The resilience of the Dutch food sector: Reflecting on 2022

As global crises challenged economies everywhere, the Dutch food industry proved its resilience, stability, and essential economic role in 2022. The 'Food Industry Monitor 2023', compiled for FNLI, scrutinizes these achievements.

2022 was a year of highs and lows. Food producers grappled with surging costs for energy and raw materials since 2021. Despite a stabilization of purchasing prices throughout the year, they remained higher than before the COVID-19 pandemic and geopolitical tensions in Ukraine.

A Look at Price Trends for Manufacturers and Consumers

This monitor focuses on the economic developments of 2022. It particularly examines the price fluctuations between January 2021 and July 2023. While the Dutch price increases aligned with the European average of 25.8%, Dutch consumers paid less for food, excluding alcohol, in 2022 than in some other Eurozone countries.

Economically, the food industry remains vital for the Netherlands. Contributing nearly 4% to the GDP, the sector represented an added value of 15.8 billion euros in 2022, an increase of 7.4% from 2021. Employment rose to 152,000, and the trend of growing micro-enterprises persisted, with now 8,435 businesses in this sector.

The Netherlands' export potential also significantly expanded in 2022, with an increase of 22.4% in export value, amounting to 52.9 billion euros.

Despite these positive figures, the sector continues to focus on societal issues like sustainability and health. FNLI recognizes its pivotal role in societal discourse and remains actively engaged in these areas.

The 'Food Industry Monitor' provides annual insights into trends and figures within this crucial sector, a collaborative effort between the economic research agency Decisio and FNLI.

Fnli.nl