More companies and revenue growth in the food industry

The Dutch food industry experienced a modest revenue increase of nearly 2 percent in 2024, despite fluctuations in selling prices and a challenging first half of the year. The number of companies in the sector also grew, and expectations for 2025 remain cautiously optimistic. These insights are based on preliminary figures from CBS, analyzed by our editorial team.

Domestic market gains momentum, exports lag behind

In the first eleven months of 2024, revenue rose by 1.7 percent compared to the same period in 2023. Growth was primarily driven by the domestic market, which saw an increase of 2.9 percent. In contrast, exports recorded a modest growth of 0.7 percent. Revenue development showed significant fluctuations, with March 2024 marking a low point with a decline of 11.7 percent, while July stood out with a notable increase of 14.2 percent.

Price increases across various segments

Selling prices in the food industry increased by an average of 1.4 percent between January and November 2024. Prices initially declined in the first months of the year, but from April onwards, a steady upward trend emerged. The sharpest price hikes were seen in the cocoa and chocolate sector, which surged by 55.1 percent, followed by coffee and tea at 18.4 percent. On the other hand, prices in the oils and fats industry dropped by 8.8 percent, while slaughterhouses recorded a decrease of 4.4 percent.

More companies and positive outlook

The number of companies in the sector grew by 3 percent, reaching nearly 8,000. The strongest growth was seen in the oils and fats industry, with an increase of 8.3 percent, followed by the fish processing industry at 5.3 percent. The animal feed industry was the only sector to experience a slight decline in the number of companies. Entrepreneurs remain cautiously optimistic for 2025, with a quarter expecting higher revenue, while the majority anticipate stable results. Investment and workforce levels are also expected to remain steady.