2016: Higher consumption but damage in cultivation due to flooding and hail

2016 was a year of changeable successes. For the first time in years, a small increase can be seen again in the Dutch consumption of fruit and vegetables. The import value of fresh fruit and vegetables increased by nine per cent to 5.7 billion euro. The export value increased by ten per cent to 8.8 billion euro (including re-export). The low point occurred in June, when the extreme weather (rain/hail) caused much damage for various cultivation companies in the southern half of the Netherlands, and led to a smaller supply of Dutch product.

Production in the Netherlands: The summer made all the difference

Cultivators’ turnover of vegetables decreased by six per cent to €2.7 billion compared to 2015;
Fruit turnover increased by four per cent to €0.7 billion, it was a difficult year for apples and pears;
Greenhouse vegetables had two sides: large supply with low prices in spring and autumn, the summer was better;
Price slump for various products less severe than usual in the summer;
The extreme weather in June (rain/hail) caused a smaller supply and price recovery;
Various cultivation companies in the south of the Netherlands struggled with flooding and hail damages.

The increased export value is mostly due to a larger transit of tropical fruit and citrus. Compared to 2015, demand for avocado, mango, pineapple, lemon, orange, lime and grape was clearly larger. Germany remains our largest sales market with a share of 37 per cent. The importance of Poland as a sales market is increasing.

Export: Increase because of tropical fruit and citrus

Export fruit and vegetables €8.8 billion (including re-export), +10% (fruit +18%, vegetables +3%);
Larger export mostly: avocado, mango, pineapple, lemon, orange, lime, grape;
Germany remains most important sales market with a share of 37 per cent;
Volume to Germany remains stable, but export amount increased by six per cent in 2016;
Poland is increasing in importance as a sales market for Dutch trade;
Export volume of Dutch fruit and vegetables decreased by a few per cent;
Lower export of Dutch cucumber, tomato and apple;
The Netherlands more desirable in the US (+34%) and Norway (+38%);
Tomato was exported less in particular to the UK, Italy and the Czech Republic;
New export record onions due to increase to countries such as Senegal, the UK and Indonesia.

Global interest in avocado

The increase of the import value by nine per cent is also mostly on account of fruit. The import value of vegetables increased by three per cent. Grape, avocado and banana are the Top Three of fresh fruit imports. The most important countries of origin were South Africa, Chile and Peru. The strongest riser in the fruit assortment was clearly avocado. The consumption of this fruit is increasing significantly globally.

Import: Significant increase avocado

Total value of import fresh fruits and vegetables: €5.7 billion (80% fruit), +9%;
Increase mostly on account of fruit with 11% (vegetables +3%);
Top Three import fresh fruit: grape (€686 million), avocado (€535 million), banana (€460 million);
Top Three countries of origin fresh fruit: South Africa (€760 million), Chile (€472 million) and Peru (€385 million);
Strongest increase import fruit from Mexico (+73%), mainly avocado and lime;
Avocado is the strongest riser in the assortment: consumption increasing significantly globally;
Also more import of lemon, banana, orange and blueberry.

Dutch production

In June, extreme weather conditions caused much damage to greenhouses and outdoor cultivation, especially in the southeast of the Netherlands. Many cultivators saw their harvests lost. Compared to 2015, the value of fruit and vegetable production decreased by four per cent in the Netherlands,amounting to €3.4 billion. In the spring and autumn, the supply of greenhouse vegetables was large at low prices. In the summer, the price slump for various products was less severe than usual. The weather in June caused a smaller supply, resulting in a price recovery. For fruit cultivators (apples and pears), 2016 was a difficult year, partially because the still-continuing Russian boycott.

Dutch consumer: for the first time in years an increase in consumption

After an annual decrease in consumption fruit and vegetables, a careful recovery in 2016;
The volume of fresh vegetables bought increased by two per cent, that of fruit by one per cent;
More expensive products: five per cent higher expenses both fruit and vegetables;
Heavy buyers (small group: 20%) responsible for increase;
Quick risers in assortment: snack tomato, blueberry, tropical fruit such as avocado;
Interest in various traditional and laborious products still decreasing;
Snack tomato number one within tomato range supermarket: volume 20%, value 30%;
Chestnut mushroom winning at expense of white. Volume 16% of mushroom sales;
Share of pre-processed (ready-to-cook) vegetables still increasing: 23% volume share;
Organic more popular: 14% more spent on organic fruit and vegetables in supermarkets.

Source: GroentenFruit Huis