Cabbages market in the Netherlands

Earlier Report Observations

The market volume for cabbages in the Netherlands more than doubled from 74 thousand tonnes in 2018 to 141 thousand tonnes in 2023, despite interim declines. This growth was underpinned by a steady increase in domestic production, which rose from 210 thousand tonnes to 260 thousand tonnes over the same period. The market's expansion was particularly pronounced in 2023, when a sharp reduction in exports coincided with higher output to boost domestic availability.

After reaching a peak of 116 thousand tonnes in 2020, the market contracted for two consecutive years, falling to 95 thousand tonnes in 2022. During this period, broader agricultural market tightness was evident, as seen in the potato sector where high demand and limited supply pushed contract prices upward, potentially affecting resource allocation for cabbage growers. Simultaneously, Dutch consumers were placing greater emphasis on health and sustainability in food choices, trends that supported demand for nutritious vegetables like cabbage within the framework of the widely recognized 'Schijf van Vijf' dietary guidelines.

The market rebound in 2023 was dramatic, with volume jumping by 48% to 141 thousand tonnes. This surge was primarily arithmetic: exports fell by nearly 40 thousand tonnes while production increased, redirecting more cabbage to the domestic market. The shift suggests a change in trade dynamics or domestic consumption patterns that favored local supply.

Production cabbages in the Netherlands

In kind, 2018-2021, K t

Between 2018 and 2021, the Netherlands ranked as the 30th largest producer of cabbages globally.

Top producers of cabbages, 2018-2021

World map of production of cabbages, 2018-2021

Following two years of growth, cabbage production in the Netherlands experienced a decline. In 2021, the country produced 231.9 K t of cabbages, marking a 6.0% decrease compared to the previous year. Over the 2018-2021 period, production overall increased by 10.4%, with a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 3.4%. The peak was reached in 2020 at 246.7 K t, while the most significant year-on-year increase occurred in 2019, at 16.8%.

Annual dynamics of production in the Netherlands in kind, 2018-2021, K t

In value, 2018-2021, M $ US

The value of cabbage production in the Netherlands declined for the second consecutive year. In 2021, output was valued at 228.4 M $ US, down by 2.5% from the previous year. Over the 2018-2021 period, production value increased by 17.1%, with a CAGR of 5.4%. The highest value was recorded in 2019 at 264.0 M $ US. The most substantial decline took place in 2020, at 11.2%, while the largest increase occurred in 2019, at 35.3%.

Annual dynamics of production in the Netherlands in value, 2018-2021, M $ US

Exports cabbages from the Netherlands

Exports in kind, K t

In 2021, cabbage exports from the Netherlands reached 200.9 K t, showing a modest increase of 0.7% from 2020. Between 2018 and 2021, exports decreased by 3.2%, equivalent to an annualized rate of 1.1%. The lowest volume was recorded in 2020 at 199.6 K t, while the highest was in 2019 at 208.6 K t. The most significant decline occurred in 2020, at 4.3%.

Annual dynamics of product's exports from the Netherlands in kind, 2018-2021, K t

From 2018 to 2021, Germany, the United Kingdom, and Belgium were the primary destinations for Dutch cabbage exports in volume terms, accounting for 32.7%, 13.8%, and 8.9% of exports, respectively. Together, they represented 55.5% of total export flows.

Structure of product's exports in kind by countries, 2018-2021

World map of product's exports from the Netherlands in kind, 2018-2021

Exports in value, M $ US

In 2021, the value of cabbage exports from the Netherlands amounted to 197.9 M $ US, reflecting a 4.4% increase from the previous year. Over the 2018-2021 period, export value rose by 2.6%, with a CAGR of 0.9%. The lowest value was in 2020 at 189.5 M $ US, while the peak was in 2019 at 224.5 M $ US. The most substantial decline occurred in 2020, at 15.6%, and the largest increase was in 2019, at 16.4%.

Annual dynamics of product's exports from the Netherlands in value, 2018-2021, M $ US

Between 2018 and 2021, Germany, the United Kingdom, and Belgium were the leading buyers of Dutch cabbages in value terms, with shares of 35.7%, 13.1%, and 9.6%, respectively. Collectively, they accounted for 58.4% of total export value.

Structure of product's exports in value by countries, 2018-2021

World map of product's exports from the Netherlands in value, 2018-2021

Imports cabbages to the Netherlands

Imports in kind, K t

In 2021, the Netherlands imported 69.8 K t of cabbages, up by 1.8% from the previous year. Over the 2018-2021 period, imports decreased by 3%, with a CAGR of 1.0%. The lowest volume was in 2020 at 68.5 K t, while the highest was in 2019 at 74.0 K t. The most significant decline occurred in 2020, at 7.5%, and the largest increase was in 2019, at 2.9%.

Annual dynamics of product's imports to the Netherlands in kind, 2018-2021, K t

From 2018 to 2021, Spain, Belgium, and Germany were the main sources of cabbage imports to the Netherlands in volume terms, representing 40.7%, 17.9%, and 13.9% of imports, respectively. Together, they made up 72.5% of total import flows.

Structure of product's imports in kind by countries, 2018-2021

World map of product's imports to the Netherlands in kind, 2018-2021

Imports in value, M $ US

In 2021, the value of cabbage imports to the Netherlands was 75.0 M $ US, showing little change from 2020. Between 2018 and 2021, import value increased by 4.3%, equivalent to an annualized rate of 1.4%. The peak value was recorded in 2019 at 75.0 M $ US. The most notable decline occurred in 2020, at 0.2%, while the largest increase was in 2019, at 4.4%.

Annual dynamics of product's imports to the Netherlands in value, 2018-2021, M $ US

Between 2018 and 2021, Spain, Belgium, and Germany remained the principal suppliers of cabbages to the Netherlands in value terms, with shares of 52.4%, 11.4%, and 8.5%, respectively. Collectively, they accounted for 72.3% of total import value.

Structure of product's imports in value by countries, 2018-2021

World map of product's imports to the Netherlands in value, 2018-2021