Market Trends of Netherlands Cashew Industry
Increased Demand is Boosting the Cashew Market
- In the Netherlands, the climate is not suitable for growing cashews domestically. It is completely dependent on imports. As one of Europe's largest importers and re-exporters, the Netherlands is a highly relevant market for cashew trade. There has been an increasing application of cashew nuts in the country's end-user food and beverage industry. Industrial users have taken a recent interest in cashew nuts, using them in cookies, as a topping on ice cream, and to produce cashew nut butter. The consumption of cashew nuts increased due to the increasing trend of healthy snacking.
- According to the ITC trade map, the Netherlands' cashew nut imports rose from 38,218.0 metric tons in 2019 to 48,671.0 metric tons in 2023. This increase is attributed to growing domestic consumption and re-export activities. The Centre for the Promotion of Imports from Developing Countries (CBI) reported a 52.5% increase in cashew consumption in the Netherlands from 2019 to 2022. Dutch consumers primarily prefer cashew nuts as simple, roasted, and salty snacks, with a growing trend towards unsalted varieties. The market is expanding to include plain nuts and various roasted flavors. Furthermore, cashew nuts are increasingly utilized as ingredients in products such as fruit and nut bars, breakfast cereals, nut spreads, nut drinks, ice cream toppings, cookies, and confectioneries. This diversification in cashew applications across processing segments is further driving imports and consumption in the country.
Understand The Key Trends Shaping This Market
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The Netherlands is the Largest Cashew Nuts Re-exporter
- The Netherlands, despite its unsuitable climate for cashew cultivation, plays a crucial role in the European cashew market through re-exports of imported cashews. These imported nuts undergo various processing procedures to meet export requirements. Notably, the Netherlands accounts for approximately half of Europe's total cashew product re-exports, with Germany, France, Belgium, Poland, and Italy being major importers of Dutch cashews.
- The Netherlands' cashew nut exports have shown substantial growth. In 2019, exports totaled 32,330.0 metric tons, increasing by over 75% to 56,633.0 metric tons in 2023. The export value in 2023 reached USD 294.1 million, a 10.8% increase from the previous year. This rise in re-exports indicates growing consumption demand in other European countries. A rising trend in cashew nut consumption is evident in Europe, driven by growing health consciousness among consumers. Cashew nuts are increasingly used as ingredients in various healthy and functional food products, including breakfast cereals, cashew nut butter, and chocolate products containing cashew nuts.
- As global demand for cashews grows, the Netherlands aims to maintain its position as a leading import, processing, and distribution center in Europe. The country's well-developed food processing sector, featuring companies like Aldebaran Commodities, Catz International, and Rhumveld Winter & Konijn, engages in activities from cashew shelling and grading to packaging services. This infrastructure positions the Netherlands as a key processing hub and re-exporter for the European cashew market.
