Asparagus has long been a popular vegetable in the Netherlands, with the country ranking as the second-largest consumer of asparagus in the European Union. According to recent reports, the average consumption in the Netherlands stands at 900 grams per person, trailing only behind Germany. However, while consumption remains steady, the market for asparagus has faced some challenges in recent years. The penetration rate, which measures the percentage of households purchasing asparagus, peaked at 38% in 2020, but has since fallen to 36% in 2024. This decline suggests that while asparagus is still a staple for many Dutch households, growth in demand is unlikely in the short term.
In terms of production, the Netherlands is home to approximately 2,700 hectares of asparagus cultivation, with white asparagus being the dominant variety. Around 3% of the asparagus grown in the Netherlands is produced organically, reflecting a global trend toward more sustainable agricultural practices. The country is also an important exporter of asparagus, with 51% of the local supply being sold domestically and the remainder being exported, primarily to Germany. The Netherlands plays a crucial role in the European asparagus trade, especially in terms of imports, with Peru accounting for 56% of the international asparagus imported into the country.
While white asparagus continues to be the dominant type consumed in the Netherlands, green asparagus is slowly gaining popularity. It now makes up 25% of the total asparagus demand, a shift that reflects changing consumer preferences and growing interest in the nutritional benefits of green varieties. This rise in the demand for green asparagus could indicate future market trends, where consumers may seek out a broader variety of asparagus types.
Despite the challenges of a declining penetration rate, the Dutch asparagus market remains strong due to steady domestic demand and its role as an importer and exporter within the European asparagus trade. However, the decline in market penetration indicates that producers and retailers may need to explore new strategies to stimulate growth, such as focusing on organic production or tapping into emerging markets for green asparagus.
The Netherlands continues to be a significant player in the European asparagus market, ranked as the second-largest consumer in the EU. However, with a decline in market penetration since 2020, it appears that demand for asparagus may stabilize rather than grow in the near future. To ensure continued success, Dutch producers may need to focus on diversifying their offerings, including increasing organic production and capitalizing on the growing preference for green asparagus.
