Business Desk: Bangladesh`s food products are poised for stronger growth in the European market, driven by rising consumer demand, expanding distribution channels and increasing confidence in the country`s food industry, according to Furkan Haider Chowdhury, Ambassador and Advisor to Netherlands-based international food importer and distributor United Dutch Exporters (Unidex).

In an exclusive interview, the Belgian national of Bangladeshi origin said Bangladesh could significantly expand its presence in Europe by maintaining international quality standards, strengthening long-term business partnerships and increasing engagement with overseas buyers.

"The market has enormous potential. If Bangladesh consistently ensures quality and builds trust with European buyers, exports of food products can grow substantially," he said, adding that the European ethnic food market handled by the company is now worth hundreds of crores of taka annually.

Founded in 1989 by Roland Jansen as a small family venture operating from a bedroom with a fax machine, Unidex has grown into one of Europe`s leading ethnic food distribution networks.

Chowdhury said the company`s roots lie in Jansen`s family business, which imported spices such as bay leaves, cumin, turmeric and chilies from India before distributing them across the Netherlands and Dutch territories, including Suriname and Curaçao. Building on that experience, Unidex focused on supplying authentic food products to immigrant communities across Europe.

Today, the company operates in two major segments: the ethnic retail market, supplying grocery stores and specialty outlets, and the mainstream retail sector, serving major supermarket chains with international food products.

Recalling his journey with the company, Chowdhury said he first met Roland Jansen in the late 1990s before joining Unidex in October 2007 as Key Account Manager for Europe. Having previously served as the CEO of another multinational company, he was later promoted to Director of Sales in recognition of his performance.

"The CEO gave me full freedom in decision-making, and that culture of trust continues today. It has been instrumental in expanding into new markets and building long-term business relationships," he said.

Unidex currently sources dry foods, beverages and frozen food products from countries across Asia, Africa and Europe, supplying customers from Helsinki in the north to Malta in the south.

Its imports include palm oil, palm cream, cassava and flour from Ghana, Nigeria, Côte d`Ivoire and Senegal, salted cod from Norway, and tilapia from China.

Chowdhury said he played a key role in introducing products from leading Bangladeshi companies, including PRAN, BD Food, Ifad and Danish, into the European market through Unidex. The company also regularly imports frozen fish, snacks and other food items from Bangladesh.

He noted that Bangladeshi products are no longer limited to South Asian consumers but are increasingly finding customers among Arab, African and European communities.

To identify new suppliers, Chowdhury regularly attends major international food exhibitions, including Gulfood in Dubai, Anuga in Germany, SIAL in France and THAIFEX in Thailand, where he actively visits Bangladesh pavilions and connects with promising exporters.

He also revealed that Unidex has recently merged with a Europe-based Asian Food Group, creating a larger business entity with significantly greater purchasing power, an expanded logistics network and stronger market access across Europe.

"This expansion opens up new opportunities for producers from Bangladesh and many other countries to enter the European market more effectively," he said.

Referring to a recent courtesy meeting with Bangladesh`s Commerce Minister, Chowdhury said discussions focused on expanding exports of Bangladeshi food and agricultural products by leveraging European market experience and strengthening cooperation.

He added that the minister`s remarks reflected the current elected government`s positive attitude toward boosting exports.

Highlighting the foundations of sustainable business, Chowdhury stressed that commercial success depends not only on contracts but also on mutual respect, honesty and trust.

"Business is not just about transactions. Long-term success is built on credibility and strong relationships," he said.

He expressed optimism that Bangladesh could secure a much larger share of Europe`s food market by consistently maintaining product quality, complying with international standards and strengthening confidence among overseas buyers.