Despite being a small country, the Netherlands has consistently exceeded expectations and is recognized as a powerhouse in the food industry. And because of its small size, sustainable food innovation has always been high on the agenda. Making the country a world leader in agrifood. Wherever you look, the Netherlands is pioneering the shift towards alternative proteins. Companies at the frontier of food and agriculture are developing new technologies, from top quality breeding materials and nutrients from alternative protein sources, to innovative fermentation techniques. This has attracted a stellar cast of food companies which makes the Netherlands home to the leading agrifood players.
- Royal FrieslandCampina
Royal FrieslandCampina, deeply rooted in the Netherlands and owned by over 16,000 Dutch, Belgian and German dairy farmers, is a leading player in the global dairy industry. They are actively investing in alternative proteins, focusing on non-animal-derived options and embracing the shift towards sustainable nutrition. A key initiative is their partnership with Triplebar, a U.S.-based biotechnology company, which aims to develop high-quality proteins using microbial precision fermentation. Highlighting FrieslandCampina’s dedication to innovation and expanding its portfolio to meet evolving consumer demands. - DSM-Firmenich
DSM-Firmenich is a global leader in the agrifood sector, known for its innovative nutritional solutions, with strong Dutch roots originating in the Netherlands. The company actively invests in alternative proteins, using precision fermentation to produce sustainable options. In collaboration with Fonterra, DSM launched Vivici in the Netherlands to create animal-free dairy proteins. This startup underscores DSM’s commitment to pioneering sustainable food innovations, aligning with global shifts toward more sustainable protein sources. - Cargill
Cargill is a global agrifood leader with extensive operations worldwide, including a strong presence in the Netherlands’ strategic agricultural landscape. The company focuses on alternative proteins by developing sustainable solutions, such as plant-based and cultured meat products. Through a partnership with Puris, a leading pea protein producer, Cargill enhances its plant-based offerings. In addition Cargill and food tech leader ENOUGH expanded their current partnership to further innovative nutritious and sustainable alternative meat and dairy solutions for consumers. - Royal Cosun
Royal Cosun is an agrifood company transforming vegetable raw materials into food and biobased products, with deep roots in the Netherlands as a cooperative of Dutch farmers. The company focuses on alternative proteins by developing plant-based solutions, particularly from crops like sugar beets and potatoes. Through its subsidiary, Cosun Protein, it produces protein-rich ingredients to meet the demand for sustainable food options. Cosun has also launched Cosun Inicio, a demonstration plant where companies can test their products and run pilot projects. Highlighting the company’s commitment to the growth of the plant-based sector. - Nutreco
Nutreco, based in Amersfoort, the Netherlands, is a global leader in animal nutrition and aquafeed, drawing on Dutch expertise in sustainable agriculture. The company emphasizes alternative proteins, investing in sustainable feed ingredients like insect proteins and algae to minimize the environmental impact of animal protein. Key collaborations highlight Nutreco’s commitment to innovative, eco-friendly practices in the feed industry. For example their collaboration with Protix, an insect farming startup and their partnership with cell based seafood startup BlueNalu. - Unilever
Unilever, founded in part as a Dutch company, is a global agrifood giant due to its vast portfolio of food and beverage brands. Including household names like: Knorr, Hellmann’s and Ben & Jerry’s. The company has been a frontrunner in the shift towards plant-based diets, particularly through its ‘Future Foods’ initiative, which aims to increase the sales of plant-based foods. - Rabobank
Rabobank, a global financial leader in the agrifood sector, specializes in banking services for agribusinesses worldwide, has deep roots in the Dutch agricultural community. The bank actively supports alternative proteins through funding, research, and by fostering innovation via initiatives like FoodBytes!, which collaborates with startups in sustainable food and agriculture. - Corbion
Corbion is a global leader in food ingredients, known for improving food safety and shelf-life. Headquartered in the Netherlands, Corbion invests in alternative proteins through fermentation technology to enhance plant-based nutrition. In collaboration with Nestlé, Corbion supplies algae-based ingredients to boost the nutritional profile of plant-based foods. This partnership highlights Corbion’s commitment to sustainable food innovations. - Ahold Delhaize
Ahold Delhaize is a global retail leader in the agrifood sector, with strong roots in the Netherlands, exemplified by its flagship brand Albert Heijn. The company emphasizes expanding plant-based and alternative protein products to meet consumer demand for sustainable diets. Albert Heijn has taken a major step in contributing to the protein transition by launching its new brand line Terra. A line of around 200 plant-based products. This commitment reflects the focus on sustainability and adapting to changing consumer preferences. - Vion Food Group
Vion Food Group, headquartered in the Netherlands, is a major global player in the meat industry, with strong ties to the local agricultural sector through its sourcing of livestock from Dutch farmers. To align with the growing demand for sustainable food options, Vion has expanded into the alternative protein sector by developing plant-based products under its ‘ME-AT’ brand. This move highlights their commitment to innovation and adaptation, reflecting a strategic shift towards offering more sustainable and diverse protein options in response to changing consumer preferences.
Driven by the presence of these (and more) major agrifood companies, the Netherlands excels as a hub for innovation in alternative proteins. These firms leverage the country’s rich agricultural traditions and advanced research capabilities to pioneer sustainable food solutions, including plant-based products and microbial fermentation. Collaborations with startups and investments in technologies highlight a national commitment to transforming the food sector. This dynamic ecosystem makes the Netherlands an ideal place to accelerate efforts in the alternative protein landscape for emerging companies.