Hunting Industry Seeks Growth in a More Demanding Europe

Europe’s hunting and sport shooting industry is seeking new avenues for growth in a landscape shaped by competition, costs and the complexity of international trade. That is how IWA OutdoorClassics presents the situation in an article published on May 8, 2026, based on statements from four distributors: Ferkinghoff International, Helmut Hofmann, Brownells and Van OS Imports.

Local partnerships and products tailored to Europe

One strategy outlined is to strengthen direct operations in national markets. According to IWA, Ferkinghoff International announced during the 2026 edition that it was opening an office in France staffed by people familiar with the language and business environment. The distributor also unveiled a rifle developed with US company San Tan Tactical and designed to better meet European needs.

The company maintains that stable relationships between manufacturers and distributors will become increasingly important amid market instability. Along similar lines, Nicholas Hofmann of Helmut Hofmann says in the publication that the industry has faced price increases linked to the international situation, although he provides no percentages or details of specific products.

Brownells looks to bring in new brands

Brownells also presents Europe as an area for expansion. Casey Betzold, the global sales director quoted by IWA, says the company works with US manufacturers that lack the experience to handle export procedures and logistics. Its strategy is to introduce brands that are not yet present or have only a limited foothold on the continent.

The forecast of European growth over the next decade is, however, the company’s own expectation. The information reviewed includes no turnover figures, country-by-country sales data or methodology that would make it possible to verify that projection.

In the tactical equipment segment, Gijs Klok, director of Van OS Imports, says exports account for approximately 60% of his company’s business. He also reports growing demand for military-inspired backpacks and clothing in the Netherlands and nearby markets. Both claims are based on his testimony to IWA and require documentary confirmation.

Regulation also shapes trade

The complexity highlighted by operators also has a verifiable regulatory dimension. Regulation (EU) 2025/41 establishes a harmonised framework for authorisations and controls governing the import, export and transit of civilian firearms, essential components and ammunition between the European Union and third countries. The regulation does not cover transfers within the EU, which are governed by Directive 2021/555.

When approving the reform, the Council of the European Union said it was intended to improve traceability and digitalise procedures while facilitating certain legitimate movements by hunters, sport shooters and exhibitors. The future of the business will therefore depend not only on launching new products, but also on properly managing authorisations, distribution and after-sales service. For now, the opportunities described by IWA are business signals that need market data before they can be regarded as an established trend.