In Brussels on 10th December, we welcomed 12 fantastic small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) from Germany, Italy, Spain, Belgium, and Poland for a Christmas Market showcasing their products and successes as Amazon sellers in the EU.
Those exhibiting at the market included Büffel Bill from Germany, with meat products and barbecue accessories; Pyc Sport from Poland, who showcased roller-skates, snowboards, and other sports equipment; AEIOUBaby, a Spanish business selling baby toys; and the Belgian Lucimed, who sell innovative light therapy glasses. In 2023, 127,000+ SMEs from the EU sold more than 1.3 billion products worldwide via Amazon, generating over €14 billion in export sales, and an estimated 350,000 jobs have been created by EU-based SMEs selling on Amazon. These successes, and the importance of strengthening the EU Single Market, were key themes of the night.
Marga López, founder of AEIOUBaby, said: “Participating in this Christmas market in Brussels is an incredible opportunity for us. Not only has it allowed us to showcase our bestselling educational children's products, but it has also given us a way to connect with policymakers and fellow business owners to discuss the challenges and opportunities of running a small business in Europe. Amazon has helped us expand beyond Spain and tap into the vast potential of the Single Market, turning AEIOUBaby into a truly European brand.”
More than 200 market-goers had the opportunity to meet the small business owners themselves and see their products, and also heard from speakers James Waterworth, Amazon’s Director of EU Public Policy, and Eva Faict, Amazon Belgium Country Manager.
Also shared at the event was new research from Oxford Economics, which shows that people in Europe’s rural areas are saving up to 157 million kilometres in travel distance monthly thanks to online shopping options, and roughly a day’s worth of travel time each year.
Attendees heard from a panel of sellers based in Europe’s rural areas, which represent almost 50% of EU-based SMEs selling on Amazon, about how their businesses are getting ready for Christmas and how the option to sell online has boosted their success. The panellists were Remo Sartori from Italy, who sell ties, bow-ties, and scarves; E-wicker24, a Polish business specialising in traditional wicker products; Craftlier, a Spanish stationery business; and Bengelmann, a German chocolate business. The sellers shared their stories about how their businesses have thrived both locally in their own countries, and by exporting to customers across the EU.
Speaking afterwards James Waterworth, Director of EU Public Policy, said: “It was great to hear from businesses themselves about their success so far - and what can help them in the future. I am immensely proud of the significant investment Amazon has made across the EU: €180 billion since 2010 - including over €30 billion in 2023 alone - and we currently have 150,000 direct employees across EU countries.
“Something that is clear as the new European Commission gets to work: SMEs need support to harness the Single Market, and must not be stifled by legislative complexity. We would like to see harmonisation, simplification, and consistent enforcement of existing rules to help foster a frictionless market for European SMEs. A recent report from Flint Global demonstrated that completing the Single Market could raise EU-wide GDP by €198 to €335 billion a year - so this needs to be kept in mind.”
Also showcased at the market were panettone from Italian business Fraccaro Spumadoro; coffee machines from Lambda Coffee, based in Germany; Botanica Spices from Belgium, with an array of spices that can be added to drinks; and the homeware products of the Polish business Adler.
At Amazon we remain committed to strengthening the EU Single Market and supporting SMEs so that these brilliant businesses can succeed and thrive in selling and exporting beyond their borders.
