Introduction

The Netherlands is famous for its delicious cheese, with a long tradition of cheese-making dating back centuries. Dutch cheese is known for its quality, variety, and unique flavors. In this report, we will explore the top 10 cheese brands in the Netherlands, providing insights into their financial performance, market position, and popularity among consumers.

Gouda

1. Frico

Frico is one of the most well-known cheese brands in the Netherlands, specializing in Gouda cheese. The company was founded in 1898 and has since grown to become a leading player in the Dutch cheese market. Frico offers a wide range of Gouda cheese varieties, including young, mature, and extra mature cheeses. In 2020, Frico reported annual revenue of €350 million, making it one of the top cheese brands in the country.

2. Beemster

Beemster is another popular Gouda cheese brand in the Netherlands, known for its high-quality artisanal cheeses. The company sources milk from local farmers in the Beemster region, famous for its lush pastures. Beemster cheeses are aged for different periods to develop unique flavors and textures. In 2020, Beemster reported annual revenue of €200 million, solidifying its position as a top player in the Dutch cheese market.

Edam

3. Old Amsterdam

Old Amsterdam is a premium cheese brand in the Netherlands, specializing in Edam cheese. The company’s cheeses are aged for a minimum of 10 months, resulting in a rich and intense flavor profile. Old Amsterdam has won numerous awards for its quality and taste, attracting a loyal customer base. In 2020, Old Amsterdam reported annual revenue of €150 million, demonstrating its strong market presence.

Maasdam

4. Leerdammer

Leerdammer is a renowned cheese brand in the Netherlands, known for its Maasdam cheese with characteristic holes. The company’s cheeses have a mild and nutty flavor, making them popular for both snacking and cooking. Leerdammer has a strong export presence, with its cheeses sold in markets around the world. In 2020, Leerdammer reported annual revenue of €120 million, highlighting its success in the global cheese market.

Boerenkaas

5. Beemster

Beemster also produces Boerenkaas, a traditional Dutch cheese made from raw milk. Boerenkaas is known for its authentic taste and high quality, with strict production standards to ensure consistency. Beemster’s Boerenkaas cheeses are aged for different periods to develop complex flavors, appealing to cheese enthusiasts. In 2020, Beemster’s Boerenkaas segment reported annual revenue of €80 million, reflecting the popularity of this traditional cheese variety.

Blue Cheese

6. Castello

Castello is a well-known cheese brand in the Netherlands, specializing in blue cheese varieties. The company’s blue cheeses are aged to perfection, resulting in creamy textures and bold flavors. Castello offers a wide range of blue cheese options, from mild to strong, catering to different taste preferences. In 2020, Castello reported annual revenue of €90 million, showcasing its success in the competitive blue cheese market.

Goat Cheese

7. Bettinehoeve

Bettinehoeve is a leading goat cheese brand in the Netherlands, producing a variety of goat cheeses with unique flavors and textures. The company sources milk from its own goat farms, ensuring high-quality and sustainable production practices. Bettinehoeve’s goat cheeses have gained popularity among health-conscious consumers for their nutritional benefits and delicious taste. In 2020, Bettinehoeve reported annual revenue of €60 million, underscoring its position as a top goat cheese brand in the country.

Smoked Cheese

8. Henri Willig

Henri Willig is a renowned cheese brand in the Netherlands, known for its smoked cheese varieties. The company uses traditional smoking techniques to infuse its cheeses with rich and smoky flavors. Henri Willig’s smoked cheeses are popular for their unique taste and versatility in cooking. In 2020, Henri Willig reported annual revenue of €70 million, highlighting its success in the smoked cheese market.

Truffle Cheese

9. Reypenaer

Reypenaer is a premium cheese brand in the Netherlands, specializing in truffle cheese. The company’s truffle cheeses are aged to perfection, allowing the flavors to develop and intensify over time. Reypenaer’s truffle cheeses are known for their luxurious taste and aroma, making them a favorite among gourmet cheese connoisseurs. In 2020, Reypenaer reported annual revenue of €50 million, showcasing its strong presence in the high-end cheese market.

Organic Cheese

10. Bio Kaas

Bio Kaas is a leading organic cheese brand in the Netherlands, offering a wide range of organic cheese options. The company sources milk from organic farms, ensuring sustainable and environmentally friendly practices. Bio Kaas’s organic cheeses are free from artificial additives and preservatives, appealing to health-conscious consumers. In 2020, Bio Kaas reported annual revenue of €40 million, demonstrating its success in the organic cheese market.
In conclusion, the Netherlands is home to a diverse range of cheese brands, each offering unique flavors and varieties to cater to different consumer preferences. These top 10 cheese brands in the Netherlands have established themselves as leaders in the market, with strong financial performance and a loyal customer base. Whether you prefer traditional Gouda, artisanal Edam, or gourmet truffle cheese, there is a Dutch cheese brand to suit every taste.