Introduction – Netherlands’s Frozen Fish Market: A Quantitative Overview
The Netherlands isn’t just famous for windmills and tulips—it’s also a major hub for frozen fish exports. In fact, this small but mighty European country plays a significant role in the global frozen fish trade. With nearly 600,000 tons of frozen fish exported in 2022 alone, valued at close to €991 million, the Dutch seafood industry is a heavy hitter on the global stage.
Why does this matter to you as a buyer, distributor, or retailer? Because when you’re sourcing frozen fish in bulk, you want to make informed decisions. Picking the right supplier isn’t just about who has the lowest price—it’s about logistics, reliability, certifications, and yes, data. That’s where platforms like Freshdi come in, providing verified supplier profiles, RFQ trends, and export analytics tailored for decision-makers like you.
So, let’s dive deep into the numbers, trends, and top-performing suppliers from the Netherlands in Q3 2025.
Deep Dive – Key Production, Export Statistics & Market Signals
Production and Export Volumes
The Netherlands stands tall in Europe’s seafood export scene. In 2022, the country exported approximately 600,000 tons of frozen fish, raking in a whopping €991 million. Fast forward to 2023, and exports of frozen fish (excluding fillets) alone hit $327 million. That’s not just impressive—it’s strategic.
Top Export Destinations
Where is all this fish going? Here’s a breakdown of the top markets:
- 🐟 Nigeria: $205 million
- 🐟 China: $84.4 million
- 🐟 Egypt: $62.1 million
- 🐟 Germany: $59.3 million
- 🐟 Malta: $43.2 million
Clearly, the demand is strong—and diverse.
Market Demand Insights via Freshdi
Freshdi, a B2B seafood sourcing platform, reports a consistent increase in RFQ (Request for Quotation) volumes for frozen fish from these regions. Nigeria, in particular, has led the charge in buyer activity, especially for mackerel and horse mackerel.
Emerging Trends & Policy Shifts
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Egypt Shelf Life Extension: In July 2024, Egypt extended the allowable shelf life of imported frozen fish from 6 to 10 months, effective through the end of 2024. This move is expected to boost Dutch exports further.
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Strategic Partnerships: In April 2024, Zalmhuys Group acquired a minority stake in Anova Seafood, signaling industry consolidation and a shared vision for expanding global reach.
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5% Export Growth in 2024: Dutch fish exports grew by over 5% in 2024, with countries like Israel and France posting double-digit value increases.
What does this all mean? The Netherlands isn’t just exporting more fish—it’s exporting smarter. And the suppliers behind these numbers are worth watching closely.
Top 4 Verified Frozen Fish Suppliers in Netherlands – Leading Exporters by Volume
Based on export records, certifications, and positive buyer feedback on Freshdi, here are the Top 4 Frozen Fish Suppliers in the Netherlands for Q3 2025:
1. B.V. DUYNIE
- Specialty: Frozen pelagic fish, including mackerel and herring
- Certifications: MSC, HACCP
- Key Markets: West Africa, Middle East
- Why They Stand Out: Known for fast turnaround times and consistent quality, B.V. DUYNIE is a favorite among wholesale buyers seeking volume reliability.
2. D. VISSER FROZEN SEAFOOD B.V.
- Specialty: Whitefish, cod, and haddock
- Certifications: ISO 22000, IFS Food
- Key Markets: Germany, France, and Egypt
- Why They Stand Out: Their traceability systems and customer service are top-notch. They’re a go-to for buyers who prioritize transparency.
3. Erimpex
- Specialty: Whole frozen fish and fillets
- Certifications: BRC, Halal-compliant
- Key Markets: North Africa, Eastern Europe
- Why They Stand Out: Erimpex offers customized packaging options and has a robust presence on Freshdi, with multiple successful RFQs.
4. TERLET B.V.
- Specialty: Value-added frozen seafood products
- Certifications: Organic, EU-compliant
- Key Markets: EU countries, Israel
- Why They Stand Out: Their innovative product lines and kosher-friendly processing have made them a rising star in high-regulation markets.
Dynamic Ranking Note: Rankings are based on Q3 2025 data. Freshdi updates supplier performance monthly, so check their platform for the latest “Suppliers of the Month” based on RFQ activity and buyer feedback.
Market Navigation – Statistical Trends, Pricing Analysis & Export Dynamics
What Frozen Fish Is in Demand?
According to Freshdi’s RFQ analytics:
- Mackerel and horse mackerel are the top-requested species in Africa.
- Cod and haddock remain staples in Europe.
- Herring sees seasonal spikes, especially in Q2 and Q4.
Seasonal Pricing Shifts
Much like fruits and vegetables, fish prices vary by season. Here’s how:
- Q1: Prices peak due to winter fishing restrictions.
- Q2 – Q3: Most affordable prices as supply increases.
- Q4: Prices rise again due to holiday demand.
Smart buyers look at Freshdi’s historical price trends to place orders during the dip and stock up early.
Export Dynamics
The Netherlands’ strong port infrastructure (especially Rotterdam) makes it a logistics dream. Coupled with consistent government regulations and EU compliance, Dutch exporters have a smooth pathway to global markets.
Conclusion – Leveraging Data for Strategic Sourcing
The Netherlands has proven itself as a global leader in frozen fish exports. But beyond the impressive numbers lies a deeper truth: data-driven sourcing is the future of the seafood trade.
By understanding market trends, destination dynamics, and supplier capabilities, you can make smarter, faster, and more profitable decisions.
And that’s exactly what platforms like Freshdi are built for—giving buyers verified insights, live RFQ data, and access to top-tier suppliers like B.V. DUYNIE and TERLET B.V.
If you’re serious about buying frozen fish from the Netherlands, don’t rely on guesswork. Let the data guide you.
Key Takeaways
- The Netherlands exported 600,000 tons of frozen fish in 2022, with Nigeria and China as top destinations.
- Q3 2025 saw suppliers like B.V. DUYNIE and Erimpex leading in verified exports.
- Demand is rising in North Africa, Europe, and the Middle East, especially for mackerel, cod, and herring.
- Seasonal price trends can inform smarter procurement strategies.
- Freshdi offers real-time RFQ data, supplier verification, and market intelligence.
Frozen Fish Buyer’s Checklist – Netherlands Edition
✅ Check supplier certifications (MSC, HACCP, ISO)
✅ Evaluate supplier RFQ history on Freshdi
✅ Compare seasonal pricing trends
✅ Prioritize logistics-ready suppliers (Rotterdam access)
✅ Confirm shelf life compliance for your destination markets
✅ Request sample shipments before large orders
Future Outlook – What’s Next for Dutch Frozen Fish?
With sustainability becoming a bigger priority, expect suppliers to invest more in traceability and eco-certifications. Egypt’s latest shelf life extension signals more regulatory flexibility, while strategic mergers (like Zalmhuys and Anova) suggest a consolidating market.
For buyers, this means more reliable sourcing options and deeper partnerships. And with platforms like Freshdi evolving every month, you’ll always have a front-row seat to real-time seafood trade.
How Freshdi Empowers Frozen Fish Buyers
- Verified Supplier Profiles: No more guesswork—only trusted exporters.
- Live Market Trends: Identify hot products and regions in real time.
- RFQ Management: Submit, track, and negotiate offers from multiple suppliers.
- Export Intelligence: Access to pricing trends, certifications, and buyer feedback.
Whether you’re a wholesaler in Lagos or a distributor in Berlin, Freshdi helps you connect to the Dutch frozen fish market with confidence.
References
- Agroberichten Buitenland – Egypt Shelf Life Extension
- Freshdi Market Insights
- OEC – Netherlands Frozen Fish Export Data
- Vakblad Voedingsindustrie – Export Growth Report
- Feast Magazine – Zalmhuys and Anova Deal
FAQs
1. What’s the most exported frozen fish from the Netherlands?
Mackerel and herring dominate the export charts, especially to African and Asian markets.
2. How can I verify a Dutch frozen fish supplier?
Use platforms like Freshdi to view certifications, export history, and buyer reviews.
3. Are prices for frozen fish stable year-round?
Not really. Prices fluctuate seasonally, with Q2 and Q3 generally offering the best deals.
4. Which markets are growing fastest for Dutch frozen fish?
Israel, France, and Egypt have shown strong recent growth in demand.
5. Can I request samples before placing bulk orders?
Yes! Most verified suppliers on Freshdi offer sample shipments to establish quality and trust.
