The Netherlands serves as a production and distribution hub for food and food-related products. Over 100,000 individuals work in this sector, which amounts to about 16 % of all individuals working in Dutch industry.

Besides the U.S. and France, the Netherlands is the largest exporter of agricultural products in the world, and the largest exporter of dairy, beer and cocoa. The food processing industry — the country's largest industry— has achieved world leadership in its field. Multinationals such as Unilever and Heineken have their origin in Netherlands. A sophisticated infrastructure in research and education, that links producers with processors to improve quality and competitiveness, has contributed to this achievement. The Dutch food manufacturing and processing industry, with more than 6,500 companies, is among the top three contributors to Dutch GDP today and demonstrates world leadership in many fields.

Among the attractions the Netherlands offers to companies in the food sector are the Dutch capabilities in dedicated logistics and services for the food industry. The port of Rotterdam, is the central transfer point for basic food products and raw materials. Especially for fruit, vegetables, meat, coffee, fish, dairy products, animal feed, beverages and oil-seeds Rotterdam is Europe’s main port. Amsterdam is the world’s leading cocoa import and distribution point, handling over 20 % of the worldwide harvest of cocoa beans. A huge capacity of cold storages can be found in the ports of Amsterdam, Rotterdam and other Dutch areas. Schiphol airport, one of Europe’s leading air cargo hub’s play’s a leading role in the handling of food and horticultural products.

More than 200 manufacturers of food processing equipment are established in the Netherlands, of which about 80 companies are producing packaging equipment. To reach the European consumer, numerous international companies have strategically chosen to locate their European operations in the Netherlands, 'the food capital of Europe.' The most remarkable Asian companies are Japanese Kikkoman and Yakult who have their European factory in the Netherlands.