Netherlands Eggs

FAQs

---

Where does Netherlands import eggs?

The Netherlands imports eggs from several countries, depending on market conditions, supply availability, and demand. While the Netherlands is a major egg producer and exporter, it also imports eggs and egg products to meet domestic demand, balance seasonal fluctuations, and support its processing industry.

• Germany – As a neighboring country with a strong egg production industry, Germany is one of the primary suppliers of eggs to the Netherlands.
• Belgium – Another key trade partner, Belgium exports eggs to the Netherlands, especially for processing and food manufacturing.
• Poland – Poland has a growing egg industry and is a major supplier of eggs across Europe, including the Netherlands.
• France – France supplies both shell eggs and egg products to the Dutch market.
• Spain – Spanish egg producers export eggs to the Netherlands, particularly when there are shortages or higher demand.
• Other EU Countries – The Netherlands may also import eggs from other European nations, depending on price and availability.

These sources allow the Netherlands to maintain a steady supply of eggs to meet the needs of its population. To Learn more about working with international egg markets contact eusales@eggsunlimited.com.

What makes eggs in the Netherlands compliant?

Eggs in the Netherlands must comply with strict European Union (EU) regulations and Dutch national standards to ensure food safety, animal welfare, and environmental sustainability. Compliance is determined by various factors, including production methods, labeling, and hygiene standards.

Key Factors for Egg Compliance in the Netherlands

1. EU and Dutch Food Safety Regulations

• EU Egg Marketing Standards (Regulation (EU) No 1308/2013) – Establishes quality grades, labeling, and classification for eggs sold in the EU.
• EU Hygiene Regulations (Regulation (EC) No 852/2004 & 853/2004) – Covers food hygiene and processing requirements for eggs and egg products.
• Salmonella Control (Regulation (EC) No 2160/2003) – Requires mandatory testing for salmonella in poultry farms to prevent contamination.

2. Egg Labeling and Traceability

Every egg sold in the Netherlands must have a stamped code that indicates:

• Farming method (0 = Organic, 1 = Free-range, 2 = Barn, 3 = Caged)
• Country of origin (NL for the Netherlands)
• Farm identification number (traceable back to the producer)

Example: 1-NL-1234567 (Free-range egg from a Dutch farm)

3. Animal Welfare Standards

The Netherlands follows strict animal welfare rules, often exceeding EU minimum requirements:

• No conventional battery cages – Banned in the EU since 2012, replaced by enriched colony cages.
• Higher welfare farming – Many Dutch producers follow free-range, barn, or organic standards.
• Better Chicken Commitment (BCC) – Some producers adhere to stricter welfare guidelines for retail and foodservice customers.

4. Sustainability and Environmental Compliance

• Greenhouse Gas Reduction – Dutch farms are reducing CO₂ emissions in line with EU climate goals.
• Manure and Waste Management – Regulations ensure responsible use of poultry manure to prevent pollution.
• Sustainable Feed – Many Dutch egg farms use responsibly sourced soy and other sustainable feed ingredients.

5. Import Compliance

Imported eggs must meet the same EU and Dutch food safety and labeling requirements. Eggs from non-EU countries must be approved by the EU Commission before entering the market.

Contact eusales@eggsunlimited.com

Largest supplier of eggs in the Netherlands

How come Germany is one of the largest supplier of eggs in Netherlands?

1. Proximity & Trade Relations
2. High Egg Production – Germany is one of the largest egg producers in the EU, with surplus production available for export.
3. EU Regulations & Standards – Both countries follow the same EU food safety and animal welfare regulations, ensuring smooth trade.
4. Processing Industry Demand – The Netherlands has a strong egg processing industry, and German eggs help meet production needs.
5. Market Fluctuations – During shortages or disease outbreaks (like avian influenza), the Netherlands increases imports from Germany.

For more information on international wholesale egg suppliers and producers contact eusales@eggsunlimited.com.

Why Does the Netherlands export Eggs?

The Netherlands exports eggs because of its high production capacity, strong agricultural infrastructure, and global demand for high-quality eggs and egg products. Here are the main reasons:

1. High Egg Production Surplus

• The Netherlands is one of the largest egg producers in Europe, producing far more eggs than its domestic market consumes.
• This surplus allows Dutch farmers and processors to export eggs to other countries, especially within the EU and global markets.

2. Strong Agricultural & Supply Chain Infrastructure

• The Dutch egg industry is highly efficient, with modern farms, advanced processing facilities, and strong logistics networks.
• Efficient transportation (ports, roads, and logistics hubs) makes it easy to ship eggs quickly and safely to international markets.

3. High Demand for Dutch Eggs Internationally

• European Union (EU) market – The Netherlands exports eggs to Germany, Belgium, France, and other EU countries where demand exceeds domestic production.
• Global exports – Dutch eggs and egg products are exported outside the EU, especially to Asia and the Middle East.

4. Competitive Quality & Food Safety Standards

• Dutch eggs meet strict EU and international food safety regulations (such as Salmonella control and traceability).
• Many buyers prefer Dutch eggs due to their reliable quality, sustainability, and compliance with animal welfare standards.

5. Specialized Egg Products for Food Processing

• The Netherlands is a leading exporter of liquid eggs, powdered eggs, and processed egg products used in food manufacturing (e.g., baked goods, pasta, sauces).
• Many food manufacturers across Europe and beyond rely on Dutch egg products for their production.

6. Market Diversification & Economic Benefits

• Exporting eggs allows Dutch producers to diversify their customer base and reduce reliance on domestic sales.
• The egg export industry contributes significantly to the Dutch economy and agricultural sector.

For more information on export destinations from the Netherlands contact eusales@eggsunlimited.com 

How much do eggs cost in the Netherlands?

The price of eggs in the Netherlands varies based on factors such as location, egg type, and market conditions. 

Factors Influencing Dutch Egg Prices:

1. Avian Influenza Outbreaks
2. Seasonal Demand
3. Imports and Price Stabilization Efforts
4. Feed Costs
5. Retail Prices
6. Wholesale Prices

Prices can change over time, and regional variations can be significant. To get the most accurate and up-to-date pricing for eggs in the Netherlands, we recommend contacting wholesale suppliers and egg distributors for bulk purchasing options. Eggs Unlimited can directly put you in touch with these sources eusales@eggsunlimited.com  

Common egg carton sizing in the Netherlands

Carton Size

Number of Eggs

Typical Use

4 Egg Carton	4 eggs	Small cartons designed for premium products, often organic or heritage eggs. Exotic eggs as well.
Half Dozen	6 eggs	Most commonly sold size for households. Widely available in all egg types (free-range, organic, barn, etc.).

10 Egg Carton	10 eggs	The most widely used carton size for everyday retail. Eggs are arranged in a 2×5 layout.
Dozen	12 eggs	Popular size for larger households or frequent egg users. Available in most supermarkets.

15-Pack

15 eggs

Larger size, often for families or budget-conscious buyers. Common in discount supermarkets like Aldi and Lidl.

18-Pack

18 eggs

Sold less frequently but available at some retailers, often marketed to bulk buyers.

30-Pack (Tray)

30 eggs

Typically sold in trays, often seen in wholesale markets (e.g., Costco) or for professional use (bakeries, catering, etc.).

Eggs in the Netherlands are categorized by weight rather than physical dimensions. Cartons are typically labeled with the egg size, and a single carton may include eggs of a specific size category:

Category	Weight per Egg (grams)
Extra Large (XL)	73g or more
Large (L)	63g–72g
Medium (M)	53g–62g
Small (S)	Less than 53g

Wholesale eggs or bulk egg packaging by the case

The number of eggs in a case can vary depending on the type and size of the eggs, as well as the packaging standards of the producer or distributor. The most common case sizes for chicken eggs in the United States are:

• 5-Dozen Case: There are 5 dozen (60 eggs) in a 5-dozen case.
• 10-Dozen Case: While less common, you might also find 10-dozen cases, which contain 120 eggs.
• 15-Dozen Case: Each dozen contains 12 eggs, so there are 15 dozen or 180 eggs. in a 15-dozen case.
• 30-Dozen Case: Each dozen contains 12 eggs, so there are 30 dozen or 360 eggs. in a 30-dozen case.
• 720 Egg Pallet: (24 Trays of 30 Eggs) Palletized packaging for very large buyers or distributors.
• Egg pallets (10,800 eggs per pallet) – For large-scale buyers and exports.

Eggs Unlimited specializes in the wholesale and bulk eggs market. Contact us for your B2B egg needs! 

Types of Eggs

Eggs in Netherlands are categorized by production method and farming practices, with some labels catering to specific consumer preferences:

• Conventional Eggs Barn (Scharreleieren): Produced by caged hens in large-scale facilities. These are the most affordable and widely available.
• Egg Products
  • Used by food manufacturers, bakeries, and restaurants. Includes:
  • Liquid Eggs: Pasteurized egg whites, yolks, or whole eggs.
  • Powdered Eggs: Dehydrated eggs for long shelf life and industrial use.
  • Frozen Eggs: Used for large-scale food production.
• Free-Range Eggs (Scharreleieren met vrije uitloop): Laid by hens that roam freely outdoors or in open barns, catering to consumers who prioritize animal welfare.
• Organic Eggs (Biologisch): From hens fed organic feed and raised under strict organic farming guidelines. These are typically more expensive. Certified by SKAL.
• Specialty Eggs
  • Omega-3 Eggs – Enriched with omega-3 fatty acids through special feed.
  • Corn-Fed Eggs (Maïs-eieren) – Yolks are more yellow due to a corn-based diet.
  • Vitality or Vitamin-Enriched Eggs – Contain extra vitamins like B12 or D.

Contact Eggs Unlimited for any egg size or type of case load needed today!! eusales@eggsunlimited.com 

How to sell commercial eggs in the Netherlands?

Selling commercial eggs in the Netherlands requires strict regulatory standards, competitive market demands, and consumer preferences. Below is a step-by-step guide to entering and succeeding in the Dutch egg market:

---

1. Understand the Dutch Market

The Netherlands is known for its environmentally conscious consumers and high standards for food safety and animal welfare. Here’s what to consider:

• Consumer Preferences:
  • High demand for organic (code 0) and free-range (code 1) eggs due to a focus on sustainability and welfare.
  • Specialty eggs like omega-3 enriched or pasture-raised are growing in popularity.
• Industrial Demand:
  • Food manufacturers, bakeries, and catering businesses require liquid eggs, powdered eggs, and other processed products.

---

2. Ensure Compliance with Dutch and EU Regulations

To sell eggs in Netherlands, compliance with stringent food safety, animal welfare, and traceability requirements is essential:

• Egg Grading:
  • Eggs must be categorized by weight (S, M, L, XL) and graded as Class A (fresh) or Class B (industrial use).
• Egg Coding:
  • Each egg must display a stamp with:
    • Production method (0 = organic, 1 = free-range, 2 = barn-raised, 3 = caged).
    • Country of origin (e.g., “DK” for Netherlands).
    • Farm identification for traceability.
• Animal Welfare Standards:
  • The Netherlands has some of the highest animal welfare standards in Europe, with a strong preference for cage-free production.
• Food Safety:
  • Adhere to EU hygiene standards (e.g., Regulation No 853/2004) and Netherlands’s Salmonella-free certification program.
• Eco-Friendly Packaging:
  • Packaging should be recyclable or biodegradable to appeal to Netherlands’s environmentally conscious consumers.

---

3. Choose Your Target Market

Determine which segment of the market to focus on:

• Retail:
  • Sell fresh eggs to supermarkets (e.g., Netto, Føtex, Irma) or specialty stores.
  • Organic and free-range eggs are especially popular with retail consumers.
• Foodservice and Industrial:
  • Supply bulk fresh eggs or processed egg products (liquid or powdered) to bakeries, restaurants, and food manufacturers.
• Specialty Markets:
  • Target niche markets with premium products like organic, omega-3, or pasture-raised eggs.

---

4. Establish Distribution Channels

Build relationships with key distributors and buyers:

• Partner with Wholesalers: Collaborate with distributors who supply retail and foodservice sectors.
• Direct-to-Retail: Approach major supermarket chains for direct supply contracts.
• Export Opportunities: If selling from outside the Netherlands, work with local importers who understand Dutch regulatory and market requirements.

---

5. Develop a Competitive Pricing Strategy

• Price your eggs competitively while considering production costs, logistics, and Dutch market conditions.
• Organic and specialty eggs can command higher prices due to growing demand.

---

6. Focus on Marketing and Branding

• Highlight Key Selling Points:
  • Promote your eggs as Salmonella-free, sustainably produced, and high-quality.
  • If applicable, emphasize certifications like organic, free-range, or carbon-neutral.
• Cater to Dutch Values:
  • Showcase sustainable practices (e.g., eco-friendly farming and packaging).
  • Highlight animal welfare commitments.
• Traceability and Transparency:
  • Provide clear information about the origin and production method to build consumer trust.

---

7. Logistics and Distribution

Efficient logistics are critical for egg freshness:

• Use temperature-controlled transport to ensure eggs remain fresh during transit.
• Ensure robust packaging for safe delivery to retail or industrial clients.

---

8. Monitor Trends and Adapt

• Stay informed about consumer trends, such as increased demand for specialty eggs or eco-friendly packaging.
• Monitor potential regulatory changes, like further restrictions on caged eggs.

---

9. Explore Trade Shows and Networking

• Attend Dutch and European food industry events, such as the FoodExpo in Herning, to connect with buyers and distributors.
• Build relationships with key players in the retail and foodservice sectors.

---

10. Build a Reputation for Reliability

• Offer consistent, high-quality products and excellent service.
• Focus on timely delivery and flexibility to adapt to customer needs.

---

Selling eggs commercially in the Netherlands market requires a deep understanding of regulatory compliance, food safety, and the commercial distribution process. It’s advisable to work closely with relevant government agencies and seek expert advice to ensure your commercial egg business operates legally and successfully. 

Contact Eggs Unlimited today! eusales@eggsunlimited.com 

EGG CERTIFICATIONS In The Netherlands

Egg certifications in the Netherlands are essential for ensuring compliance with regulatory standards and catering to consumer preferences for quality, food safety, and sustainability. Below is an overview of the most important certifications for eggs in Netherlands:

EU-Required Certifications:

• Egg Code: Stamped with production method (0 = Organic, 1 = Free-range, etc.), “DK” for Netherlands, and farm ID for traceability.
• Grading: Class A (fresh eggs) for retail; Class B for industrial use.
• Salmonella-Free Certification: Rigorous testing ensures food safety.

National Certifications:

• Beter Leven (Better Life Label) – Ensures high animal welfare standards.
• SKAL Organic Certification – Required for selling organic eggs.
• IFS Food or BRC Certification – Needed for supplying supermarkets and large food manufacturers.
• Carbon-Neutral Certification – Increasingly demanded by retailers.

Eco-Friendly Certifications:

• Carbon-Neutral: Promotes sustainable production.
• Eco-Friendly Packaging: Recyclable or biodegradable materials.

Industry Certifications:

• HACCP and ISO 22000: Ensure food safety and quality.
• Non-GMO Certification: For hens fed with GMO-free feed.

Labeling: Cartons must include production method, weight (S, M, L, XL), best-before date, traceability code, and certification logos.

Imported Eggs: Must meet EU/Dutch standards and pass Salmonella testing if from non-EU countries.

---

For international certification process information and consulting contact us at eusales@eggsunlimited.com.

WHY EGGS UNLIMITED?

Eggs Unlimited is one of the leading global suppliers of conventional eggs. We have the experience and market knowledge to help save our customers time and money. We work with some of the largest egg producers, retailers, distributors, foodservice organizations, QSRs, and processors in the US and around the world. They trust us to provide competitive prices and take care of logistics from pickup to delivery. 

We act as an extension of our customers’ procurement or sales teams, creating value, providing solutions, and delivering promptly. The company is built on family values, and we strive to work harder than anyone in the industry to service the needs of our customers.

LET’S DISCUSS YOUR EGG STRATEGY!

Get in touch with the Eggs Unlimited Sales team to discover all your conventional egg options.

Call: 1-888-554-3977

E-mail: eusales@eggsunlimited.com