Dutch people eating fewer fruits and vegetables

Dutch people started eating less fruits and vegetables last year. Agriculture and distribution companies speak of a worrisome decline in consumption. However, the sector managed to trade more fruits and vegetables overall due to increasing imports and growing sales abroad.

Dutch produce consumption fell by 3 percent in 2024 as reported by Dutch produce association GroentenFruit Huis. Dutch people ate 2 percent less vegetables and 4 percent less fruits on average than the year prior.

"As a result, Dutch consumption remains far behind the recommended daily amount set out by the the Voedingscentrum," warns GroentenFruit Huis. The recommendation is to eat 250 grams of vegetables and 200 grams of fruit every day. The average Dutch person is now eating only 60 percent of this standard.

The reason for the decrease is not stated in the annual figures. However, GroentenFruit Huis points out that the decrease occurred in both supermarkets and catering. The industry recognizes that fruits and vegetables have become slightly more expensive compared to last year, though the price increase is comparable with that of other goods and services.

The production of Dutch fruits and vegetables represented a value of 4.7 billion euros in 2024. Imported goods increased by 4 percent to 11 billion euros. Since 2023 there has been a 3 percent increase in exports. This amounts to 15.6 billion euros in total.

The Netherland's stature as an important transit country for produce is what protected the industry from damage. Imports from China in particular increased significantly last year due to a greater supply of garlic and ginger. A higher number of avocados came in from Kenya. An increased amount of blueberries, grapes, and kiwis came in from Chile.

Exported blueberries, grapes, and cucumbers were largely sent to Germany, Belgium and the United Kingdom. Exported avocados and tomatoes sent to Austria, Belgium, and Spain increased significantly, according to GroentenFruit Huis. The increase in these figures has contributed to the industry's growth despite Dutch people's dwindling consumption