Netherlands Foodservice Market SIZE & SHARE ANALYSIS - GROWTH TRENDS & FORECASTS UP TO 2030

Netherlands Foodservice Market Analysis

The Netherlands Foodservice Market size is estimated at 22.98 billion USD in 2025, and is expected to reach 48.03 billion USD by 2030, growing at a CAGR of 15.89% during the forecast period (2025-2030).

The Netherlands foodservice market landscape is experiencing significant transformation driven by changing demographics and cultural influences. As of 2022, the country hosted 4.44 million immigrants, with 17.3% being of Asian descent, substantially impacting food preferences and cuisine diversity. This demographic shift has led to a proliferation of diverse dining options, particularly in major urban centers like Amsterdam and Rotterdam. The integration of various cultural cuisines has resulted in innovative fusion concepts and authentic ethnic restaurants, catering to both immigrant communities and local Dutch consumers seeking diverse culinary experiences. Traditional Dutch establishments are adapting their menus to incorporate international flavors while maintaining their cultural identity.

Consumer preferences in the Dutch foodservice market sector are increasingly aligned with sustainability and health consciousness. Approximately 56% of Dutch consumers now prioritize brands demonstrating a commitment to sustainability and climate initiatives, influencing restaurant operations and menu development. The rise of plant-based dining is evident, with the country hosting 121,000 vegans as of 2022, prompting restaurants to expand their vegetarian and vegan offerings. Major chains are responding to this trend by introducing sustainable packaging, locally sourced ingredients, and plant-based alternatives, while independent restaurants are differentiating themselves through farm-to-table concepts and organic menu items.

The market is witnessing significant expansion through strategic acquisitions and new outlet developments. In 2023, Collins Foods Netherlands Operations' acquisition of eight KFC restaurants exemplifies the ongoing consolidation in the HORECA market sector. The presence of major chains is substantial, with McDonald's operating 250 stores, New York Pizza managing 229 outlets, and Subway maintaining 197 locations as of 2022. These establishments are not merely expanding numerically but are also innovating their service models, store formats, and menu offerings to meet evolving consumer expectations and maintain competitive advantages in urban and suburban markets.

Digital transformation is revolutionizing the Dutch HORECA market sector, with 43% of consumers ordering food online through various platforms in 2022. Popular delivery platforms like Thuisbezorgd.nl, Uber Eats, and Deliveroo are reshaping the traditional dining landscape by providing consumers with unprecedented access to diverse cuisine options. Restaurants are investing in digital infrastructure, developing proprietary apps, and optimizing their operations for delivery services. This digital evolution extends beyond delivery to include automated ordering systems, digital payment solutions, and data-driven customer engagement strategies, fundamentally changing how restaurants interact with their customers and manage their operations.

Netherlands Foodservice Market Trends

Full service restaurants dominate foodservice landscape in the Netherlands, driven by improved customer experience

• The foodservice industry in the Netherlands is primarily dominated by full service restaurants, followed by quick service restaurants and cafes & bars. Full service restaurants experienced a growth of 2.32% in terms of outlets during the study period. This growth can be attributed to the increasing focus of FSR businesses on providing customers with a satisfying dine-in experience, particularly as people seek more experiential options post the COVID-19 pandemic. Improved menu offerings and competitive pricing have also played a role in influencing customers' restaurant choices.
• Within the cafes & bars sub-segment, bars & pubs accounted for over 49% of the outlets in 2022, while cafes represented 41%. The abundance of bars & pubs in the Netherlands can be attributed to the vibrant nightlife culture in Dutch cities. This trend has led to a proliferation of nightclubs, pubs, and sports bars across the country. The number of pubs is steadily increasing, and as of 2021, there were 923 breweries, including microbreweries, which serve beer directly to customers.
• Cloud kitchens are expected to be the fastest-growing segment, projected to record a CAGR of 8.45% in terms of the number of outlets during the forecast period. The cloud kitchen model has become a popular choice for entrepreneurs and businesses due to its lower initial capital expenditure requirements and reduced fixed costs, such as labor charges, property taxes, and depreciation. Major fast-food brands may also consider transitioning to cloud kitchens as more people continue to prefer ordering in rather than dining out. However, a significant challenge in the cloud kitchen model is its dependence on online food delivery platforms, which are key stakeholders in the business.

FSR dishes drive high average order value in the Netherlands, with tandoori chicken and kapsalon leading the way

• In 2022, full service restaurants (FSR) had the highest average order value compared to other foodservice types, with a price of USD 26.88. The rise of chef-driven dining-out restaurants can be attributed to the increasing number of professionally trained chefs and celebrity chefs who are capitalizing on the growth opportunities provided by FSR. Automation and technological advancements in FSR establishments have streamlined preparation, service, and delivery processes, enhancing customer experience through easier ordering and payment capabilities via streaming apps. Popular dishes offered by FSR cuisines include Tandoori Chicken and Kapsalon, priced at USD 11.5 and USD 11.30 per 300 g, respectively.
• In the Netherlands, the popularity of meat-based cuisines has led restaurant chains to expand their menu selections. On average, a person in the country consumes 76 kg of meat per year, resulting in a rising demand for meat-based dishes. As a response, many quick service restaurants (QSR) and FSR establishments have included fried chicken dishes in their offerings. The Chicken Tinder, Chicken Biryani, and Tandoori Chicken dishes are priced at USD 13.5 per 300 g, representing half the average order value of QSR in the country. This shift in consumer demand may drive competition among operators to provide the most satisfying offerings. Due to people's busy schedules and the increasing penetration of e-commerce channels, the demand for cloud kitchens is expected to rise. The introduction of platforms like Uber Eats, Deliveroo, and Thuisbezorgd has fueled the growth of online meal delivery, creating a need for cloud kitchens. In 2022, the average order value of cloud kitchens was USD 10.48. Popular dishes such as Burgers, spring rolls, pizzas, and chicken nuggets are priced at around 50% of the average order value.

Segment Analysis: Foodservice Type

Quick Service Restaurants Segment in Netherlands Foodservice Market

Quick Service Restaurants (QSR) dominate the Netherlands foodservice market, holding approximately 40% market share in 2024. The segment's strong position is primarily driven by the increasing demand for breakfast on-the-go options and popular menu items like burgers and meat-based cuisines. The segment has seen significant growth due to changing consumer preferences, particularly the rising demand for vegan and vegetarian options at quick service restaurants, with major chains introducing plant-based alternatives to their menus. Additionally, the standardization across food outlet chains in terms of ambiance, menu offerings, and operations has contributed to the segment's market leadership, along with the presence of both international chains and Netherlands-based operators offering quick service with affordable pricing.

Cloud Kitchen Segment in Netherlands Foodservice Market

Cloud kitchens are projected to demonstrate exceptional growth in the Netherlands foodservice market during 2024-2029, with an estimated growth rate of around 29%. This remarkable expansion is primarily driven by the increasing adoption of online food delivery platforms and changing consumer preferences for convenient dining options. The segment's growth is further supported by the high internet penetration rate of approximately 88% in the Netherlands, coupled with the proliferation of food delivery smartphone applications. Cloud kitchen businesses are leveraging digital marketing strategies, including social media marketing and in-app offers, to attract customers. The lower overhead costs, high expansion opportunities, and technological advantages are attracting entrepreneurs to explore this rapidly evolving segment of the HoReCa market.

Remaining Segments in Foodservice Type

The Netherlands foodservice market is further segmented into Full Service Restaurants (FSR) and Cafes & Bars, each playing distinct roles in shaping the industry landscape. Full Service Restaurants contribute significantly to the market by offering multicultural dining experiences and high-quality service, particularly benefiting from the increasing number of tourists and local dining enthusiasts. The Cafes & Bars segment maintains its importance in the Dutch foodservice landscape, characterized by the country's strong cafe culture and the growing popularity of specialty coffee shops, bars, and pubs that cater to both locals and tourists seeking authentic Dutch experiences.

Segment Analysis: Outlet

Independent Outlets Segment in Netherlands Foodservice Market

Independent outlets dominate the Netherlands foodservice market, holding approximately 54% market share in 2024. The segment's strong position is primarily driven by the multicultural influences in the country and consumers' preference for traditional and local dining experiences. Independent full-service restaurants (FSRs) represent a significant portion of this segment, offering diverse cuisines ranging from Vietnamese and Indian to Italian, while adapting flavors to local Dutch preferences. These establishments are particularly successful due to their ability to offer unique dining experiences, authentic recipes, and personalized service. The growth of independent outlets is further supported by the increasing number of immigrants in the Netherlands, who often establish restaurants serving their native cuisines, contributing to the culinary diversity in the market.

Chained Outlets Segment in Netherlands Foodservice Market

The chained outlets segment is experiencing robust growth in the Netherlands HRI market, projected to grow at approximately 16% during 2024-2029. This growth is primarily driven by quick service restaurants (QSRs), with meat-based cuisine leading the segment. The expansion is supported by ongoing investment in new locations and innovative concepts, particularly in the cloud kitchen space. Chained outlets are increasingly focusing on technological advancements, with many operators increasing their spending on technology systems to enhance customer experience through easier ordering and payment capabilities. The segment's growth is further bolstered by consumers' preference for established franchises that provide consistency in both quality and service, along with the increasing participation of women in the workforce, which has led to higher demand for convenient dining options.

Segment Analysis: Location

Standalone Segment in Netherlands Foodservice Market

The standalone segment dominates the Netherlands foodservice market, accounting for approximately 72% of the total market value in 2024. This significant market share can be attributed to the ongoing investment in new locations and innovative concepts by restaurant operators. Standalone restaurants are increasingly focusing on technology systems implementation, with fine-dining operators making substantial investments in digital solutions. These establishments offer a diverse range of classic Dutch dishes including fondue, tarts and quiches, raclette, rösti, and risotto. The segment's strong performance is further supported by operators' emphasis on creating unique dining experiences and maintaining competitive pricing strategies to attract and retain customers.

Lodging Segment in Netherlands Foodservice Market

The lodging segment is projected to exhibit the strongest growth in the Netherlands HRI market, with an expected growth rate of approximately 21% during 2024-2029. This remarkable growth trajectory is driven by increasing investments in the hospitality sector and rising spending by incoming tourists. The segment is evolving through the emergence of creative concepts, including the development of extended-stay hotels and enhancement of services with premium restaurant options. Hotels are increasingly emphasizing responsible and sustainable business practices, with foodservice operators modifying their menu offerings to introduce more sustainable options like vegan and plant-based food and beverage choices. The growth is further supported by the rising demand for luxury dining experiences within hotel premises.

Remaining Segments in Location Segmentation

The other segments in the Netherlands foodservice market include retail, travel, and leisure locations, each serving distinct consumer needs. The retail segment encompasses foodservice outlets in shopping centers, malls, and commercial buildings, benefiting from regular customer footfall and shopping center developments. The travel segment includes food establishments at airports, railway stations, and other transportation hubs, catering to travelers and commuters. The leisure segment serves locations such as entertainment venues, cultural sites, and sports facilities, contributing to the diverse foodservice landscape. These segments collectively enhance the accessibility and variety of foodservice options across different locations in the Netherlands.