In today’s globalized trade landscape, food exporters and importers face growing competition by the day. The internet has transformed the way businesses connect—creating a dynamic platform where companies can easily discover potential partners and clients around the world. But what drives this eagerness to engage with international markets? The answer lies in the significant benefits of expanding beyond domestic borders: lowering costs, boosting profits, and reducing risk through market diversification, especially in a world threatened by tariffs.

Still, despite the tremendous benefits of gaining access to international markets, many food producers still fail to identify their true export potential. With these in mind, in this article, we intend to do a quick snapshot of the new reality and to bring some light upon why import/export businesses are important and who can enter the game, by tackling down common misconceptions in the world of trade.

MYTH #1: My domestic market is safer! 

While many people prefer locally sourced food—often valuing its freshness, lower environmental impact, or the support it offers to local communities—the reality is more complex. Numerous countries face limitations such as scarce farmland, constrained natural resources, or challenging climates, making food imports essential to meet demand.

Meanwhile, globalization, tourism, migration, technological advancement, and widespread internet access have all accelerated the movement of goods across borders. These forces also mean that consumer demand and food trends shift rapidly—both locally and globally—shaping trade flows in real time.

Beyond concerns about food self-sufficiency and global interdependence, the dynamic nature of markets makes it clear: engaging in multiple international markets isn’t just strategic, it’s necessary for risk diversification and long-term resilience.

You can see a list of the most attractive markets and global key opportunities of 2025 here.

MYTH 2: I`m too small to afford to expand internationally!

Many food producers underestimate their export potential simply because they don’t recognize their own readiness to enter international markets. A common misconception is that their business is too small—that they lack the capital, production capacity, or specialized staff needed to handle the complexities of exporting.

While these concerns may seem valid at first glance, the reality is often much more encouraging. Countless producers have already overcome these so-called barriers. In fact, the majority of exporters worldwide are small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs). Why? Because SMEs often have a key advantage: flexibility. They can adapt more quickly to shifting market conditions than large corporations.

For many small food producers, expanding into international markets isn’t just possible—it’s a smart strategic move. Exporting can accelerate growth, increase profits, and provide a competitive edge that fuels long-term success.

MYTH #3: High competition in foreign markets leaves no place for me!

In a similar vein, food producers think that foreign markets, especially those of highly developed countries, are hard to penetrate due to the vast competition and big players who dominate the market with their popularity and loyal customers base.

In reality, the right product, at the right time, on the right market is all it takes for a food exporter to earn success. Sometimes, it can be a matter of supply vs demand as the last two centuries had accelerated the connection between the world’s economies and cultures. The winning card here is to really research the countries you intend to sell to, the types of customer behaviour, trends, purchasing power, as well as business etiquette, so you know how to win the hearts of local food importers.

MYTH #4: Bureaucracy is over the top!

Although reading about paperwork, taxes, or regulations may sound overwhelming, in reality, the big picture remains the same, with few additional requirements here and there, depending on the food product dealt with, the target market and so on.

The truth is, nothing is easy in the beginning, but this doesn’t stop us from doing new things we set our minds to. Also, we are in the era of the internet, where anything we want is one click away. Information is easily accessible, plus there are many public and private institutions like government agencies, private associations, trade centres, chambers of commerce and several other organizations, ready to offer consultations on the import/export process, even prepare all the documentation.

MYTH #5: Markets with foreign languages & cultures are hard to conquer!

When food producers desire to gain access to a new market, the differences in language, culture or even business etiquette may be a hassle, but in truth, they are not a barrier.

The era of the Internet brings a big helping hand, with many sources of information to educate yourself and institutions ready to help with a successful market entry strategy. Moreover, today, English is the most popular language, with 25% of worldwide internet users, and for exceptions to this case, there are many translators one email or phone away.

The takeaway

Considering the advancement of globalization, technology, and transportation, food exporters in the world of today have a handful of opportunities outside of their home borders to participate in the international economy, which in turn have never been easier than in the present. Nobody is born an expert, but with research and strategy, gaining access to international markets is tremendously beneficial for businesses of any size.

In a similar vein, food importers who wish to gain a competitive advantage will always be on the look for a reliable supplier who can bring products that are unique or are not covered enough in their portfolio.

To get access to a list of more active food importers from around the world, you can access one of the BestFoodImporters databases.