The trade balance of Greek-Dutch dairy products is particularly negative for Greece, however the Netherlands is a very important customer for Greek feta exports, while re-exports of feta from the Netherlands are about five times higher than its imports.
This is noted in a survey of the Office of Economic and Commercial Affairs of the Greek embassy in The Hague entitled “The dairy market in the Netherlands.”
As it appears from the report, the trade balance of Greek-Dutch dairy products is particularly negative for Greece, in contrast to what happens e.g. with our trade balance of dairy products with Germany: the latter is negative for our country but with a small deviation, as the exports and imports of cheese products between Germany and Greece are rather balanced.
For the Netherlands, however, the most important imported Greek dairy products are feta and yogurt. It is noted that the Netherlands is a very important customer for Greek feta exports, while re-exports of feta from the Netherlands are about five times higher than its imports. Re-exports of Dutch feta are directed almost entirely to Germany.
Other types of cheese imported from Greece to the Netherlands, apart from feta, are kefalotyri, gouda, kefalograviera and kasseri.
According to the “TradeMap” database, the Netherlands was the 10th most important country for cheese exports from Greece in 2020.
Dutch cheese imports from Greece amounted to 12 million euros in 2020, which means an increase of 27.5% compared to 2019. The TradeMap database shows that the Greek share of Dutch cheese and curd imports (p. p. curd) was about 0.98% in 2020.
About 75% -80% of cheese imports from Greece are feta. Specifically, in 2020, 2,121.9 tons of cheese were imported from Greece, of which 1,586.8 tons were feta. The Netherlands also imports large quantities of feta from neighboring countries such as Germany, Belgium and Denmark.
A rather remarkable conclusion, as it is underlined, is that feta imported from other countries to the Netherlands is cheaper than feta imported directly from Greece. This could explain the decrease in the share of feta imported directly from Greece in recent years. Due to possible economies of scale, feta is also imported in large quantities via Germany.
In terms of Greek imports from the Netherlands, the Netherlands is the second largest supplier of dairy products to Greece.
The most important cheeses we import from this country include Gouda and Edam.
Perspectives
Despite the wide availability of Greek feta in the Netherlands, Greek cheeses still have a lot of ground to win.
Given the image of Greek feta as a healthy product combined with the trend towards a healthier diet in the Netherlands, the demand for feta will be able to increase further in the coming years.
In addition, according to the Dutch Statistical Office, the Netherlands is making more and more imports from Greece. In fact, in the “food” category, the value of imports from Greece is almost double compared to fifteen years ago. In 2020, Greek products in the food sector recorded a record of exports to the Netherlands reaching almost 160 million, of which dairy products were worth 17 million euros. More specifically, dairy imports from Greece increased by 183% from 2012 to 2020.
In supermarkets, the feta brands “Dodoni” and “Salakis” are well established, leaving little room for other feta brands at this stage. In general, the other varieties of Greek cheeses are not available in Dutch supermarkets, thus leaving room for new entrants to the market.
A major problem in general for Greek producers / exporters is their difficulty in meeting the large size of the highly competitive Dutch market. It is therefore necessary for Greek producers / exporters of dairy products to keep in mind that the Dutch supermarkets in particular require large quantities of a product and consistency in delivery times. Due to the above, it is important for Greek producers / entrepreneurs in the industry to create an appropriate strategy for entering the country.
Due to the high quality of Greek dairy products and, at the same time, the degree to which they are affordable due to price, Greek products can play a more important role in the market for “delicatessen” and “premium products” (eg specialty cheese shops). Also, organic cheeses will be able to find space in organic stores (eg Ekoplaza and Odin). Organic store customers are generally more willing to pay for the quality of a product. It is noted, however, that, at present, the market share of organic products in the Netherlands has not reached the level of the share of neighboring countries such as Germany.
Latest News
ELSTAT: Greek Health Expenditures Reach €5.89 Billion in 2022
Finally, healthcare financing as a percentage of GDP decreased to 8.5% in 2022 from 9.18% in 2021, as per the Health Accounts System report.
Sonoco Paper Mill Plants Close After 30 Years in Greece
The shut down of the two paper mills in northern Greece comes a week after a glass plant closed in Athens
BoG: Private Deposits Down by 1.068bln Euros in Feb. 2024
Corporate deposits decreased by 912 million euros, compared to a decrease of 3.167 billion euros in the previous month
Greeks’ Buying Power Second Lowest in the EU
Greeks’ purchasing power is under pressure, ranking 26th among 27 EU member states.
Greek FinMin Says Digital Work Card Tackling Undeclared Work
Greece's recently launched digital work card aimed at tackling undeclared labor has already started to produce results, said Economy and Finance Minister Kostis Hatzidakis
MSC Cruises: More than 400 Visits to Nine Greek Destinations
MSC Cruises, a subsidiary of international shipping line Mediterranean Shipping Company S.A, will be sailing to Greek ports as of this month, expanding operations in the region year-round
Eurostat: Greece Among Cheaper Hourly Labor Cost Zones
In contrast, the countries that posted the highest hourly labor costs are Luxembourg (53.9 euros), Norway (51.9 euros), Iceland
GSEVEE: Economic Sentiment Indicator in Greece Down in Q2 2023
The drop follows a significant uptick in the ESI in the second half of 2022 (69.5 units) and a slight decline in the first half of 2023 (66.7 units)
Manpower Report: Sectors in Greece that Have Achieved Full Gender Equality in the Workplace
Greece surpasses this with 45%, showcasing progress but also room for improvement. Sectors like Consumer Goods and Services lead with 69% reporting full equality globally
Bank of America (BofA): Three Reasons Greek Economy Outperforms EC Average
BofA projects growth of 1.1% in 2024 and 1.7% in 2025, compared to forecasts for eurozone growth at 0.4%/1.1%, respectively