Sausages and similar meat products market in the Netherlands

Earlier Report Observations

Between 2018 and 2022, the market volume for sausages and similar meat products in the Netherlands contracted from 108 thousand tons to 66 thousand tons. This decline was driven by government policy promoting a shift from animal to plant-based proteins, aiming for a 50/50 balance by 2030, alongside the rise of flexitarianism where around 55% of consumers consciously reduced meat intake. The COVID-19 pandemic in 2020 altered consumption patterns, further lowering per capita meat consumption. In 2022, inflation and sharp price increases for beef and poultry dampened retail sales, pushing per capita meat consumption to its lowest level since 2005.

After the downturn, market volume rebounded sharply to 97 thousand tons in 2023, even though per capita meat consumption rose only marginally from 75.1 kg to 75.3 kg. The market stabilized at 97 thousand tons in 2024. Throughout the period, health and sustainability policies continued to shape consumer preferences, supporting a trend toward more conscious choices.

Production sausages and similar meat products in the Netherlands

In value, 2017-2020, M $ US

After a two-year decline, sausage and similar meat product production in the Netherlands rebounded. In 2020, output reached 606.5 million US dollars, marking a significant 19.3% increase from 2019. Over the 2017-2020 period, production decreased by 14.1%, with a compound annual growth rate of 4.9%. The lowest value was recorded in 2019 at 508.5 million US dollars, which also saw the largest decline of 24.5%.

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

In kind, 2017-2020, K t

Following a two-year drop, the Netherlands' sausage and similar meat product production volume recovered. In 2020, 97.9 thousand tons were produced, showing a slight 0.7% uptick compared to 2019. Between 2017 and 2020, production decreased by 47.8%, equating to an annualized rate of 19.5%. The minimum volume was recorded in 2019 at 97.3 thousand tons, while the largest decline occurred in 2018 at 38.2%.

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

Exports sausages and similar meat products from the Netherlands

Exports in kind, t

Sausage and similar meat product exports from the Netherlands increased for the second consecutive year. In 2020, exports amounted to 72 869 tons, marking a sharp 29.7% advance compared to 2019. Between 2017 and 2020, exports grew by 35.4%, equating to a 10.6% annualized rate. The lowest volume was recorded in 2018 at 53 107 tons, which also saw a 1.3% decline.

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

From 2017 to 2020, Belgium, Germany, and the United Kingdom remained the top buyers of sausages and similar meat products from the Netherlands. Belgium accounted for 36.0% of exports in kind, Germany for 27.1%, and the United Kingdom for 18.4%, together representing 81.6% of total exports in kind.

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

In 2020, foreign sausage and similar meat product supplies from the Netherlands stood at 219.5 million US dollars, representing a sharp 37.7% year-over-year rise. Between 2017 and 2020, exports increased by 42.2%, equating to a 12.4% annualized rate. The largest decline was recorded in 2019 at 4.9%.

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

Throughout 2017-2020, Belgium, Germany, and the United Kingdom continued to be the main markets for sausage and similar meat product exports from the Netherlands in value terms. Belgium accounted for 37.2% of exports, Germany for 23.1%, and the United Kingdom for 20.6%, jointly comprising 80.9% of total export flows.

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 sausages and similar meat products to the Netherlands

Imports in kind, t

Foreign sausage and similar meat product supplies to the Netherlands increased for the second consecutive year. In 2020, the Netherlands imported approximately 55 354 tons, representing a solid 10.5% rise compared to 2019. Between 2017 and 2020, imports grew by 19.1%, equating to a 6.0% annualized rate. The minimum volume was recorded in 2018 at 45 354 tons, which saw a 2.4% decline, while the largest increase occurred in 2019 at 10.5%.

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

From 2017 to 2020, Belgium and Germany dominated sausage and similar meat product imports in kind to the Netherlands, accounting together for 83.2% of total flows, with other destinations making smaller individual contributions.

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

Cross-border shipments of sausages and similar meat products to the Netherlands increased for the third consecutive year. In 2020, imports tallied 242.7 million US dollars, constituting a strong 19.0% increase compared to the previous year. Over the 2017-2020 period, imports grew by 52.3%, with a compound annual growth rate of 15.0%.

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

Over 2017-2020, Belgium, Germany, and Spain were the main suppliers of sausages and similar meat products to the Netherlands in value terms. Belgium accounted for 38.3% of imports, Germany for 31.4%, and Spain for 10.8%, together comprising 80.5% of total imports in value terms.

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

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