Netherlands: Sweet Opportunities in The Netherlands for US Candies and Chocolates

Between 2018 and 2024, U.S. exports of confectionery products have skyrocketed from $4 million to $28 million and exports of chocolate and cocoa product grown from $16 million to a record high $31 million. Over the past few years, the Dutch increased their spending on confectionery and chocolate products, making the Netherlands an interesting market, with its small, but affluent population. Post Brexit, the Netherlands has become the leading trading hub for U.S. confectionery and chocolate products within the European Union (EU). While most of the confectionery and chocolate products on the market are manufactured in Europe, FAS/The Hague sees opportunities for U.S. manufacturers – in particular for products that are popular on social media platforms and those that are extreme in taste, color, size, and product name. Themed confectionery is gaining popularity as well as sugar-free candy, vegan, halal certified, and socially responsible products are appearing on the market.