Ice cream market in the Netherlands

Earlier Report Observations

From 2018 to 2020, the Dutch ice cream market showed variability in volume. In 2018, the market reached 101.2 thousand tons, supported by a rise in the number of dedicated ice cream shops and significant investments in product and packaging innovation, including an expansion of vegan and healthier options. Major player Unilever strengthened its presence by investing in local brands. Market volume dipped to 96.7 thousand tons in 2019. A recovery to 100.9 thousand tons followed in 2020, as pandemic-related isolation measures shifted consumption toward home use, and manufacturers responded with new flavors and textures combining fruits, nuts, and herbs.

In the following years through 2023, the market continued to evolve under key trends. Consumer demand shifted toward healthier and more sustainable options like lactose-free and plant-based ice cream, fueling innovation. The number of ice cream shops kept growing, albeit at a slowing pace, particularly in regions like Flevoland and Friesland. Technological developments and a focus on visually appealing, Instagrammable products enhanced the consumption experience. In 2022, rising costs for raw materials and energy led to price increases, impacting market dynamics. Unilever maintained an active role by investing in strengthening its brands and adapting to changing preferences.

Production ice cream in the Netherlands

In value, 2018-2021, M $ US

In 2020, ice cream production in the Netherlands was valued at 313.1 million US dollars, marking a 9.4% increase from the previous year. The minimum value occurred in 2019 at 286.2 million US dollars, with the largest decline that year of 10.7%. Over the 2018-2020 period, production decreased by 2.3%, translating to a compound annual growth rate of 0.8%.

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

In kind, 2018-2021, K t

From 2018 to 2021, the Netherlands ranked 12th globally in ice cream production volume.

Top producers of ice cream, 2018-2021

World map of production of ice cream, 2018-2021

In 2020, the Netherlands produced 114.1 thousand tonnes of ice cream, showing a robust 11.6% rise compared to the previous year. The minimum value was recorded in 2019 at 102.2 thousand tonnes, with the largest decline that year of 1.9%. Over the 2018-2020 period, production increased by 9.5%, resulting in a compound annual growth rate of 3.1%.

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

Exports ice cream from the Netherlands

Exports in kind, K t

Ice cream exports from the Netherlands have increased for the third consecutive year. In 2021, exports reached 142.3 thousand tonnes, a dramatic 33.6% jump from the previous year. Over the 2018-2021 period, exports grew by 54.9%, with a compound annual growth rate of 15.7%.

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

From 2018 to 2021, the United Kingdom, Germany, and Belgium were the main destinations for Dutch ice cream exports in volume terms. The United Kingdom accounted for 29.7% of exports, Germany for 17.0%, and Belgium for 14.1%, together making up 60.7% of total exports.

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

Ice cream exports from the Netherlands have increased for the second consecutive year. In 2021, exports totaled 394.9 million US dollars, a strong 14.6% gain compared to the previous year. The minimum value was recorded in 2019 at 313.3 million US dollars, with the largest decline that year of 3.6%. Between 2018 and 2021, exports rose by 21.5%, equating to an annualized growth rate of 6.7%.

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

Over the 2018-2021 period, the United Kingdom, Germany, and Belgium stood out as the primary markets for Dutch ice cream exports in value terms. The United Kingdom represented 26.8% of exports, Germany 16.6%, and Belgium 15.9%, together accounting for 59.3% 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 ice cream to the Netherlands

Imports in kind, K t

Ice cream imports into the Netherlands have increased for the third consecutive year. In 2021, import volume reached 107.6 thousand tonnes, up by 15.3% from the previous year. Over the 2018-2021 period, imports grew by 21.2%, with a compound annual growth rate of 6.6%.

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

From 2018 to 2021, Belgium, Germany, and the United Kingdom were the main sources of ice cream imports into the Netherlands in volume terms. Belgium supplied 41.4% of imports, Germany 22.0%, and the United Kingdom 9.8%, together absorbing 73.3% of total imports.

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

Ice cream imports into the Netherlands have increased for the third consecutive year. In 2021, import value stood at 257.2 million US dollars, showing a limited 4.2% improvement over the past year. Between 2018 and 2021, imports increased by 6.9%, equating to an annualized growth rate of 2.2%.

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

In the 2018-2021 period, Belgium, Germany, and France were the largest suppliers of ice cream to the Netherlands in value terms. Belgium accounted for 38.9% of imports, Germany for 22.8%, and France for 8.4%, together forming 70.0% 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