Large rise in Dutch fat production

The total production of margarines and edible fats rose substantially in the Netherlands in the period 2000-2008. Consumption of fats fell in the same period.

Exports of fats substantially up

In 2008, 509 million kilograms of margarines, diet margarines and edible fats were produced in the Netherlands. This was over a quarter more than in 2000. The increase was the result of an increase in growing foreign demand. Exports grew by about two-thirds in the period 2000-2008. Demand from Germany in particular increased. 

Production and exports of margarines, diet margarines and edible fats

Netherlands largest producer

The Netherlands was the largest producer of margarines, diet margarines and edible fats in the European Union in 2008. It accounted for 16 percent of the total production of margarines and edible fats. Germany and Belgium accounted for 15 and 13 percent of these products respectively.

Consumers eat less margarine and more diet margarine

Consumption of margarine fell by one quarter in the period 2000-2008. Consumption of diet margarines on the other hand rose by 10 percent. Consumption of fats, including oils, but excluding fats occurring naturally in products such as peanuts, meat and milk fell in this period. The lower consumption of margarine and a shift to consumption of products with a lower fat content play a role in this respect.

An average Dutch person consumed an average 20.8 kilograms of fat in 2008. This is equivalent to a daily intake of 57 grams, nearly 7 percent less than in 2000.

Domestic net consumption of fats and oils

Mathijs Jacobs