Cereal germ market in the Netherlands

Earlier Report Observations

The Dutch cereal germ market volume saw significant fluctuations between 2018 and 2023. It expanded sharply to 105.6 thousand tons in 2019, driven by growing consumer preference for organic and sustainable food products, which increased demand for grain-based ingredients. This growth was supported by rising global wheat production that enhanced raw material availability. However, the market contracted to 86.7 thousand tons in 2020 and further to 72.5 thousand tons in 2021, as the COVID-19 pandemic disrupted global grain trade and logistics, creating volatility in raw material availability and prices.

Regulatory changes significantly shaped the market dynamics. The introduction of the Warenwetbesluit Meel en Brood (Commodities Act Decree on Flour and Bread) in July 2020, with a two-year transition period, required clearer labeling of flour components and grain types in bread. This prompted adjustments in product formulations and affected market access for cereal germ. The Russian-Ukrainian war in 2022 led to higher input costs and prompted an expansion of the Dutch wheat acreage by 15 000 hectares, influencing domestic supply conditions.

Market volume stabilized at 70.7 thousand tons in 2022 and recovered to 75.4 thousand tons in 2023, supported by relatively stable wheat prices and continued organic demand. In 2024, the wheat cultivation area in the Netherlands decreased by 25% compared to the previous year, the smallest area since 1957, which could impact raw material availability. Entry rules for new players in related markets were also eased, increasing competition.

Production cereal germ in the Netherlands

In kind, 2017-2020, K t

Top producers of cereal germ, 2017-2020

World map of production of cereal germ, 2017-2020

Following two consecutive years of growth, cereal germ production in the Netherlands experienced a decline. In 2019, production reached its peak at 104.7 thousand tons. However, by 2020, output had fallen to 94.5 thousand tons, representing a controlled reduction of 9.7% compared to the previous year. The most significant increase occurred in 2018, when production rose by 8.5%.

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

Exports cereal germ from the Netherlands

Exports in kind, t

The export market demonstrated considerable volatility during the observed period. In 2018, exports peaked at 35 062 tons, but then plummeted to just 5 474 tons in 2019, marking a dramatic 84.4% decline and creating a 6.4-fold difference between these two years. By 2020, exports had rebounded to 15 557 tons, representing a substantial 184.2% increase compared to 2019.

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

Between 2017 and 2020, Belgium accounted for 82.9% of the Netherlands' total cereal germ exports in volume terms, with the remaining share distributed among numerous smaller trading partners.

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

After declining for two consecutive years, the value of cereal germ exports from the Netherlands showed signs of recovery. In 2019, exports reached their lowest point at 14 029 thousand US dollars, reflecting a 13.9% decrease. However, by 2020, export values had risen to 15 458 thousand US dollars, marking a 10.2% increase compared to the previous year. Over the entire 2017-2020 period, exports decreased by 9.3%, which translates to an average annual decline of 3.2%.

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

From 2017 to 2020, Belgium dominated the Netherlands' cereal germ exports in value terms, absorbing 79.0% of total flows, while numerous smaller partners accounted for the remainder.

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 cereal germ to the Netherlands

Imports in kind, t

Cereal germ imports to the Netherlands increased for the second consecutive year. In 2018, imports reached their lowest point at 4 276 tons, representing a significant 56.9% decline. However, imports rebounded in 2019 with a 49.1% increase, and continued to grow in 2020, reaching 7 710 tons—a 20.9% gain compared to the previous year. Over the 2017-2020 period, imports decreased by 22.3%, equating to an average annual decline of 8.0%.

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

During the 2017-2020 period, Germany was the dominant source for cereal germ imports to the Netherlands in volume terms, accounting for 75.8% of total flows, with all other countries combined making up the remaining share.

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

The import market displayed an unstable trend throughout the timeframe. In 2017, imports reached their highest point, but then fell sharply to 2 065 thousand US dollars in 2018, representing a dramatic 72.4% decline and creating a 3.6-fold difference between these two years. Imports recovered in 2019 with a 36.5% increase, and continued to grow in 2020, reaching 3 289 thousand US dollars—a 16.7% uptick compared to the previous year.

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

From 2017 to 2020, Germany was the primary source for cereal germ imports to the Netherlands in value terms, accounting for 70.0% of total flows, while other markets formed a diverse group of smaller partners.

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

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