Rendered lard and other pig fat market in the Netherlands

Earlier Report Observations

The market for rendered lard and pig fat in the Netherlands showed considerable volatility from 2018 to 2023. A sharp expansion in 2021 lifted the market volume to 131,600 tonnes, primarily driven by enhanced export opportunities. This growth was supported by the industry's increased focus on markets that had previously restricted imports from African swine fever-affected regions, alongside the adoption of consumer-oriented concepts like Beter Leven and Varken van Morgen, which translated preferences into dedicated production systems.

Domestic production faced persistent pressure due to escalating costs from stricter animal welfare and environmental regulations, which contributed to a declining national pig herd. The introduction of the Veterinary Medicinal Products Regulation (EU) 2019/6 and active compliance monitoring further constrained output, leading to a significant drop in production in 2022 and 2023. However, the overall market volume was sustained during these years by a substantial rise in imports, which reached 99,400 tonnes in 2023, offsetting the domestic production shortfall.

Consumer interest in natural and traditional ingredients provided a steady demand base for pig fat throughout the period. Concurrently, structural adjustments such as herd buyout schemes and the tightening of rules governing pig rights reflected a broader sectoral shift towards more sustainable and transparent supply chains, influencing both production costs and market dynamics.

Production rendered lard and pig fat in the Netherlands

In value, 2018-2021, K $ US

The Netherlands has seen its production of rendered lard and other pig fat increase for the second year in a row. In 2021, the output was valued at 84 901 thousand US dollars, marking a significant 58.5% rise from the previous year. Looking at the period from 2018 to 2021, production grew by 29.1%, with an average annual growth rate of 8.9%. The lowest value was recorded in 2019 at 48 632 thousand US dollars, which also saw the largest decline of 26.0%.

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

In kind, 2018-2021, K t

For the second consecutive year, the Netherlands has increased its production volume of rendered lard and other pig fat. In 2021, the country produced 118.0 thousand tonnes, representing a 34.5% increase compared to 2020. Over the 2018-2021 period, production rose by 58.3%, with a compound annual growth rate of 16.5%. The minimum volume was recorded in 2019 at 68.9 thousand tonnes, which also experienced the largest decline of 7.6%.

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

Exports rendered lard and pig fat from the Netherlands

Exports in kind, t

Following a two-year decline, exports of rendered lard and other pig fat from the Netherlands have rebounded. In 2021, export volume reached 16 202 tonnes, showing a sharp year-over-year increase of 43.7%. From 2018 to 2021, exports grew by 12.1%, with an average annual growth rate of 3.9%. The lowest volume was recorded in 2020 at 11 272 tonnes, which also saw the largest decline of 18.2%.

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

Between 2018 and 2021, the United Kingdom, Belgium, and Hong Kong consistently led as the top destinations for the Netherlands' exports of rendered lard and other pig fat in volume terms. The United Kingdom accounted for 29.5% of exports, Belgium for 28.0%, and Hong Kong for 8.5%. Together, these three countries represented 66.0% 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, K $ US

After two years of reduction, exports of rendered lard and other pig fat from the Netherlands have increased. In 2021, exports amounted to 21 247 thousand US dollars, a substantial 67.8% rise year-over-year. Over the 2018-2021 period, exports grew by 30.3%, with a compound annual growth rate of 9.2%. The minimum value was recorded in 2020 at 12 664 thousand US dollars, which also experienced the largest decline of 13.0%.

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

From 2018 to 2021, the United Kingdom, Belgium, and Hong Kong were the main destinations for the Netherlands' exports of rendered lard and other pig fat in value terms. The United Kingdom accounted for 28.0% of exports, Belgium for 22.6%, and Hong Kong for 11.4%. Collectively, these three countries made up 62.0% 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 rendered lard and pig fat to the Netherlands

Imports in kind, t

After a two-year decline, imports of rendered lard and other pig fat into the Netherlands have increased. In 2021, imports totaled 29 828 tonnes, which is 53.9% higher than the previous year. Between 2018 and 2021, imports decreased by 10.5%, equivalent to an annualized rate of -3.6%. The lowest volume was recorded in 2020 at 19 389 tonnes, which also saw the largest decline of 38.0%.

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

Over the 2018-2021 period, Germany, Denmark, and France were the primary suppliers of rendered lard and other pig fat to the Netherlands in volume terms. Germany accounted for 36.8% of imports, Denmark for 21.5%, and France for 19.7%. Together, these three countries represented 78.0% of total import volume.

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

The data shows irregular changes, indicating a volatile market environment. In 2021, imports of rendered lard and other pig fat into the Netherlands were recorded at 32 920 thousand US dollars, a sharp increase of 111.5% compared to 2020. The minimum value was recorded in 2020 at 15 565 thousand US dollars, which also experienced the largest decline of 25.7%. This resulted in a 2.1-fold variation between the peak in 2021 and the low in 2020.

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

Between 2018 and 2021, Germany, Denmark, and Belgium were the main suppliers of rendered lard and other pig fat to the Netherlands in value terms. Germany accounted for 37.7% of imports, Denmark for 21.3%, and Belgium for 19.1%. Collectively, these three countries made up 78.1% 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