Browse Data and Analysis

Hotel, restaurant, and institutional (HRI) foodservice industry sales in the Netherlands in 2023 were valued at €15.3 billion in 2023, up by nine percent compared to 2022. Last year, sales in all segments saw an increase but restaurants and cafés saw its sales go up the most, profiting from the trading down trend among consumers.

Genetically-engineered (GE) products are highly politicized in Germany. As the EU takes gradual steps towards potentially liberalizing NGTs, German public debate is beginning to shift from a general rejection of GE towards discussion regarding possible liberalization of New Genomic Techniques (NGTs).

This report assesses the agricultural biotechnology sector in the Netherlands, and covers related production, trade, and policies. It includes topics related to genetic engineering and innovative plant, animal, and microbial biotechnologies.

Germany is the largest market for food and beverages in the European Union importing USD 69 billion worth of consumer-oriented agricultural products in 2023. The food retail sector is saturated, highly consolidated, and competitive.

On September 13, 2024, The Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries, Food Security, and Nature presented a plan to address the Dutch manure crisis. This crisis is caused by the (gradual) loss of a Dutch manure derogation under the Nitrate Directive (EU Council Directive 91/676/EEC), and has posed significant difficulties for farmers, while incurring high costs.

On September 13, 2024, the Dutch Cabinet presented its government program for Agriculture, Fisheries, Food Security, and Nature, outlining key initiatives and commitments for the coming years.

On August 7-9, 2024, the World Apple and Pear Association (WAPA) presented the 2024 EU apple and pear crop forecast at the 49th edition of the Prognosfruit convention. WAPA forecasts the 2024 EU fresh apple crop at 10.2 million metric tons (MT), 11.2 percent below the 2023 harvest.

This year’s apple harvest is expected to be 197,000 MT, slightly lower than last year’s numbers and the lowest in a decade. Pear production is set to drop by around nine percent, with a total of 327,000 MT. The decrease in pear harvest is mostly due to tough growing conditions throughout the season, leading to fewer fruits per tree. When it comes to the land being harvested, apple acreage is shrinking further, down to about 5,220 hectares.

After a 2023 outbreak, and the authorization of three types of vaccines, a new Bluetongue disease outbreak occurred again in the Netherlands in the summer of 2024. The disease is also spreading to neighboring countries Belgium and Germany.

Unlike the many smaller trade shows in Nigeria, Food and Beverage (FAB) West Africa 2024 stood out as a well-attended, well-organized, and diverse trade show featuring snack and processed foods, confectionery products, beverages, food ingredients, dairy products, grains, seafood, and food service equipment.

The turnover of the Dutch retail sector was valued at $54 billion in 2023. The sector is relatively consolidated, with the two largest food retailers controlling almost 60 percent of the market. Due to rising retail prices, consumers visit multiple supermarkets and increasingly choose private label products.

Germany has more than 84 million of the world’s wealthiest consumers and is by far the biggest market in the European Union. The German market offers good opportunities for U.S. exporters of consumer-oriented agricultural products.