Beans market in the Netherlands

Earlier Report Observations

From 2018 to 2020, the Dutch beans market volume increased from 72 850 t to 79 140 t, while market value rose from 149.8 mln US$ to 168.4 mln US$. This growth was driven by shifting consumer preferences towards modern pulses like chickpeas and kidney beans, which gained acceptance across all age groups. Processors such as HAK began processing Dutch kidney beans and experimenting with chickpea cultivation, expanding supply. Additionally, the introduction of the PlanetProof sustainability certification reflected growing attention to environmentally friendly production, supporting market development.

In 2021 and 2022, market volume contracted to 77 015 t and then 72 820 t, but market value climbed to 168.1 mln US$ in 2022 due to higher agricultural prices amid sector restructuring. The decline in volume was primarily caused by a reduction in the cultivated area for pulses and variable summer weather, which constrained domestic production and increased import dependency.

The market rebounded strongly in 2023, with volume surging 27% to 92 453 t and value jumping 44% to 242.3 mln US$. This expansion was propelled by the sustained trend toward plant-based eating, which boosted bean consumption as a protein source. The growth in plant-based milk sales and new vegan product introductions reflected broader demand for plant proteins, while the Bean Deal initiative, launched in 2022, further supported the market through investments in breeding, processing, and marketing.

Production beans in the Netherlands

In kind, 2017-2020, t

From 2017 to 2020, the Netherlands maintained the 25th position globally in terms of bean production volume.

Top producers of beans, 2017-2020

World map of production of beans, 2017-2020

In 2020, the Netherlands produced 48 840 tonnes of beans, a slight decrease of 0.6% compared to 2019. Over the period from 2017 to 2020, production grew by 24.6%, which translates to an annualized rate of 7.6%. The lowest production level was recorded in 2018 at 38 160 tonnes, while the peak occurred in 2019 with 49 150 tonnes. The most significant decline was observed in 2018, dropping by 2.7%, whereas the largest increase took place in 2019, surging by 28.8%.

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

In value, 2017-2020, M $ US

The Netherlands experienced a third consecutive year of growth in bean production value. In 2020, the output was valued at 143.7 million US dollars, reflecting a modest increase of 1.4% from 2019. From 2017 to 2020, production value rose by 32.2%, equivalent to an annualized growth rate of 9.8%.

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

Exports beans from the Netherlands

Exports in kind, t

The Netherlands saw a third consecutive year of growth in bean export volumes. In 2020, exports reached 33 327 tonnes, up by 19.5% compared to the previous year. Over the 2017-2020 period, exports increased by 27.5%, with a compound annual growth rate of 8.4%.

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

Between 2017 and 2020, Germany, Belgium, and the United Kingdom were the primary destinations for bean exports from the Netherlands in volume terms. Germany accounted for 32.7% of exports, Belgium for 28.4%, and the United Kingdom for 12.7%. Together, these three countries represented 73.9% 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, M $ US

In 2020, the value of bean exports from the Netherlands stood at 98.1 million US dollars, marking a substantial increase of 21.9% over the previous year. From 2017 to 2020, export value grew by 35.3%, corresponding to an annualized rate of 10.6%. The most notable decline occurred in 2019, with a decrease of 3.1%.

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

From 2017 to 2020, Germany, Belgium, and France were the main buyers of beans from the Netherlands in value terms. Germany contributed 35.1% of export value, Belgium 30.1%, and France 9.5%. Collectively, these three countries made up 74.6% 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 beans to the Netherlands

Imports in kind, t

In 2020, the Netherlands imported approximately 63 627 tonnes of beans, representing a strong year-over-year increase of 15.2%. Over the 2017-2020 period, imports grew by 13.1%, with a compound annual growth rate of 4.2%. The lowest import volume was recorded in 2019 at 55 242 tonnes, which also saw the largest decline of 11.1%.

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

Between 2017 and 2020, Morocco, Spain, and Senegal consistently served as the main sources for bean imports into the Netherlands in volume terms. Morocco accounted for 35.8% of imports, Spain for 16.4%, and Senegal for 14.6%. Together, these three countries represented 66.8% of total import flows.

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, M $ US

In 2020, the value of bean imports into the Netherlands reached 122.8 million US dollars, indicating a gain of 11.3% compared to 2019. From 2017 to 2020, import value increased by 12.2%, equivalent to an annualized growth rate of 3.9%. The most significant decline was recorded in 2019, with a drop of 6.1%.

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

From 2017 to 2020, Morocco, Spain, and Kenya were the primary sources for bean imports into the Netherlands in value terms. Morocco accounted for 32.2% of import value, Spain for 19.1%, and Kenya for 14.1%. Together, these three countries comprised 65.4% of total import value.

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

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