Gingerbread market in the Netherlands

Earlier Report Observations

The market volume for gingerbread in the Netherlands fell from 40.9 thousand tons in 2018 to 38.1 thousand tons in 2019. This decline coincided with a ban on child-targeted marketing that put pressure on the biscuit segment. However, volume rebounded by 11% to 42.2 thousand tons in 2020, driven by a shift to at-home consumption during the COVID-19 pandemic.

After a slight dip to 40.9 thousand tons in 2021, market volume continued to decrease over the next two years, reaching 34.0 thousand tons in 2023. During this period, the market saw consolidation, such as Biscuit International's acquisition of Continental Bakeries in 2022. New packaging waste rules and a growing consumer preference for organic and sustainably labeled products also began to influence producers.

In 2024, the market volume stabilized at around 34.6 thousand tons. Regulatory adjustments aimed at reducing single-use packaging waste continued to shape requirements for food packaging, affecting how gingerbread products are presented to consumers.

Production gingerbread in the Netherlands

In value, 2018-2021, K $ US

After two years of contraction, gingerbread production in the Netherlands rebounded. In 2021, output reached 92 889 K $ US, marking an 11.4% increase from 2020. The lowest value was recorded in 2020 at 83 352 K $ US, following the largest decline of 10.7% in 2019.

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

In kind, 2018-2021, t

Gingerbread production in the Netherlands grew for the second consecutive year. In 2021, output totaled 43 234 t, remaining stable compared to 2020. Over the period from 2018 to 2021, production decreased by 3.2%, equivalent to an annualized rate of 1.1%. The lowest volume was recorded in 2019 at 41 527 t, which saw the largest decline of 7.1%. In contrast, the largest increase occurred in 2020 with a 3.7% rise.

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

Exports gingerbread from the Netherlands

Exports in kind, t

After two years of growth, cross-border shipments of gingerbread from the Netherlands declined. In 2021, exports amounted to 4 227 t, representing a 10.7% drop from the previous year. From 2018 to 2021, exports decreased by 5.7%, translating to an annualized rate of 2.0%. The highest volume was recorded in 2020 at 4 732 t, which also saw the largest increase of 4.4%.

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

From 2018 to 2021, France, Germany, and Belgium remained the primary markets for gingerbread exports from the Netherlands in volume terms. France accounted for 53.9% of exports, Germany for 18.1%, and Belgium for 16.4%, collectively representing 88.4% of total 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, K $ US

In 2021, gingerbread exports from the Netherlands were valued at 10 067 K $ US, down 5.0% from the prior year. Over the 2018-2021 period, exports decreased by 2.1%, with a compound annual growth rate of 0.7%. The highest value was recorded in 2020 at 10 600 K $ US, which also experienced the largest increase of 5.3%.

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

From 2018 to 2021, the leading destinations for gingerbread exports from the Netherlands in value terms were France, Belgium, and Germany. France represented 52.0% of exports, Belgium 18.4%, and Germany 14.0%, together accounting for 84.3% of total flows.

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 gingerbread to the Netherlands

Imports in kind, t

The data shows irregular changes, indicating a volatile market environment. Imports peaked in 2020 at 3 913 t and reached their lowest point in 2018, with a 5.5-fold difference between these years. In 2021, the Netherlands imported 1 908 t of gingerbread, marking a sharp decrease of 51.2% from 2020. The largest increase was recorded in 2020 at 258.4%.

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

From 2018 to 2021, three main markets—Belgium, Germany, and Poland—together absorbed 83.1% of total gingerbread imports to the Netherlands in volume terms.

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, K $ US

Volatility characterized the market during these years. Imports reached their highest value in 2020 at 10 749 K $ US and their lowest in 2018, with a 3.5-fold gap between these points. In 2021, the Netherlands imported gingerbread worth 6 902 K $ US, which is 35.8% lower than the previous year. The largest increase occurred in 2020 at 134.7%.

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

Throughout 2018–2021, Belgium, France, and Germany formed the key group of partners for gingerbread imports to the Netherlands in value terms. Belgium accounted for 48.7% of imports, France for 18.8%, and Germany for 15.9%, jointly representing 83.4% of total flows.

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

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