NEWS

PPWR: New packaging requirements from August 12

The first new PPWR rules will apply from August 12, 2026. Producers and importers may then only place packaging on the EU market with a valid EU Declaration of Conformity. Food companies therefore need to determine their..

Growth in ready-to-eat meals calls for smart packaging solutions

11 August 2026

Demand for fresh ready-to-eat meals and convenience products continues to grow. Consumers expect products that are fresh, safe, sustainably processed, and ready to use. This is also increasing the need for high-quality, ...

Business as usual in cucumber cultivation

10 August 2026

The Dutch cucumber sector is becoming less dependent on the seasons. Growers are producing higher yields on the same acreage and supplying the market for longer. Buying patterns are changing too, as snack cucumbers gain ...

Raw material prices rise amid heat and tensions

07 August 2026

International food prices edged up in July 2026. The FAO Food Price Index averaged 131.1 points. This was 0.6 percent higher than one month earlier. Compared with July 2025, the index rose 1.0 percent. Higher quotations ...

Fruit and vegetable supply remains steady despite drought

07 August 2026

Persistent drought and high temperatures are affecting fruit and vegetable production. Growers are taking additional measures to keep their crops in good condition. For now, however, supply remains sufficient for Dutch c...

Drought impacts the chain from farming to processing

05 August 2026

The ongoing drought is affecting nearly all agricultural and horticultural sectors. LTO Nederland reports lower yields, declining quality, and growing concerns about livestock feed supplies. Logistics and agricultural ma...

Column Saskia Stender: Trust cannot be automated

04 August 2026

The other day, I came across another one of those wonderful statements on LinkedIn: “In the age of AI, trust will become the most important factor for success.” I couldn’t help but smile. As if that were something new. ...

Hygieneplan acquires FoodGuard

04 August 2026

Hygieneplan has acquired FoodGuard. This strategic move brings together both organizations’ knowledge, experience, and expertise in industrial cleaning, hygiene, and food safety. The acquisition strengthens Hygieneplan’s...

On the way to PlanetProof grows in crop production and trade

03 August 2026

On the way to PlanetProof strengthened its position within the agricultural supply chain in 2025. The certification scheme expanded its reach in crop production. More trading companies also became involved. In the livest...

Is more protein always better?

03 August 2026

High-protein products are becoming increasingly common in supermarkets. In the United States, 61 percent of consumers increased their protein intake in 2024. In 2019, that figure was 48 percent. Manufacturers responded b...

Global supply keeps hog market under pressure

30 July 2026

The Dutch hog sector is shrinking, but prices are not moving higher. European production is growing and continues to pressure the market. Dutch exports of market hogs and piglets are also falling sharply. Ample global su...

Dutch-grown quinoa heads to supermarket shelves

29 July 2026

Starting in August, Jumbo will sell quinoa grown in the Netherlands. The product will appear under its private label in stores. GreenFood50 supplies the quinoa, which is produced by Dutch growers. Jumbo has made a multi-...

Oversupply puts European dairy market under pressure

28 July 2026

Large butter and cheese inventories are delaying the dairy market’s recovery. Milk production is declining only slowly, keeping supplies high. High-fat dairy products in particular lost considerable value over the past y...

78% of Belgians want Nutri-Score on every packaging

27 July 2026

The voluntary use of Nutri-Score is under debate in Belgium. Political proposals focus on food packaging and advertising. One proposal would make the label mandatory on every package. Stricter advertising rules are also ...

De verborgen voetafdruk van ons voedsel

27 July 2026

Niet iedere maaltijd drukt even zwaar op klimaat en natuur. De impact hangt sterk samen met wat mensen eten en tot welke bevolkingsgroep zij behoren. Zo hebben jonge, hoogopgeleide mannen in steden gemiddeld de grootste ...

What are the health effects of local diets?

24 July 2026

Researchers from twelve countries are mapping local diets worldwide. Through the World Diet Initiative, they are also studying their health effects. Previous studies have already identified effects on inflammation, the i...