Export of butter has increased considerably

Butter exports amounted to €2016 million in 713. That is over 30% more than the export of margarine. That amounted to € 550 million. Statistics Netherlands reported this on Wednesday 20 September.

The export of butter has increased considerably in recent years, while the export of margarine has stagnated. In 2009 this picture was still reversed. At that time, €513 million in margarine was exported, compared to €393 million in butter. The increase in butter exports is partly due to the fact that more butter is being produced.

Kilos show differences
However, when we compare these 2 products in kilograms, margarine is still far above butter. In 2016, more than 407 million kilos of margarine were exported, compared to 232 million kilos of butter. However, the export value of margarine is lower, because the price of butter is higher.

The exported butter and margarine mainly go to Germany, France and Belgium. In 2016 they accounted for 31%, 21% and 15% respectively. The Netherlands exported more butter than margarine to all 3 of the above countries. 

Imports also increased
The import of butter and margarine also shows differences. In 2016, the Netherlands imported €400 million worth of butter. Imports of margarine were much lower, at €200 million. 

In 2016, almost a third (by value) of the butter came from Ireland, followed by Germany (more than a fifth). In the case of margarine, Belgium and the United States in particular were responsible for almost two thirds of the Dutch import value. 

Increase in production
The production of butter increased to 2016 million kilos in 153. In recent years, butter production has steadily increased, while margarine production has declined. In 5 years, almost 20% more butter has been produced. This while the production of margarine decreased by almost 25% during that period. 

In addition, the Dutch have also started to eat more butter in recent decades. Households in the Netherlands spent an average of €2015 on butter in 19. On the contrary, less is being spent on margarine, from €43 in 1996 to €29 in 2016.

Kimberly Baker

Kimberly Bakker is an all-round editor at Boerenbusiness. She also has an eye for the social media channels of Boerenbusiness.

k.baker @boerenbusiness. Nl

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