NETHERLANDS
India-Netherlands Agriculture Trade: A Growing Partnership Driven by Peanut Exports
In recent years, the agriculture trade between India and the Netherlands has gained significant momentum, powered by shared goals of food security, innovation, and sustainability. As India strengthens its position as a global supplier of agricultural commodities, the Netherlands is emerging as a vital gateway for Indian agri-products into the European Union.
One of the standout contributors to this bilateral growth is the peanut trade, which has become increasingly important due to rising demand in the Dutch and wider European markets.
Expanding Agriculture Trade Between Two Economies
India and the Netherlands share a dynamic economic relationship, especially in the field of agriculture. India exports a variety of agri-products including rice, spices, fresh fruits, vegetables, pulses, and edible oils to the Netherlands. In return, the Netherlands contributes through investment in Indian agritech, irrigation technology, and cold-chain solutions.
Key Trade Statistics:
- The total agricultural exports from India to the Netherlands crossed USD 850 million in 2023
- A significant portion comes from processed food items, grains, and oilseeds including peanuts
- The Dutch market's focus on quality, traceability, and sustainability aligns well with India's evolving agri-export ecosystem
The Rise of Indian Peanuts in the Netherlands
Among all the agricultural commodities, Indian peanuts (also known as groundnuts) have seen a remarkable rise in demand in the Dutch market. Peanuts are widely used in the Netherlands for direct consumption, peanut butter, roasted snack mixes, oil extraction, and in the food processing industry.
Export Data:
- India exported more than 45,000 metric tonnes of peanuts to the Netherlands in FY 2022-23
- Trade values exceeding USD 35 million
- This upward trend is a result of consistent quality, competitive pricing, and the versatility of Indian peanuts in multiple food applications
Types and Varieties of Peanuts Exported from India
India is the second-largest peanut producer in the world and offers several varieties that cater to diverse industrial requirements. The Netherlands imports a mix of these varieties for different uses:
Bold Peanuts
- Large in size, high in oil content, and ideal for roasting and direct snacking
- Especially preferred in the European market for their crunchy texture and consistent flavor
Java Peanuts
- Smaller and rounder than Bold peanuts
- Commonly used in confectionery products and peanut butter
- Known for their uniform size and sweeter taste
Redskin Peanuts
- This variety has a red-colored skin and is often used in gourmet snacks and ethnic cuisines
- They are also utilized for oil production due to their oil-rich profile
Blanched Peanuts
- These are skinless, clean, and white peanuts suitable for use in bakery items, sauces, and food products that require a refined appearance
- Blanched peanuts from India are highly sought after for their purity and taste
In addition to kernels, India exports cold-pressed peanut oil and peanut cake, which is used in cattle feed and organic fertilizers. These by-products are gaining popularity in sustainable agriculture and animal nutrition across Europe.
Why Dutch Buyers Prefer Indian Peanuts
There are several reasons why Indian groundnuts are gaining popularity in the Netherlands:
- Non-GMO and sustainably farmed, matching EU environmental standards
- High availability of both raw and value-added forms such as blanched and roasted peanuts
- Competitive pricing with a steady year-round supply
- Adherence to international food safety norms and APEDA-certified processing facilities
- Strong logistics and shipping networks between Indian ports and major Dutch hubs like Rotterdam
Trade Growth and Future Potential
The peanut trade between India and the Netherlands has grown steadily over the past five years, with a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of around 8%. This growth is expected to continue as Dutch food manufacturers increase their reliance on Indian-origin ingredients for their quality and cost-effectiveness.
Future Opportunities:
- Increased demand for organic peanuts and chemical-free processing
- Value-added exports such as peanut flour, peanut butter, and roasted peanut snacks
- Collaborations in traceable supply chains and blockchain-based sourcing to meet European regulations
Conclusion
The agriculture trade between India and the Netherlands is thriving, and peanuts are playing a central role in this evolving partnership. With India offering diverse varieties, reliable supply chains, and global-quality standards, and the Netherlands acting as a European trade hub, this collaboration is poised to scale new heights.
For importers and distributors in the Netherlands and across Europe, sourcing Indian peanuts offers not just economic value but also product consistency, safety, and versatility. Whether it's Bold, Java, Redskin, or Blanched, India is ready to meet the growing needs of the global peanut market.