Netherlands: COVID-19 Impact on the Dutch Foodservice-HRI Industry

This is an initial assessment of the Dutch foodservice-HRI industry after several months of being largely closed due to the coronavirus (COVID-19) pandemic. The COVID-19 outbreak has had an enormous impact on the Dutch foodservice-HRI industry as all bars, cafés, and restaurants had to close their doors for an extended period of time. Foodservice outlets were permitted to open their doors on June 1, 2020, but under strict conditions. Just one week after opening, four out of ten entrepreneurs have indicated that they are not sure whether they can afford to keep their businesses operational. While many Dutch restaurants made investments in order to comply with the government’s social distancing requirements, guests still appear reluctant to return en masse.

Netherlands: COVID-19 Impact on the Dutch Foodservice-HRI Industry