More cheese shops and bakers in Netherlands, fewer greengrocers

The number of specialty food stores in the Netherlands has increased over the past ten years. According to the Chamber of Commerce (KVK), the number of cheese shops and shops selling foreign foods has increased in particular. Greengrocers and butchers, on the other hand, are struggling.

The number of specialty cheese stores increased by 37 percent between 2014 and 2024 to 732 establishments. The increase was greatest in the provinces of Friesland (plus 88 percent) and Noord-Brabant (plus 57 percent). Noord-Holland has the highest density of cheese stores: there are just over five cheese shops per 10,000 inhabitants.

Cheese shops increased during the coronavirus period and this growth has continued, the KVK reported. “Due to the restrictions in the catering industry, consumers looked for alternatives to enjoy culinary delights at home,” Patricia Hoogstraaten, director of the trade association Vakcentrum voor zelfstandige retailondernemers.

In total, 394 specialty food stores were added in the past ten years, an increase of 2.4 percent. In addition to more cheese shops, 135 stores specializing in foreign foods (plus 20 percent) and 206 more bakers (plus 16 percent) were added.

However, in ten years, many greengrocers and butchers have disappeared. The number of stores specializing in fruit, vegetables, and potatoes fell from 1,229 in 2014 to 947 this year, and the number of butchers decreased by 228 to 2,136 stores, reported the KVK. These stores are suffering from the fact that consumers are increasingly opting for convenience and doing all their shopping at one store, said a spokesperson for the Vakcentrum.

At the same time, the number of supermarkets increased considerably and their range also grew, reported the KVK. Specialty stores and supermarkets have a “special relationship,” said Hoogstraaten. Supermarkets pose a threat to the market share of specialty stores, she said. At the same time, supermarkets also attract customers to the shopping area, which is beneficial for specialty stores.