Exporting to the Netherlands

The Netherlands has excellent access to the European mainland and many goods enter the EU through it. There are a number of sectors that could potentially offer some opportunities to Northern Ireland companies.

Food and drink

There are opportunities in food retail and services, including plant-based meals, dairy alternatives, spirits, organic food, private-label products and healthy snacks.

• Taste for British products - The Netherlands’ affluent, UK-friendly population has a taste for traditional British tea room products, whisky, gin and cheese. Younger generations are embracing trends from the London ‘foodie’ scene. The UK’s ethnic cuisines are also becoming more popular.
• Own-brand products - The leading Dutch supermarkets are always looking for new suppliers for their own-brand products, both traditional products (including tea, baked goods, snacks and cereals) and new healthy options (including ‘free from’ and low-sugar ranges).
• Healthier foods - The government is promoting healthier lifestyles to fight the growing problem of obesity and diabetes in the country. There is also a national campaign to introduce more plant-based eating to everyday diets.

Offshore wind energy

The Netherlands plans to build five new wind farms by the end of 2023. These should create a total installed capacity of 4.5 gigawatts. There will be opportunities for UK companies throughout the project lifecycle.

• Development and planning - Developers will need support during and after the bidding process for the offshore wind power site, and following the award of the contract.
• Project delivery - There are opportunities for UK businesses in forming strategic alliances with Dutch companies to offer project and delivery expertise.
• Operations and maintenance - Limited domestic experience in operations and maintenance may create opportunities for experienced UK companies to offer their services.

Technology

The Netherlands’ growing technology sector offers a range of opportunities for UK companies, including in logistics, sustainable cities and renewable energy.

• Logistics technology - The Netherlands has a dense network of road, rail, water and flight connections, so there is strong demand for innovative technology for the logistics industry. The road network needs innovations to help monitor and manage the flow of traffic.
• Sustainable cities - There is a strong trend towards urbanisation in the Netherlands. Amsterdam, Rotterdam, The Hague and Utrecht are growing rapidly. There are opportunities to offer sustainable solutions to water management, energy usage and 'liveability' challenges in these cities.
• Transition to renewable energy - Netherlands is moving away from the use of gas and towards renewable energy. The large-scale industrial, agriculture and logistics sectors, as well as consumers, will need support with this change.

Financial and professional services

The Netherlands has a large banking sector, and Amsterdam is at the heart of the financial industry.

• Services for the logistics sector - The importance of the logistics sector is creating opportunities to provide financial, legal and advisory services. Banks, insurance companies, legal firms and consultancies with good knowledge of international markets will find significant opportunities.
• Multinational headquarters - An attractive economic environment for international businesses, the Netherlands is home to many international companies’ headquarters. These headquarters need English speakers who can provide high-quality financial and professional services.
• Fintech demand - The Dutch financial sector is moving towards a cashless economy, and banks are rapidly introducing mobile banking. Exporters that can offer innovative, safe and secure solutions for mobile banking and investment will find strong interest from Dutch companies.