Introduction – Netherlands’s Honey Market: A Quantitative Overview
When you think of honey, the Netherlands might not be the first country that comes to mind. But dig a little deeper, and you’ll find that this small European nation plays a quiet yet crucial role in the global honey trade. In 2023 alone, the Netherlands exported about 3.47 million kilograms of natural honey, with a trade value of $23.28 million. That’s roughly 1.12% of global honey exports — not massive, but significant enough to matter.
The country’s export destinations are mostly its European neighbors. Germany leads the pack, absorbing 25% of Dutch honey exports, followed by Belgium (18.9%), Poland (8.9%), Romania (8.44%), and France (7.65%). These figures paint a picture of the Netherlands as an important distributor within Europe, linking suppliers and consumers across borders.
But here’s the twist: While the Netherlands exports a fair amount of honey, it also imports a whole lot more. In 2023, imports hit 14.70 million kilograms, valued at a whopping $52.97 million — that’s 2.45% of global honey imports. This results in an import surplus of nearly $29.7 million, highlighting a strong domestic appetite for honey that far exceeds local production.
So, what does this all mean? For businesses looking to source honey from or through the Netherlands, the opportunities are ripe — but choosing the right supplier is key. That’s where data comes in. Leveraging platforms like Freshdi can give buyers access to real-time RFQ trends, supplier verification, and export performance insights, making decision-making smarter and faster.
Deep Dive – Key Production, Export Statistics & Market Signals
While the Netherlands may not be a top-tier honey producer globally, its role as a strategic export and distribution hub can’t be understated. The export volume (3.47 million kg) and value ($23.28 million) in 2023 represent consistent, reliable supply chains that many EU neighbors depend on.
From a sourcing standpoint, what makes the Dutch market appealing is logistical efficiency. The Netherlands is home to one of the busiest ports in Europe — Rotterdam — and a highly efficient customs system, making it a go-to waypoint for honey entering and exiting Europe.
Moreover, platforms like Freshdi show a growing number of RFQs (Request For Quotations) related to honey in the Netherlands, indicating robust and rising demand. Products like Wild Forest Honey, Organic Acacia Honey, and Manuka Honey blends are increasingly popular among buyers. This RFQ data aligns with the growing health-conscious trends in Europe, where consumers are turning to natural sweeteners and wellness-enhancing foods.
Top 5 Verified Honey Suppliers in Netherlands – Top Tier Based on Export Data
Let’s cut to the chase — if you’re looking for reliable honey suppliers in the Netherlands in Q2 of 2025, based on export performance, certifications, and feedback from verified buyers on Freshdi, here are the top players making waves:
1. BOLIDO NETHERLANDS B.V.
- Specialty: Wild Forest Honey, Organic Honey
- Strengths: Global certifications, consistent export track record, strong buyer reviews on Freshdi
- Markets Served: Germany, Belgium, France, UAE
- Why Choose Them: Their Wild Forest Honey is a top seller, and they’ve maintained a high RFQ response rate, indicating excellent customer service and logistics.
2. HonigLand B.V.
- Specialty: Acacia Honey, Flower Honey
- Strengths: Eco-friendly packaging, traceability, BRC certification
- Markets Served: Central Europe, Scandinavia
- Why Choose Them: Known for premium-grade honey and sustainability initiatives, ideal for health-focused and organic product lines.
3. Dutch Gold Honey Europe
- Specialty: Bulk Honey Supply for Industrial Use
- Strengths: GMP-compliant facilities, efficient bulk export logistics
- Markets Served: Poland, Romania, Italy
- Why Choose Them: Perfect for food manufacturers needing large quantities of honey with consistent quality.
4. Beekeeper’s Best Netherlands
- Specialty: Artisanal Dutch Honey Blends
- Strengths: Small-batch quality, local bee farms, unique flavor profiles
- Markets Served: Niche gourmet markets in France, Germany
- Why Choose Them: If you’re after something unique and premium, this is your go-to.
5. NaturaSweet Europe B.V.
- Specialty: Organic Raw Honey, Manuka Honey Imports
- Strengths: Organic certifications, transparent sourcing, high purity
- Markets Served: Healthcare and wellness brands across Europe
- Why Choose Them: Their organic product range is highly sought after for natural health remedies and cosmetics.
Dynamic Ranking Note
It’s worth noting that platforms like Freshdi update supplier performance rankings dynamically, often highlighting “Suppliers of the Month” or “Top Performing Exporters of the Quarter.” These rankings are based on real-time data such as RFQ fulfillment rate, buyer feedback, and export volumes, making them a goldmine for sourcing professionals.
Market Navigation – Statistical Trends, Price Insights & Export Dynamics
So, what’s the current climate like for honey in the Netherlands and Europe in general?
Demand for Variants
Honey isn’t just honey anymore. The European market is diversifying — from Organic Acacia Honey to Manuka-infused blends, consumer tastes are evolving. Data from Freshdi shows a surge in RFQs for:
– Organic Raw Honey
– Wild Forest Honey
– Herbal Infused Honey
– Acacia and Linden Honey
This demand shift is largely driven by health-conscious buyers, wellness trends, and increasing scrutiny over honey quality and authenticity.
Seasonal Price Fluctuations
Prices aren’t static in this market. They shift based on:
– Harvest Seasons: Prices drop during peak harvest (usually summer).
– Weather Patterns: Poor nectar flow due to bad weather can hike prices.
– Global Supply Chains: Events in major supplier countries like Argentina or Ukraine can ripple into the Dutch market.
Buyers who track these seasonal swings — especially through platforms like Freshdi, which provides price trend alerts — can time their purchases for optimal savings.
Export Dynamics
Although the Netherlands exports a modest amount of honey, its re-export model means it acts more like a gateway for honey flowing through Europe. This model benefits buyers looking for:
– Consolidated shipping
– Customs simplification
– Pan-European distribution
For example, sourcing honey through a Dutch supplier often grants easier access to other EU markets via intra-EU logistics and VAT harmonization.
Conclusion – Leveraging Data for Strategic Sourcing
To sum it up, the Netherlands may not be a honey powerhouse in terms of raw production, but its strategic location, trade infrastructure, and supplier quality make it a top choice for honey buyers in Europe and beyond.
If you’re planning to source honey, don’t just go with gut instinct. Use data. Platforms like Freshdi give you:
– Verified supplier profiles
– Export and RFQ trends
– Certification transparency
– Real buyer reviews
By leveraging this information, businesses can make informed sourcing decisions, reduce risks, and align with market demand.
So whether you’re a retailer, wholesaler, or food manufacturer, the top honey suppliers in the Netherlands in Q2 of 2025 are ready to meet your needs — and data is your best friend in finding the perfect match.
Key Takeaways
- The Netherlands exported 3.47 million kg of honey in 2023, valued at $23.28 million.
- Imports far exceed exports, showing high domestic demand.
- Top export destinations include Germany, Belgium, and Poland.
- Verified suppliers like BOLIDO NETHERLANDS B.V. lead the pack in Q2 2025.
- Platforms like Freshdi help buyers harness data for smarter sourcing.
Buyer’s Checklist: Honey Sourcing from the Netherlands
✅ Verify supplier certifications (Organic, BRC, etc.)
✅ Review RFQ response rates and buyer feedback on Freshdi
✅ Consider seasonal price fluctuations
✅ Evaluate variant demand trends (Acacia, Wild Forest, etc.)
✅ Check for logistics support (bulk shipping, EU distribution)
Future Outlook
Looking ahead, the honey market in the Netherlands is likely to mirror broader European trends:
– Increased demand for organic and sustainable honey
– Growing scrutiny over quality and authenticity
– More digitalization in B2B sourcing processes
With platforms like Freshdi evolving to offer real-time data, supplier ratings, and even predictive trends, buyers will be even better equipped to navigate the market confidently.
References
- World Bank WITS – Netherlands Honey Export Data (2023)
- TradeEconomy – Netherlands Honey Trade Overview
- World Bank WITS – Netherlands Honey Import Data (2023)
- Eurostat – EU Honey Imports 2023
FAQs
1. Why does the Netherlands import more honey than it exports?
Because demand outpaces local production. The Netherlands acts as a key distribution hub in the EU, importing honey from around the world to meet local and regional needs.
2. How can I verify the quality of a honey supplier in the Netherlands?
Use B2B platforms like Freshdi, which provide supplier certifications, buyer reviews, and export history.
3. What types of honey are in high demand in Europe right now?
Organic Raw Honey, Wild Forest Honey, Acacia Honey, and Manuka blends are currently trending due to their health benefits and unique flavors.
4. When is the best time to buy honey from Dutch suppliers?
Prices are generally lower during peak harvest seasons (late summer to early fall). Use data platforms to monitor seasonal price trends.
5. Are Dutch honey suppliers reliable for bulk orders?
Absolutely. Verified suppliers like BOLIDO NETHERLANDS B.V. have consistent export records and infrastructure to handle large-scale B2B shipments.
