quality assistance to European companies with all aspects of this key task.
The IPD applies stringent criteria to assess local companies in terms of quality, export capacity and compliance with international standards. Targeted training and coaching are provided to partners to prepare them for the European market. The IPD uses exclusive trips for procurement officers, trade fairs and individual matchmaking to put you in direct contact with evaluated suppliers who are familiar with and meet your requirements.
Overview of demand
The IPD specifically promotes the import of products and services which European companies require for production or trade.
It focuses on the following product categories:
- fresh produce
- natural ingredients for food, pharmaceuticals and cosmetics
- sustainable fish and seafood
- cut flowers
- sustainable tourism
- digital products and services
A strong partner
The IPD is an initiative of the Federation of German Wholesale, Foreign Trade and Services (BGA) and sequa gGmbH, the development organisation and partner of German business. It is funded by Germany’s Federal Ministry for Economic Cooperation and Development (BMZ).
As part of the Partners in Transformation business and development network, the IPD promotes economic development in partner countries. It seeks to integrate companies into the global trade landscape and contribute to sustainable economic development at local level. At the same time, it assists Germany’s import sector to diversify its procurement management practices. This makes the IPD a key player at the interface between development cooperation and foreign trade.
IPD partner countries
The IPD operates in African, Asian, South American and Eastern European countries and is constantly reviewing the products on offer in new partner countries. Discover the IPD’s current partner countries here.
Matchmaking with the IPD. Engage directly with verified partners.
Whether at trade fairs, virtual B2B events or during a trip for procurement officers, the IPD puts European companies in direct contact with carefully selected producers and suppliers from its partner countries, creating the basis for tailor-made trading partnerships.
- Trade fairs: trade fairs provide an ideal opportunity to get to know new producers and make initial contacts. The IPD attends key industry events and introduces producers and service providers to European traders.
- Trade visits to partner countries: procurement officers take part in trips to visit local producers and see their products first-hand. The IPD organises individual B2B trips to pre-screened companies in partner countries, allowing you to see cultivation, production and quality-management processes for yourself. You get to know the people behind the production processes and identify who you can trust.
- Virtual B2B events: would you like to meet new producers without having to travel? The IPD’s virtual B2B events offer an efficient means of getting to know potential suppliers online, saving time by bringing together European companies and carefully selected producers for individually organised meetings. This convenient service is free of charge.
- Individual supplier search: are you looking for one supplier in particular or wishing to expand your procurement network? The IPD will identify relevant producers from within its network, based on your individual requirements, and put you in touch with suitable business partners.
- Stay informed. Find new partners: sign up for IPD emails to receive regular updates on the IPD’s current matchmaking opportunities, trade fairs, virtual B2B events and procurement officer trips in your relevant product category.
The IPD’s offering in three steps
Step 1: partner search
IPD experts work on an ongoing basis to identify potential suppliers and service providers in partner countries. To this end, the IPD works closely with partner organisations in those countries.
The goal is to establish short, transparent supply chains with no middlemen that satisfy the due diligence requirements of the German Supply Chain Act (LkSG). The programme will only admit companies that meet the IPD’s stringent requirements. IPD experts visit companies in partner countries and screen them for the programme based on strict IPD criteria.
Step 2: evaluation and qualification
Product quality and export capability/capacity are not the only factors in the evaluation process; potential suppliers must also meet international standards and possess the necessary certifications.
The IPD carefully prepares the companies for European market requirements, advises them on matters specific to their situation, and provides sales coaching and training on export-related topics. The businesses also receive intensive environmental, social and governance (ESG) training to enable them to comply with relevant social and environmental standards. These measures ensure that companies are well prepared to enter the European market and act as your professional trading partners.
Step 3: matchmaking
The IPD introduces the evaluated companies to European traders through a wide range of matchmaking activities, including:
- trade fairs in Europe or virtual B2B events
- exclusive procurement or FAM trips to partner countries
- individual matchmaking upon request
Our careful company shortlisting and preparation process ensures that you will meet reliable business partners in all matchmaking channels who know what is important to European companies. This gives you faster access to the products and services you need.
Your benefits at a glance: IPD services for import companies
- impartial, free, high-quality end-to-end support for international sourcing
- direct contact with pre-screened producers and service providers in selected partner countries
- ongoing search for suitable business partners and products for your corporate success
More about our work
Sri Lanka: tourism with an impact
The Nagenahiru Foundation combines mangrove conservation with authentic travel experiences in Sri Lanka. With support from IPD, it established a long-term partnership with socialbnb - benefiting nature, local communities and businesses.
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Colombia: successfully entering the European cosmetics market
How CaryO is gaining a foothold on the European cosmetics market with Colombian cacay oil: the IPD prepared the company and put it in touch with partners that combine growth with rainforest conservation.
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Ecuador: keen demand for cocoa
Trading directly in organic cocoa from Ecuador: how Hacienda Palo Santo and Lovechock are working together to develop transparent supply chains, create more value and deliver innovative cocoa products.
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Kenya: summer flowers for Europe
From auction sales to direct trade: how Mount Kenya Sprouts tapped into the European market with support from the IPD and worked with Blütenpracht to develop new summer flower bouquets.
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IPD flyer: services for importers
Looking for new procurement sources? This flyer shows you how to find pre-screened producers and service providers from developing countries and emerging economies as part of an impartial, free service with an emphasis on sustainable supply chains.
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IPD flyer: services for European tour operators
Are you looking to expand your portfolio? The IPD flyer shows how European tour operators can find partners for sustainable, specialist offerings in developing countries and emerging economies.
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