News Food
Germans: 'Is Dutch food sustainable?'
The majority of German consumers trust that imported foodstuffs from the Netherlands are safe. This is apparent from research by ABN Amro. But, when it comes to how sustainably produced those products are, questions arise for the Germans. According to the bank, it is important that companies invest in creating this confidence, because Germany is an important sales market.
The majority of Germans believe that imported foodstuffs from the Netherlands are safe. But, whether those products are actually produced sustainably. That is a question mark for them. This is according to a new study by ABN Amro. Less than half of the consumers surveyed are confident that these Dutch foods are truly sustainably produced. The bank does note that the Netherlands does not stand out particularly negatively. The Germans are also suspicious of Belgian and French foodstuffs.
"The survey shows that 72% of consumers find it somewhat to very important that food and drinks are produced sustainably," according to the bank. "Because Germany is an important sales country, Dutch companies must continue to invest to increase that confidence." Our own food sector is dependent on countries other than our own for about half of our sales. Every year, €10 billion worth of products goes to Germany. This includes tomatoes, dairy products, peppers and eggs.
12% of the German consumers surveyed indicate that they have little or no confidence in the safety of Dutch products. In particular, they cite the use of plant protection products and the high cultivation level as reasons. These consumers have more confidence in products from their own country or products from neighboring France. The great attention paid to the origin of products means that German companies are starting to select their foreign suppliers more carefully, including those from the Netherlands.
No praise for countries outside the European Union
There is even less praise for foodstuffs from countries outside the European Union. German consumers are particularly wary of foodstuffs from China, Brazil and South Africa. China stands head and shoulders above the rest. "Many of these German consumers have little faith in Chinese standards and controls. References are also made to the coronavirus outbreak and the relative closedness of communication about health and sustainability," the bank reports.
To improve the safety and sustainability of food, the European Union passed a law early last year requiring suppliers of a number of fresh products to state the country of origin. In 'Farm-to-Fork' the intention is to increase this number of products. "This is an extra incentive for companies to communicate more transparently about how products and raw materials are produced. Dutch companies can also try to win over consumers in Germany in this way. In addition, specific needs of the German market (such as non-food products) must be addressed. GMO)."
Kimberly Baker
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