Find Dutch Buyers, Importers, Distributors (2025 List)

The Netherlands is a small country with a big role in international trade. Dutch imports were over €650 billion in 2023 alone and food and drink products made up a big chunk of that. Rotterdam Port alone handles over 14 million containers a year, making it Europe’s largest port and a direct entry point for goods within the EU.

Food imports are enormous. The Netherlands imported more than €10 billion in fruits and vegetables alone in 2022, with avocados, bananas, and citrus fruits leading the way. Imports of cocoa totaled nearly €4 billion, while coffee and tea totaled another €2.5 billion. Seafood imports are also robust, with salmon and shrimp leading the pack.

For firms that seek to export to the Netherlands, this country is both challenging and full of prospects. There are both multinational retailers and specialty distributors in the Netherlands as buyers. A validated Netherlands buyer list or database of Netherlands buyers will lead you to the appropriate partners, whether supermarkets, foodservice, or specialty stores are your target.

The Dutch appreciate diversity—and so do their food imports. The nation imported roughly €94 billion in agricultural goods in 2023, and major contributors and trends are things to be aware of.

Here's a glimpse at what's most sought after:

• Fruits and nuts: An astonishing €9.4 billion with avocados, bananas, pineapples or whatever is exotic.
• Fats & oils: Popped in at €8.4 billion, from olive oil to palm oil.
• Beverages: Approximately €6.7 billion, from coffee to teas, craft beverages—you name them.
• Meat: €5.9 billion, providing everything from fish to imported meat cuts.
• Dairy: €5.8 billion—cheese alone gets the Dutch onto the list.

A couple more significant categories:

• Seafood: Approximately €3.1 billion, with shrimp, salmon, tuna pulling the weight.
• Vegetables: €3.6 billion—think fresh as well as specialty varieties.
• Cocoa: €1.37 billion, primarily from countries such as West Africa.

To add to this, the Netherlands is not only an importer—it's the second-largest avocado importer in the world, processing a staggering 63% of EU's avocado imports. They don't produce them domestically; Dutch traders simply are super at it.

The buyers in the Netherlands come from different corners of the market, and each type looks for something specific.

Here’s a clear picture of who you’ll find in a typical Netherlands buyer database:

• Importers – These are the entry points. They deal with customs, logistics, and compliance. Basically, they’re the ones who make sure your products even make it past the border.
• Distributors – Call them the connectors. They move goods from Netherlands importers to wholesale buyers in the Netherlands, foodservice groups, and retailers.
• Retail Chains – Dutch supermarkets and specialty shops are picky, but for good reason. Organic teas, plant-based proteins, or unique beverages—if you’re on the list of buyers in the Netherlands, this group is the hardest to crack but also the most rewarding.
• Foodservice (HORECA) – Restaurants, hotels, and caterers consider both taste and appearance. They are interested in portion size, consistency, and even bespoke packaging at times.
• Online Retailers – Online shopping is key here. These customers want shelf-stable, nicely packaged, and trendy products. Vegan snacks, functional beverages, and eco-friendly products are all in demand.
• Wholesalers – They stock local shops and smaller businesses. If your product is broad appeal and cost effective, wholesalers can move big volumes for you.

It's quite simple once you understand the process. The market in the Netherlands is open, organized, and regulated to a high degree, so preparation is key.

Here's a quick guide to get you going:

1. Research the Dutch market.

See what's in demand first. Understanding your audience—be it food purchasers in the Netherlands or retailers—allows you to position your product the right way.

2. Ensure you comply with EU and Dutch laws.

Compliance is not voluntary in this case. Food products are required to fulfill EU food safety regulations, labeling, and quality. For instance, Netherlands importers generally require certifications like HACCP, ISO 22000, Organic (EU logo), or Fair Trade based on the product.

3. Get your documents in order.

A Netherlands buyer list or customs broker will sometimes walk you through it, but generally, you will require:

• Commercial invoice
• Packing list
• Bill of lading or airway bill
• Certificate of origin
• Health or quality certificates (for food and beverages)

4. Choose the appropriate logistics partner.

Work with a freight forwarder or shipping partner who knows the EU regulations. The Netherlands has one of the busiest ports in Europe (Rotterdam) and airports (Schiphol) so if you plan ahead, you’ll have no issues.

5. Establish clear Incoterms.

This must be made explicit upfront. Most wholesale buyers in the Netherlands will accept DDP (Delivered Duty Paid), but some may take FOB or CIF terms. Always insist on writing.

6. Register or notify if necessary.

Certain food types, particularly meat, dairy, or drinks, require pre-registration or approvals before shipping is possible. Contact Dutch customs or seek advice from a trade specialist so you do not experience delays.

Certifications are extremely important. They're not only for customs clearance, but also assist you in gaining the trust of buyers in the Netherlands who have high food safety and quality expectations.

The following are the most important ones to remember:

• EU Food Safety & HACCP: All food products coming into the EU must meet the requirements of HACCP regulations. All but a few Netherlands importers won't even bother with a supplier who cannot provide evidence of food safety protocols in place.
• EU Organic Certification: If you’re shipping organic products, the green EU Organic logo is required. Without it, you can’t sell your product as organic in the Netherlands or any other country in the EU.
• GFSI-Recognized Standards (IFS, BRC, SQF): Distributors and retailers also request these certifications. They ensure your manufacturing adheres to worldwide standards of safety and quality. It's effectively the entrance ticket if you hope to access greater supermarkets or distributors on the Netherlands buyers' list.
• ISO 22000 or ISO 9001: You don't always need these, but they make your situation stronger. Most buyers of food in the Netherlands use them as an added layer of assurance in your operations.
• Halal and Kosher Certifications: There's steady demand for both. The Netherlands has various consumer segments, and having these certificates renders your product attractive to larger segments.
• Fair Trade and Sustainability Labels: Dutch consumers are among the most eco-conscious in Europe. Wholesale purchasers in the Netherlands adore products that carry the Fair Trade, Rainforest Alliance, or other environmental labels particularly for coffee, chocolate, and tea.

Packaging and labeling are not merely formalities when exporting to the Netherlands. They actually make or break your transaction with Dutch buyers. Dutch customers and Dutch wholesale buyers are keen on both quality and appearance. If packaging is not up to EU standards or fails to offer anything attention-grabbing in stores, you'll find yourself losing interest quickly.

Here's what the majority of Netherlands importers and retailers anticipate:

Preferred package types:

• Retail ready packaging – Supermarkets and specialty stores like Albert Heijn or Jumbo require products that are ready to go on shelf and easy to stock.
• Bulk packaging – Foodservice customers and wholesalers tend to ask for bigger volumes especially when selling to hotels, restaurants, and catering companies.
• Eco-friendly packaging – This is a biggie. Dutch consumers are renowned for their green-shopping behavior. Materials that are recyclable, biodegradable, or reusable actually improve your chances of being selected by food buyers in the Netherlands.

Label requirements are:

• Plain product name and brand
• Complete list of ingredients
• Net weight or volume (always metric)
• Country of origin
• Nutrition table in EU format
• Allergen statements
• Best-before or expiration date
• Compliance marks (e.g., EU Organic, Fair Trade, or CE where applicable)

Not always necessary, but always a good idea - bilingual labeling (Dutch and English) makes your product more attractive not only to Netherlands importers, but also to local customers who appreciate transparency.