Record export value of fruit and vegetables

The export of fruits and vegetables in May 2002 reached a record level with an export value of 836 million euro. This is mainly due to an increase in the export volume. In May 2002 some 1.1 million tons of fruits and vegetables crossed the border, over 5% more than in May last year.

Germany bought over 300 million euro worth of fruits and vegetables from the Netherlands. This constitutes about 36% of the total export value of these products, making Germany by far the largest buyer.

Record level

It is the first time ever that the monthly export value of fruits and vegetables exceeded 800 million euro. In May 2002 the export value was 43 million euro higher than in the previous record month, which happened to be exactly a year earlier This is an increase of almost 5.5%. Tomatoes, potatoes and potato products are the major export commodities of the fruit and vegetable branch.

The export value of fruits and vegetables has been increasing by 300 to 500 million euro a year since 1996. In the first five months of 2002 the value was more than 225 million euro higher than in the same period last year.

Export value of fruits and vegetables

Mainly to Germany

In comparison with exports as a whole, the share of fruit and vegetable exports that goes to neighbouring countries is very large. Germany is by far the largest buyer of Dutch fruits and vegetables. In May 2002 over 300 million euro worth of these Dutch products was delivered to the German neighbours. This is almost 36% of the total export value of fruits and vegetables. The United Kingdom follows in second place with over 16%. Next come France and Belgium with 9 and 7% respectively of the total Dutch export value of fruits and vegetables.

Export value main trading partners

Ger Moritz