The “Vakbeurs Foodspecialiteiten” is a contemporary exhibition where professionals from the entire food specialties business come together. Exhibitors come to strengthen customer acquisition and relationships, to demonstrate (new) products and bring their business or products to the attention.
The Vakbeurs Foodspecialiteiten takes place at Evenementenhal Gorinchem in the Netherlands from September 14 – 15th, 2026. Belgian companies can participate in the Belgian pavilion.
More information on Vakbeurs Foodspecialiteiten here.
The Dutch market has a population of 17,8 million consumers, the population is relatively young, with a median age of around 42 years. There is a significant proportion of working-age consumers, which drives demand for a wide range of products and services. Over 90% of the population lives in urban areas, making it one of the most urbanized countries in the world.
The Dutch are known for their love of food and beverages, with a strong demand for both local and international products. The country is also a leader in sustainable and organic food consumption. The retail sector is highly developed, with a mix of traditional brick-and-mortar stores and a rapidly growing e-commerce market. Online shopping is particularly popular.
Emerging Trends in Distribution
- Dark Stores: Rapid growth of dark stores (fulfillment centers for online orders) to support quick delivery services.
- Subscription Models: Increasing popularity of subscription-based services for groceries, meal kits, and specialty products.
- Partnerships with Local Producers: Supermarkets are increasingly partnering with local farmers and producers to offer fresh, locally sourced products.
Major Food Distribution Chains in the Netherlands
Supermarkets (General Grocery)
- Albert Heijn
- Market Position: The largest supermarket chain in the Netherlands, with a market share of around 35 %.
- Profile: Known for its wide range of products, including premium and organic options. Strong focus on sustainability and innovation.
- Channels: Physical stores, online shopping, and delivery services.
- Jumbo
- Market Position: The second-largest supermarket chain, with a market share of approximately 22 %.
- Profile: Offers a broad assortment of products, including fresh produce, private-label brands, and international foods. Known for competitive pricing and customer service.
- Channels: Physical stores, online shopping, and home delivery.
- Lidl
- Market Position: A major discount supermarket chain, with a growing market share.
- Profile: Focuses on low prices, private-label products, and weekly promotions. Increasingly expanding its range of organic and sustainable products.
- Channels: Physical stores and limited online options.
- Aldi
- Market Position: Another leading discount supermarket chain.
- Profile: Similar to Lidl, Aldi emphasizes affordability, efficiency, and a curated selection of products, including fresh and organic options.
- Channels: Physical stores.
- Plus
- Market Position: A mid-sized supermarket chain, often operating as franchises.
- Profile: Focuses on local communities, offering a mix of national brands and private-label products.
- Channels: Physical stores.
- Dirk van den Broek
- Market Position: A well-established supermarket chain, particularly strong in the Randstad region.
- Profile: Known for competitive pricing and a focus on fresh produce and local products.
- Channels: Physical stores and online shopping.
- Coop
- Market Position: A cooperative supermarket chain.
- Profile: Emphasizes sustainability, local sourcing, and ethical business practices.
- Channels: Physical stores.
Specialty and Organic Stores
- Ekoplaza
- Profile: The largest organic supermarket chain in the Netherlands, offering a wide range of organic, sustainable, and ethical products.
- Channels: Physical stores and online shopping.
- Marqt
- Profile: Focuses on high-quality, organic, and artisanal products. Known for its curated selection and premium positioning.
- Channels: Physical stores and online shopping.
- Odin
- Profile: Specializes in organic and natural products, with a strong emphasis on health and wellness.
- Channels: Physical stores.
Online Grocery Platforms
- Picnic
- Profile: An app-based, delivery-only supermarket with no physical stores. Known for its user-friendly app, competitive pricing, and focus on fresh and sustainable products.
- Channels: Mobile app and home delivery.
- Crisp
- Profile: An online supermarket offering a wide range of products, including fresh produce, meal kits, and international foods. Focuses on convenience and sustainability.
- Channels: Website and mobile app, with home delivery.
- Gorillas (now Getir)
- Profile: Originally a rapid grocery delivery service, now part of Getir. Offers ultra-fast delivery of groceries and convenience products in urban areas.
- Channels: Mobile app and home delivery.
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