Salted, in brine, dried or smoked beef market in the Netherlands

Earlier Report Observations

Early in the period, growing health awareness placed pressure on producers of salted and preserved beef to reduce salt content, in line with national dietary guidelines. Despite this, the market value expanded, reaching USD 114.2 million in 2021. This growth was largely driven by the COVID-19 pandemic's impact in 2020 and 2021, which caused logistical restrictions and closures in the foodservice sector. The resulting sharp drop in meat exports increased product availability for the domestic market, while shifting consumer habits towards more home consumption supported overall market volume.

The market dynamic reversed sharply in 2022. An explosive surge in beef prices, with increases of up to 19.2%, was triggered by soaring energy costs and broader inflation. This significantly reduced purchasing power. Concurrently, a consumer trend accelerated by the pandemic—towards reduced meat intake and greater interest in plant-based alternatives—further dampened demand. Consequently, the market's value contracted by nearly a quarter that year, falling to USD 87.2 million.

Subsequent years were shaped by structural adjustments within the Dutch meat supply chain. Environmental policy, particularly regulations addressing nitrogen emissions, and persistently changing consumer preferences towards responsible and healthy eating led to a reorganization of domestic production. These factors contributed to ongoing supply constraints, which in 2023 were partly offset by a substantial rise in imports to meet demand. However, by 2024, the overall market value had declined further to USD 78.1 million, reflecting these continued pressures.

Production salted, in brine, dried or smoked beef in the Netherlands

In value, 2017-2020, M $ US

Following two years of growth, the Netherlands' production of salted, brined, dried, or smoked beef declined. In 2019, output reached its peak at 138.5 million US dollars, but by 2020, it had fallen to 129.5 million US dollars, representing a gradual decrease of 6.5% from the previous year. Over the period from 2017 to 2020, production increased by 29.9%, which translates to an annualized growth rate of 9.1%. The most significant year-on-year increase occurred in 2018, with a jump of 33.5%.

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

In kind, 2017-2020, t

From 2017 to 2020, the Netherlands was one of the world's leading producers of salted, brined, dried, or smoked beef, ranking second globally by production volume.

Top producers of salted, in brine, dried or smoked beef, 2017-2020

World map of production of salted, in brine, dried or smoked beef, 2017-2020

After two years of gains, the Netherlands' production of salted, brined, dried, or smoked beef declined. In 2019, output peaked at 19 094 tonnes, but in 2020, it dropped to 17 577 tonnes, marking a gradual decrease of 7.9% compared to the previous year. Between 2017 and 2020, production rose by 59%, with a compound annual growth rate of 16.7%. The largest year-on-year increase was recorded in 2018, at 53.1%.

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

Exports salted, in brine, dried or smoked beef from the Netherlands

Exports in kind, t

In 2020, the Netherlands exported 9 919 tonnes of salted, brined, dried, or smoked beef, which represents a dramatic decline of 36.5% from 2019. Over the 2017-2020 period, exports decreased by 29.9%, with a compound annual decline rate of 11.2%. Exports reached their highest point in 2019 at 15 617 tonnes, while the largest increase occurred in 2018, with a rise of 10.3%.

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

From 2017 to 2020, the Netherlands' exports of salted, brined, dried, or smoked beef were heavily concentrated on the United Kingdom, which accounted for 94.4% of total export volumes.

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

Following a two-year rise, the Netherlands' exports of salted, brined, dried, or smoked beef in value terms declined. In 2019, exports peaked at 54 651 thousand US dollars, but by 2020, they had fallen to 40 345 thousand US dollars, indicating a steep year-on-year drop of 26.2%. Over the 2017-2020 period, exports decreased by 6.6%, with a compound annual decline rate of 2.2%. The largest increase was recorded in 2018, at 19.4%.

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

Between 2017 and 2020, the United Kingdom was the dominant destination for the Netherlands' exports of salted, brined, dried, or smoked beef in value terms, making up 80.5% of total flows. The remaining share was distributed among several smaller markets.

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 salted, in brine, dried or smoked beef to the Netherlands

Imports in kind, t

In 2020, the Netherlands imported 130 tonnes of salted, brined, dried, or smoked beef, reflecting a solid drop of 20.5% from 2019. Over the 2017-2020 period, imports decreased by 5.5%, equating to an annualized decline rate of 1.9%. Imports were at their lowest in 2018 at 122 tonnes and peaked in 2019 at 164 tonnes. The largest year-on-year increase occurred in 2019, with a rise of 34.0%.

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

From 2017 to 2020, Italy, Belgium, and Germany were the primary suppliers of salted, brined, dried, or smoked beef to the Netherlands in volume terms. Italy accounted for 29.3% of imports, Belgium for 26.8%, and Germany for 18.9%, together making up 75.1% of total import volumes.

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

In 2020, the Netherlands imported 1 904 thousand US dollars worth of salted, brined, dried, or smoked beef, marking a moderate decrease of 6.4% from the previous year. Over the 2017-2020 period, imports increased by 17.1%, with an annualized growth rate of 5.4%. The lowest value was recorded in 2018 at 1 555 thousand US dollars, while the peak occurred in 2019 at 2 034 thousand US dollars. The largest increase was in 2019, with a jump of 30.8%.

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

Throughout 2017-2020, Italy, Belgium, and Germany formed the core of the Netherlands' imports of salted, brined, dried, or smoked beef in value terms. Italy contributed 41.1% of import value, Belgium 28.7%, and Germany 14.5%, collectively accounting for 84.3% 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