Main figures 2008
Although the prices for oils and fats rose to record levels in the first half of 2008, the Dutch oils and fats industry has again seen production growth in the calendar year 2008.

With the aid of price rises, which by the way disappeared in the second year half, total production value rose with over 1 billion euro to 5.7 billion euro, a 2.5 billion euro rise since 2005. Both import and export value rose significantly. The import value reached a 50 % higher level at 5.7 billion euro and the export value grew with 30 % to 4.5 billion euro. Europe remains with a 92 % share the main destination for Dutch oils and fats products. The import volume rose especially because of the extra imports of rapeseed by 9 % to 10.3 million tons. Export volume did hardly differ from the 2007 volume. More vegetable and animal oils and fats were exported, but the oilseed exports were dragging compared to the exports of the previous year. When calculated to oils and fats content, the export level rose with 2 %.

Apart from being an important agribusiness sector, the Dutch oils and fats industry and trade is also an importer processor of oils and fats in Europe. Therefore, imports are mainly intended for delivering within the European Union after processing. The European market for oils and fats products has shown a strong development in 2008. Growth was caused by both rising demand for oils and fats for food and feed purposes and the development of the bio-energy sector together with the strategic company choice to invest in existing and new manufacturing utilities in the Netherlands.