The top 10 onion growing regions in the Netherlands

Robert Gultig

16 April 2025

The top 10 onion growing regions in the Netherlands

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Written by Robert Gultig

16 April 2025

Introduction

The Netherlands is known for its agricultural prowess, with a significant portion of its land dedicated to farming. One of the key crops grown in the country is onions, which are not only a staple in Dutch cuisine but also a major export product. In this report, we will explore the top 10 onion growing regions in the Netherlands, providing insights into the industry’s financial data, key players, and trends.

1. Zeeland

Overview

Zeeland is one of the leading onion growing regions in the Netherlands, known for its fertile soil and favorable climate for onion cultivation. The region produces a large volume of onions annually, contributing significantly to the country’s overall production.

Industry Insights

Several prominent onion farming companies are based in Zeeland, such as De Groot en Slot, which specializes in high-quality onion seeds. The region also benefits from strong export links, with a substantial portion of its onions being shipped overseas.

Financial Data

In 2020, Zeeland’s onion industry generated approximately €100 million in revenue, making it a key economic driver for the region. The industry is expected to continue growing in the coming years, driven by increasing demand for Dutch onions in international markets.

2. Flevoland

Overview

Flevoland is another major onion growing region in the Netherlands, known for its modern farming practices and advanced technology. The region’s flat landscape and well-drained soil make it ideal for onion cultivation, leading to high yields and quality produce.

Industry Insights

Key players in Flevoland’s onion industry include Agrico, a leading cooperative that specializes in seed breeding and production. The region also benefits from strong government support for agricultural development, ensuring the sector’s sustainability.

Financial Data

In 2020, Flevoland’s onion industry generated approximately €80 million in revenue, with exports accounting for a significant portion of the income. The region’s focus on innovation and efficiency has helped drive growth in the sector, making it a key player in the Dutch onion market.

3. Noord-Holland

Overview

Noord-Holland is a prominent onion growing region in the Netherlands, known for its long tradition of onion farming. The region’s proximity to major ports and transport hubs makes it a strategic location for exporting onions to international markets.

Industry Insights

Key companies in Noord-Holland’s onion industry include Bejo Zaden, a leading seed company that supplies high-quality onion varieties to farmers. The region also benefits from a skilled workforce and strong agricultural infrastructure, supporting the sector’s growth.

Financial Data

In 2020, Noord-Holland’s onion industry generated approximately €90 million in revenue, with a significant portion coming from exports. The region’s focus on sustainability and quality control has helped maintain its competitive edge in the global onion market.

4. Zuid-Holland

Overview

Zuid-Holland is a key onion growing region in the Netherlands, known for its innovative farming practices and research facilities. The region’s diverse landscape and favorable climate make it ideal for growing a wide variety of onion types.

Industry Insights

Prominent companies in Zuid-Holland’s onion industry include Hazera, a leading seed company that specializes in onion breeding and research. The region also benefits from strong collaboration between farmers, researchers, and government agencies, driving innovation in the sector.

Financial Data

In 2020, Zuid-Holland’s onion industry generated approximately €85 million in revenue, with a growing focus on sustainable farming practices. The region’s investment in technology and R&D has helped improve productivity and quality in onion production, ensuring its competitiveness in the market.

5. Drenthe

Overview

Drenthe is a significant onion growing region in the Netherlands, known for its traditional farming practices and strong agricultural heritage. The region’s rich soil and abundant water sources make it well-suited for onion cultivation, leading to high yields and quality crops.

Industry Insights

Key players in Drenthe’s onion industry include Royal ZAP, a family-owned company that has been producing onions for generations. The region also benefits from a close-knit farming community and cooperative spirit, ensuring mutual support and knowledge sharing.

Financial Data

In 2020, Drenthe’s onion industry generated approximately €75 million in revenue, with a focus on sustainable farming practices. The region’s commitment to environmental stewardship and community engagement has helped build a strong reputation for quality onions, attracting buyers from around the world.

6. Groningen

Overview

Groningen is a key onion growing region in the Netherlands, known for its vast farmlands and modern agricultural practices. The region’s flat terrain and well-developed infrastructure make it an ideal location for large-scale onion production, leading to high yields and efficiency.

Industry Insights

Prominent companies in Groningen’s onion industry include De Groot International, a leading exporter of Dutch onions to global markets. The region also benefits from strong collaboration between farmers, processors, and distributors, ensuring a smooth supply chain for onions.

Financial Data

In 2020, Groningen’s onion industry generated approximately €70 million in revenue, with a focus on export markets. The region’s strategic location and efficient logistics have helped drive growth in the sector, making it a key player in the Dutch onion industry.

7. Limburg

Overview

Limburg is a significant onion growing region in the Netherlands, known for its diverse landscape and skilled workforce. The region’s favorable climate and agricultural traditions make it a prime location for onion cultivation, leading to high-quality produce and sustainable farming practices.

Industry Insights

Key players in Limburg’s onion industry include Rijk Zwaan, a leading seed company that specializes in onion breeding and research. The region also benefits from strong government support for agricultural development, ensuring the sector’s long-term sustainability.

Financial Data

In 2020, Limburg’s onion industry generated approximately €65 million in revenue, with a growing focus on organic farming. The region’s commitment to environmental sustainability and quality control has helped maintain its competitive edge in the global onion market.

8. Overijssel

Overview

Overijssel is a key onion growing region in the Netherlands, known for its innovative farming practices and research institutions. The region’s fertile soil and well-established infrastructure make it an ideal location for onion cultivation, leading to high yields and quality crops.

Industry Insights

Prominent companies in Overijssel’s onion industry include Enza Zaden, a leading seed company that specializes in onion breeding and genetics. The region also benefits from strong partnerships between farmers, researchers, and policymakers, driving innovation in the sector.

Financial Data

In 2020, Overijssel’s onion industry generated approximately €60 million in revenue, with a focus on sustainable farming practices. The region’s investment in technology and R&D has helped improve productivity and quality in onion production, ensuring its competitiveness in the market.

9. Gelderland

Overview

Gelderland is a significant onion growing region in the Netherlands, known for its diverse landscape and traditional farming practices. The region’s fertile soil and temperate climate make it well-suited for onion cultivation, leading to high yields and quality produce.

Industry Insights

Key players in Gelderland’s onion industry include Syngenta, a leading agricultural company that specializes in seed production and crop protection. The region also benefits from strong collaboration between farmers, researchers, and policymakers, driving innovation in the sector.

Financial Data

In 2020, Gelderland’s onion industry generated approximately €55 million in revenue, with a focus on export markets. The region’s strategic location and efficient logistics have helped drive growth in the sector, making it a key player in the Dutch onion industry.

10. Utrecht

Overview

Utrecht is a prominent onion growing region in the Netherlands, known for its sustainable farming practices and modern agricultural techniques. The region’s fertile soil and advanced technology make it an ideal location for onion cultivation, leading to high yields and quality crops.

Industry Insights

Prominent companies in Utrecht’s onion industry include Bayer, a leading agricultural company that specializes in seed breeding and crop protection. The region also benefits from strong government support for agricultural development, ensuring the sector’s long-term sustainability.

Financial Data

In 2020, Utrecht’s onion industry generated approximately €50 million in revenue, with a growing focus on organic farming. The region’s commitment to environmental sustainability and quality control has helped maintain its competitive edge in the global onion market.

Related Analysis: View Previous Industry Report

Author: Robert Gultig in conjunction with ESS Research Team

Robert Gultig is a veteran Managing Director and International Trade Consultant with over 20 years of experience in global trading and market research. Robert leverages his deep industry knowledge and strategic marketing background (BBA) to provide authoritative market insights in conjunction with the ESS Research Team. If you would like to contribute articles or insights, please join our team by emailing support@essfeed.com.
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