Asparagus market in the Netherlands

Earlier Report Observations

The Dutch asparagus market grew steadily in both volume and value from 2018 to 2021, with consumption rising from 13 500 t to nearly 17 000 t. This expansion was initially driven by retail strategies that emphasized earlier seasonal availability and a shift toward local produce. Major supermarket Albert Heijn, for example, stopped selling imported Peruvian asparagus to focus on Dutch varieties, broadening the assortment with different types like white, green, and violet asparagus. The COVID-19 pandemic in 2020 further influenced the market, leading to adaptations in production and distribution while strategic developments such as partnerships and new product launches from key growers like ZON, Teboza, and The Greenery helped maintain momentum.

After reaching a peak, the market's physical volume contracted to 15 100 t in 2022 and 13 100 t in 2023. Industry reports during this period highlighted changing consumer trends and new product launches as growth drivers, though the market underwent a post-pandemic adjustment. Notably, the value of the market recovered to $94.0 million in 2023 despite lower volume, supported by a demographic shift as younger consumers increased their purchases of asparagus, indicating a move toward higher-value segments.

Factors observed for the 2024 season, including favorable spring weather and strong demand from retail and hospitality, pointed to ongoing market resilience. Cultivation techniques focused on soil quality and direct sales at farms continued to emphasize product freshness and sustainability, with reports noting no market surpluses and even shortages for green asparagus.

Production asparagus in the Netherlands

In kind, 2017-2020, t

From 2017 to 2020, the Netherlands maintained the 12th position globally in asparagus production volume.

Top producers of asparagus, 2017-2020

World map of production of asparagus, 2017-2020

Asparagus production in the Netherlands declined for the third consecutive year. In 2020, the country produced 17 910 tonnes of asparagus, a slight reduction of 1.3% compared to the previous year. Between 2017 and 2020, production decreased by 13.9%, which translates to an annualized rate of 4.9%.

Annual dynamics of production in the Netherlands in kind, 2017-2020, t

In value, 2017-2020, M $ US

Asparagus production value in the Netherlands increased for the second consecutive year. In 2020, the output was valued at 109.4 million US dollars, up by 12.2% from 2019. Between 2017 and 2020, production value rose by 4.2%, with an annualized rate of 1.4%. The lowest value was recorded in 2018 at 95.6 million US dollars, which also saw the largest decline of 8.9%.

Annual dynamics of production in the Netherlands in value, 2017-2020, M $ US

Exports asparagus from the Netherlands

Exports in kind, t

Asparagus exports from the Netherlands declined for the third consecutive year. In 2020, the country exported 12 413 tonnes of asparagus, a decrease of 19.7% compared to the previous year. Between 2017 and 2020, exports fell by 35.2%, equating to an annualized rate of 13.4%.

Annual dynamics of product's exports from the Netherlands in kind, 2017-2020, t

From 2017 to 2020, Germany, Belgium, and France were the leading destinations for asparagus exports from the Netherlands in volume terms. Germany accounted for 35.2% of exports, Belgium for 22.1%, and France for 9.1%, together representing 66.4% of total export flows.

Structure of product's exports in kind by countries, 2017-2020

World map of product's exports from the Netherlands in kind, 2017-2020

Exports in value, K $ US

Asparagus export value from the Netherlands declined for the third consecutive year. In 2020, exports totaled 75 798 thousand US dollars, an 8.7% decrease from 2019. Over the period 2017-2020, export value dropped by 21.5%, with a compound annual growth rate of -7.8%.

Annual dynamics of product's exports from the Netherlands in value, 2017-2020, K $ US

Between 2017 and 2020, Germany, Belgium, and Norway were the main markets for asparagus exports from the Netherlands in value terms. Germany accounted for 33.5% of exports, Belgium for 19.0%, and Norway for 6.7%, collectively absorbing 59.3% of total export value.

Structure of product's exports in value by countries, 2017-2020

World map of product's exports from the Netherlands in value, 2017-2020

Imports asparagus to the Netherlands

Imports in kind, t

After a two-year increase, asparagus imports to the Netherlands declined. In 2020, the country imported 12 706 tonnes of asparagus, a 16.7% drop from the previous year. Between 2017 and 2020, imports decreased by 8.8%, with an annualized rate of 3.0%. The highest volume was recorded in 2019 at 12 706 tonnes, following the largest increase of 6.8% in 2018.

Annual dynamics of product's imports to the Netherlands in kind, 2017-2020, t

From 2017 to 2020, three key markets—Peru, the United States, and Belgium—together accounted for 78.9% of total asparagus imports to the Netherlands in volume terms.

Structure of product's imports in kind by countries, 2017-2020

World map of product's imports to the Netherlands in kind, 2017-2020

Imports in value, K $ US

Asparagus import value in the Netherlands declined for the third consecutive year. In 2020, imports were valued at 60 653 thousand US dollars, a 6.9% fall compared to 2019. Between 2017 and 2020, import value decreased by 11.8%, with an annualized rate of 4.1%.

Annual dynamics of product's imports to the Netherlands in value, 2017-2020, K $ US

Throughout 2017-2020, Peru, Belgium, and the United States remained the key partners for asparagus imports to the Netherlands in value terms. Peru accounted for 53.0% of imports, Belgium for 16.0%, and the United States for 10.3%, together making up 79.2% of total import flows.

Structure of product's imports in value by countries, 2017-2020

World map of product's imports to the Netherlands in value, 2017-2020