Soups and broths market in the Netherlands

Earlier Report Observations

Between 2018 and 2020, the Dutch soups and broths market volume fell sharply from 108 thousand tons to 32 thousand tons. This contraction was driven by a steep drop in domestic production from 84 thousand tons to 29 thousand tons, coupled with rising exports. Throughout this period, product formulations continued to be influenced by long-standing industry and government efforts to reduce salt, saturated fat, and sugar content, notably through the FNLI Taskforce on salt and the National Approach to Product Improvement. The COVID-19 pandemic in 2020 increased consumer demand for healthy and easy-to-prepare meals, but the overall market size declined as production fell significantly.

After 2020, detailed market size data is unavailable, but trade flows indicate ongoing activity. The market structure shifted in 2021 as food retail sales grew while the foodservice sector contracted, changing soup distribution channels. In 2022, a new product improvement management system was launched, alongside updated nutrient criteria and the enforcement of the EU organic regulation, prompting further reformulation. Automated processing lines for fresh soup production were installed, and the organic and artisanal segment expanded, responding to consumer preferences for healthier, natural options. Import volumes fluctuated, peaking at 64 thousand tons in 2024 before moderating, while exports dipped after 2022.

Production soups and broths in the Netherlands

In value, 2018-2021, M $ US

The Netherlands experienced a second consecutive year of decline in soups and broths production value. In 2020, output was valued at 90.4 million US dollars, representing a significant 34.7% decrease compared to the previous year. From 2018 to 2020, production fell by 40.8%, which translates to an annualized decline rate of 16.1%.

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

In kind, 2018-2021, t

Soups and broths production in the Netherlands declined for the second year in a row. In 2020, the country produced 28,617 tonnes, marking a sharp contraction of 56.0% from the previous year. Between 2018 and 2020, production dropped by 66%, equivalent to an annualized rate of decline of 30.2%.

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

Exports soups and broths from the Netherlands

Exports in kind, t

Soups and broths exports from the Netherlands increased for the third consecutive year. In 2021, export volume reached 43,755 tonnes, showing a modest 0.7% year-on-year growth. Over the period from 2018 to 2021, exports rose by 43.6%, with a compound annual growth rate of 12.8%.

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

From 2018 to 2021, Germany, the United Kingdom, and Belgium were the primary destinations for soups and broths exports from the Netherlands in volume terms. Germany accounted for 45.5% of exports, followed by the United Kingdom at 26.1%, and Belgium at 11.3%. Together, these three countries represented 82.8% 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, M $ US

In 2021, the value of soups and broths exports from the Netherlands stood at 113.7 million US dollars, reflecting a moderate decline of 7.1% from 2020. The peak value was recorded in 2020 at 122.4 million US dollars, which also saw the largest annual increase of 6.8%.

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

Between 2018 and 2021, Germany, the United Kingdom, and Belgium were the three main markets for soups and broths exports from the Netherlands in value terms, collectively accounting for 79.5% 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 soups and broths to the Netherlands

Imports in kind, t

In 2021, imports of soups and broths into the Netherlands totaled 48,164 tonnes, indicating a 3.3% increase from the previous year. However, from 2018 to 2021, imports decreased by 11.4%, with an annualized decline rate of 4.0%. The lowest volume was recorded in 2020 at 46,624 tonnes, while the highest was in 2019 at 59,028 tonnes. The largest decline occurred in 2020 with a 21.0% drop, and the largest increase was in 2019 with an 8.6% rise.

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

From 2018 to 2021, Poland, Germany, and France were the leading suppliers of soups and broths to the Netherlands in volume terms. Poland held a 39.9% share of imports, Germany accounted for 31.9%, and France made up 6.7%. Combined, these three countries represented 78.5% 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, M $ US

Imports of soups and broths into the Netherlands declined for the second consecutive year in value terms. In 2021, imports were valued at 115.7 million US dollars, showing a slight reduction of 2.4% compared to the prior year. Over the period from 2018 to 2021, imports fell by 9.6%, with a compound annual decline rate of 3.3%. The highest value was recorded in 2019 at 131.5 million US dollars, which also saw the largest annual increase of 2.7%. The largest decline occurred in 2020 with a 9.8% drop.

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

Throughout 2018 to 2021, Germany, Poland, and Belgium remained the key sources for soups and broths imports into the Netherlands in value terms. Germany accounted for 34.6% of import value, Poland for 27.6%, and Belgium for 10.4%. Together, these three countries made up 72.6% of total import flows.

Structure of product's imports in value by countries, 2018-2021

World map of product's imports to the Netherlands in value, 2018-2021