Leguminous vegetables market in the Netherlands

Earlier Report Observations

The market for fresh leguminous vegetables in the Netherlands began the period with established momentum, supported by initiatives like the FoodLab Pulses launch in 2018 which aimed to connect processors, growers, and designers to develop new domestic pulse products. This effort to stimulate local cultivation coincided with reported 25% revenue growth in the Dutch pulse sector since 2014, indicating underlying market strength. By 2020, technological innovations emerged with the publication of a study on nature-positive protein crops, introducing new field bean varieties like 'Fuego' and breeding for disease tolerance, enhancing long-term production potential. Concurrently, the rollout of the Nutri-Score labeling for products in neighboring markets began influencing consumer awareness and labeling policies domestically.

Regulatory changes played a key role in shaping the market landscape. In 2021, a revision of the hygiene code for grains, seeds, and pulses imposed mandatory inspection and traceability requirements on processing companies, reinforcing quality standards. This year saw the market volume peak at 142 thousand tons. The following year, 2022, witnessed a contraction to 108 thousand tons, yet several structural factors pointed toward sustained expansion. The cultivated area for field beans in the Netherlands surged from 680 hectares to over 2,000 hectares between 2020 and 2022, driven by industrial demand for plant-based protein alternatives. Simultaneously, the introduction of 'HAK Fresh' oven-ready chilled vegetables through online supermarket Picnic created a new product and distribution channel, while updated dietary guidelines recommending 250g of pulses per week bolstered consumer demand. EU-wide policy promoting plant protein self-sufficiency further supported domestic cultivation.

Market volume recovered to 126 thousand tons in 2023, aided by innovation in the processing segment. The launch of the Pulsebake project focused on developing pulse flours for pasta and meat alternatives, increasing demand for raw legumes. This growth in production occurred alongside a noted moderation in the expansion of new pulse-based product ranges, signaling a shift in retailer and consumer strategies after the rapid growth of the previous year.

Production leguminous vegetables in the Netherlands

In kind, 2017-2020, t

Top producers of leguminous vegetables, 2017-2020

World map of production of leguminous vegetables, 2017-2020

In 2020, the Netherlands produced 73 730 tonnes of leguminous vegetables, marking a 7.4% decline compared to the previous year. Over the 2017-2020 period, production grew by 16.3%, with a compound annual growth rate of 5.2%. The lowest production level was recorded in 2018 at 60 950 tonnes, while the peak occurred in 2019 with 79 660 tonnes. The most significant year-on-year increase was observed in 2019, when production surged by 30.7%.

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

In value, 2017-2020, M $ US

In 2020, the output value of leguminous vegetables in the Netherlands reached 235.0 million US dollars, representing a substantial 18.3% decrease from the previous year. Over the 2017-2020 period, production value declined by 2.2%, with a compound annual growth rate of 0.7%. The lowest value was recorded in 2018 at 225.5 million US dollars, while the highest was in 2019 at 287.6 million US dollars. The largest annual increase occurred in 2019, with a 27.6% rise.

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

Exports leguminous vegetables from the Netherlands

Exports in kind, t

Leguminous vegetable exports from the Netherlands have grown for the third consecutive year. In 2020, export volumes reached 54 937 tonnes, reflecting a 28.2% increase compared to the previous year. Between 2017 and 2020, exports expanded by 47.6%, translating to an annualized growth rate of 13.8%.

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

From 2017 to 2020, Germany, Belgium, and the United Kingdom were the Netherlands' key export partners for leguminous vegetables by volume. Germany accounted for 33.3% of exports, Belgium for 29.3%, and the United Kingdom for 10.0%. Together, these three countries represented 72.6% 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

The value of leguminous vegetable exports from the Netherlands has increased for the third year in a row. In 2020, exports amounted to 175.1 million US dollars, showing a strong 13.1% year-on-year rise. Over the 2017-2020 period, export value grew by 24.1%, with a compound annual growth rate of 7.5%.

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

Between 2017 and 2020, Germany, Belgium, and France were the primary markets for the Netherlands' leguminous vegetable exports by value. Germany held a 35.9% share, Belgium 24.2%, and France 7.1%. Collectively, these three countries accounted for 67.2% 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 leguminous vegetables to the Netherlands

Imports in kind, t

In 2020, the Netherlands imported 99 236 tonnes of leguminous vegetables, a sharp 31.6% increase compared to 2019. Between 2017 and 2020, import volumes rose by 35.1%, equating to an annualized growth rate of 10.6%. The most significant decline occurred in 2019, when imports fell by 21.2%.

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

From 2017 to 2020, Morocco, Belgium, and Spain were the leading sources of leguminous vegetable imports to the Netherlands by volume. Morocco contributed 25.1% of imports, Belgium 14.7%, and Spain 11.7%. Together, these three countries made up 51.5% 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 leguminous vegetable imports to the Netherlands stood at 201.3 million US dollars, corresponding to a solid 11.1% increase compared to 2019. Between 2017 and 2020, import value grew by 21%, with an annualized rate of 6.6%. The largest decline was recorded in 2019 at 5.5%, while the most significant increase occurred in 2018 with a 15.3% rise.

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

Over the 2017-2020 period, the Netherlands' leguminous vegetable imports by value were distributed across a diverse range of partner countries. Morocco accounted for 20.5% of imports, Kenya for 13.4%, and Spain for 12.3%. Together, these three countries represented 46.2% of total import flows.

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

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