Features of the import of refined sunflower oil to the EU countries

Sunflower oil is widely used in the food industry.

The world market for sunflower oil is growing due to significant demand among food producers.

What is needed for the supply of refined sunflower oil to the EU

Sunflower oil is used worldwide for cooking and frying. Sunflower oil is rich in oleic acid, linoleic acid and other nutrients that help reduce bad cholesterol in the blood and increase the level of healthy. It contains a large amount of vitamin E and contains few saturated fats, along with these properties it also contains tocopherols, carotenoids and waxes.

Refined sunflower oil is the most popular product made from sunflower seeds. It is transparent, amber in color with a slightly oily smell. Refined sunflower oil is cold pressed. This method, requiring minimal processing, allows you to get a light aromatic oil, suitable for culinary needs and to maintain a maximum of nutrients. Its production includes the purification of seeds, their crushing, extraction and extraction of crude oil from them and further purification.

In order to import refined sunflower oil into the European Union, certain factors must be taken into account. An indicator of the quality of this product is its acid value. It should not be too high, as this means an excessively high content of free fatty acids, which leads to the fact that the oil becomes acidic. Discoloration may also occur. Sunflower oil should have an acid value of not more than 0.9 – 1.1%.

Oils and fats deteriorate, quickly becoming rancid. Blotting is promoted by light, atmospheric oxygen and moisture, which leads to a change in smell and taste. Thus, tanks and barrels should be filled as fully as possible, taking into account the coefficient of cubic expansion, so that as little space as possible remains above the load. Do not load rancid oil, as it does not meet quality requirements.

Do not take in loading sunflower oil contaminated with particles of iron, rust or sea water.

In cold conditions, there is a risk of crystallization of substances from untreated sunflower oil, which leads to a decrease in quality.

Sunflower oil obtained from crude kernels is slightly unclear and remains so up to 40 C.

These conditions must be observed in order to supply refined sunflower oil to the EU.

Features of the import of refined sunflower oil

The expansion of online platforms and franchise points will contribute to the growth of the global sunflower oil market. Today, Europe is the largest market for processed sunflower oil in the world.

The EU widely consumes sunflower oil. The EU share in the production and export of sunflower oil significantly exceeds its share in imports. Since the domestic production of this product in Europe is insufficient, they have to import it. There, the resulting sunflower oil is processed and marketed. As for sales channels, a significant increase in sunflower oil is predicted through franchised channels and online channels in Europe. Sales of sunflower oil in the framework of modern trade will amount to more than 20 million US dollars in 2022.

Among the leaders in the import of sunflower oil, most European countries: Belgium, the Netherlands, Germany, France, Great Britain, Uzbekistan, Italy, Chile, Iraq and Poland. The top exporters of sunflower oil are Ukraine, Russia, Turkey, Hungary, France, the Netherlands, Belgium, Germany, Spain and Argentina