Introduction – Current State of Play: The Herbs Sector in Netherlands
If you’re in the herbs business, you’ve probably noticed that the Netherlands is currently riding a wild wave of change. From global conflicts to climate chaos, the Dutch herbs sector is being pulled in all directions. Let’s break it down.
First off, the Israel-Gaza conflict has thrown a wrench into global herb supply chains. Israeli herb exports have nearly stopped, and that’s causing a ripple effect across Europe. Add to that stringent inspections in Belgium and you’ve got delayed deliveries and stressed-out buyers. Meanwhile, Kenya, another major herb supplier, is facing its own troubles with sky-high air freight costs and cancelled flights, pushing prices up.
And the weather? Not helping either. Spain’s heavy rains have slowed harvests, leading to shortages and—you guessed it—more price hikes.
Despite all this chaos, there’s a silver lining. Demand for fresh herbs is climbing in Europe. Dutch companies like Europe Retail Packing (ERP) are stepping up with indoor cultivation of popular herbs like basil, coriander, and chervil to ensure year-round supply.
With sustainability taking center stage, retailers are craving locally grown herbs to avoid the headaches of air freight and to reduce their carbon footprint. All this is being shaped by new rules like the EU Green Deal and Corporate Sustainability Due Diligence Directive (CS3D), which are pushing companies to clean up their supply chains.
So, if you’re sourcing herbs from the Netherlands, you’re in the middle of a fast-changing landscape. Staying informed and agile isn’t just a good idea—it’s survival.
Deep Dive – What’s Making Headlines? Key Recent News & Impacts
While no single groundbreaking investment has dominated the headlines lately, the buzz in the Netherlands’ herb market is all about adaptation and resilience.
Companies are doubling down on local and indoor farming, thanks to tech like vertical farming, which is popping up in urban greenhouses across the country. These controlled environments are minimizing weather impacts, reducing import dependency, and delivering consistency in quality and supply.
This shift isn’t just about surviving—it’s about thriving. With fresh herbs becoming a staple in European kitchens, the Netherlands is positioning itself to lead the charge as a premium, sustainable herb supplier.
Top 10 Verified Herbs Suppliers in Netherlands – Navigating Current Market Realities
If you’re wondering who’s making moves in this turbulent time, here are the Top 10 Herbs Suppliers in Netherlands in Quarter 3 of 2025. These suppliers are ranked based on their certifications, export history, global reach, and Freshdi buyer reviews. They’re the ones you should have your eye on:
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Hardjo Central B.V. – Known for its consistent export volumes and high-quality fresh and dried herbs. Their adaptability during recent disruptions has earned them solid buyer trust.
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V.O.F. PLANTENDIENST VENLO – A reliable name when it comes to greenhouse-grown herbs, especially basil and thyme. Their local cultivation strategy is paying off big in 2025.
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Unionists – With two listings this quarter, they’ve shown agility in herbal product diversification and compliance with sustainability standards.
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Fluna Inc. – Specialists in dried herbs and herbal blends, catering to foodservice and B2B buyers across Europe.
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BOLIDO NETHERLANDS B.V. – Famous for herbal liqueurs, this supplier taps into both food and beverage markets with a strong export record.
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Green Line For Invesment BV – Focused on certified organic herbs, they’ve become a favorite among buyers seeking sustainability and traceability.
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Unionists (Alternate Listing) – This second listing solidifies their presence and performance across multiple product lines and categories.
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Eko Vitaris – While known for coffee, they’ve expanded into herbs with a strong focus on organic sourcing from Indonesia and Africa.
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HDCRS Commodities – Diversified supplier with growing interest in culinary herbs. Their logistics network and export history make them a player to watch.
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OPTIMA FORMULA BV, CANNABINOIDS AND MORE – Specializing in medicinal and aromatic herbs, particularly cannabinoid-rich varieties, with a strong R&D edge.
Dynamic Ranking Note: The Freshdi platform frequently updates its “Suppliers of the Month/Quarter” list based on recent performance, buyer reviews, and RFQ responsiveness. This means rankings can shift quickly—so stay tuned!
Market Navigation – Strategic Responses to The Current Herbs Landscape in Netherlands
With everything going on, how should businesses respond? Let’s unpack the opportunities, risks, and smart strategies shaping the game right now.
Opportunities in the Current Market
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Sustainable and Organic Demand Is Booming
Consumers are voting with their wallets for herbs that are fresh, organic, and ethically sourced. Initiatives like the Sustainable Spice Initiative (SSI) are pushing for 25% sustainable sourcing by 2025. That’s a clear signal: green is gold. -
Tech Is Changing the Game
Companies like Infarm are showing how vertical farming can make fresh herbs available year-round, even in winter. It’s not just futuristic—it’s happening now, and it’s working. -
Diversification Reduces Risk
Dutch companies are no longer putting all their eggs in one basket. By sourcing from Spain, Morocco, Ethiopia, and other regions, they’re reducing their exposure to geopolitical and logistical shocks.
Challenges to Watch Out For
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Quality Control Is Non-Negotiable
Recent reports of contaminants like lead and pesticides in herbs (especially cannabis) have made buyers much more cautious. Quality checks, certifications, and traceability are now essential. -
Rising Costs from Supply Chain Chaos
With air freight costs from Kenya through the roof and delayed shipments across Europe, importers are under pressure. This makes local cultivation more attractive—and even necessary. -
Sustainability Rules Are Getting Tougher
The CS3D directive demands that your entire supply chain—yes, all of it—meets environmental and human rights standards. This is especially tough for smaller suppliers who lack the infrastructure to comply.
Smart Sourcing Strategies
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Go Local: More Dutch companies are expanding greenhouse acreage. It’s reliable, sustainable, and less affected by global issues.
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Think Vertical: Vertical farming isn’t just a buzzword. It’s a strategy that’s helping Dutch suppliers deliver consistent quality and supply with a low carbon footprint.
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Diversify: Don’t rely on a single region. Spread your sourcing across multiple countries to stay resilient.
Short-Term Outlook
The next couple of quarters look promising in terms of demand, but supply-side pressures will linger. The companies that win will be the ones who embrace sustainable practices, invest in local sourcing, and keep their supply chains tight and transparent.
Conclusion – Key Takeaways for Businesses in a Dynamic Market
Let’s face it: the herbs market in the Netherlands is no longer business as usual. Between weather disruptions, logistical headaches, and changing consumer expectations, companies need to be sharp and responsive.
Here’s your takeaway checklist:
✅ Check your current suppliers – Are they adapting to the new market realities?
✅ Prioritize certified and traceable herbs – That’s what buyers want.
✅ Explore local and vertical farming options – Don’t rely solely on imports.
✅ Use platforms like Freshdi – Stay updated on market trends, RFQ changes, and supplier reviews.
✅ Plan for compliance – CS3D isn’t optional. It’s coming fast.
And that’s where Freshdi really shines. Whether it’s connecting you with suppliers who are on top of their game, giving you insights into RFQ trends, or tracking market movements in real-time, Freshdi is your go-to partner in navigating this complex space.
FAQs
1. Why are herb prices so high in the Netherlands right now?
Because of geopolitical conflicts, logistical challenges, and bad weather in key supply regions like Israel, Kenya, and Spain, supply has dropped while demand remains strong—causing prices to spike.
2. Are locally grown herbs a better option for Dutch buyers now?
Absolutely. Local cultivation reduces dependency on air freight and helps ensure consistent quality. Dutch producers are investing heavily in indoor and vertical farming.
3. What should I look for in a reliable herb supplier in 2025?
Focus on certifications (organic, GlobalG.A.P., etc.), traceability, sustainability practices, and positive buyer reviews—many of which can be found on platforms like Freshdi.
4. How is the EU’s CS3D affecting the herb trade?
It’s raising the bar for environmental and human rights compliance across supply chains. This is pushing companies to audit, improve, and document every step from farm to fork.
5. What role does Freshdi play in the herbs market?
Freshdi is a B2B platform that helps buyers discover verified suppliers, track RFQ trends, stay informed through real-time market updates, and connect with sellers adjusting to market changes.
References
- Hortidaily: Skyrocketing Herb Prices
- Freshplaza: Dutch Herb Season Update
- CBI: Trends in Spices & Herbs
- Vertical Farm Daily: Infarm and Dutch Supermarkets
- The Guardian: Contaminants in Cannabis
