TRENDS

Innovation is key to growth in the food sector

The Dutch food industry is facing significant pressure. Rising costs, a tight labour market, and high inflation present ongoing challenges for businesses. Despite these hurdles, there are positive signs, such as an incre..

Mustard plants as a sustainable source for nickel extraction

14 November 2024

An international research team, including scientists from Wageningen University & Research (WUR), is exploring the potential of extracting nickel from plants. This unique project, funded by a grant of 1.35 million eu...

Sea lettuce: THE sustainable protein source for the future

14 November 2024

The proteins in sea lettuce, a common type of algae, offer an intriguing addition to both meat and existing alternative proteins. This type of seaweed not only contains proteins but also essential nutrients and is cultiv...

Beyond plant-based: trends reshaping alternative milk

13 November 2024

The demand for alternative milk beverages has surged in recent years, with plant-based options leading the way. However, times seem to be changing as consumers reassess their choices under various influences. Price press...

Protein transition in supermarkets progressing too slowly

12 November 2024

Dutch supermarkets are clearly shifting towards more plant-based products, but the pace remains a concern when it comes to meeting 2030 targets. Despite initiatives to reduce meat portions and increase the visibility of ...

European cream price reaches historic high

11 November 2024

As the holiday season approaches, prices on the European dairy market continue to climb, with cream standing out as a significant increase. The DCA dairy index for cream in Northwest Europe hit a record level of over €10...

Global food prices reach 18-month high

11 November 2024

Global food prices rose to their highest level in 18 months in October. According to the United Nations’ Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO), this increase is primarily driven by rising prices for vegetable oils. The...

Innovative steam solutions for current challenges

07 November 2024

The food industry faces significant challenges. Companies aim to enhance their production processes but are often hindered by external issues. On one hand, fully electrifying steam boilers is not always feasible due to l...

Inflation remains high despite lower oil prices

07 November 2024

In October, inflation in the Netherlands remained high, with the HICP inflation rate at 3.3%, according to Rabobank’s latest inflation monitor. Although oil prices have slightly declined, purchasing power remains under p...

Wouter Waayer wins Vegan Award for inspiration

06 November 2024

Wouter Waayer, who grew up on a farm in Twente, has been named ‘Most Inspiring Person’ by the public at the annual Vegan Awards, hosted by the Nederlandse Vereniging voor Veganisme (NVV). On November 1, he accepted the a...

Future land use in Europe: Five key dilemmas for agriculture

06 November 2024

On November 6, researchers from Wageningen University & Research (WUR) will present the annual Mansholt Lecture in Brussels, focusing on five critical dilemmas surrounding agriculture and food production in Europe. C...

HAK reduces prices to make legumes more popular

05 November 2024

Vegetable and legume producer HAK is taking a notable step to promote legume consumption. Starting in November, the company will reduce the recommended retail price of a large selection of its legume products by an avera...

Cultured meat: How to persuade the consumer

05 November 2024

Cultured meat is increasingly gaining the attention of researchers, policymakers, and the food industry. It has the potential to provide substantial protein supplies with a significantly smaller environmental footprint c...

Top ten food and beverage trends for 2025

04 November 2024

Significant changes are anticipated for the food and beverage industry in 2025. According to recent research by Innova Market Insights, 58% of consumers worldwide actively prioritize high-quality ingredients. The demand ...

Belgium and Netherlands want to strengthen alternative protein sector

30 October 2024

At an inspiration event on October 24 in Brussels, organized by the Dutch Embassy and the Flemish organization Next Food Chain, Dutch and Flemish stakeholders gathered to discuss what is needed to scale up the alternativ...

Pork production in Europe steady, Dutch output declines

29 October 2024

In the first half of 2024, pork production within the European Union remained stable, despite a slight decrease in sow numbers. The Netherlands, however, experienced a significant drop in production, partly due to buyout...