Last year, the Netherlands was (for the 21st time) the biggest exporter of beer in the EU, according to the Central Bureau of Statistics. After Mexico, it was also the second-largest exporter worldwide — but it has competition.
The NOS reports that in 2020, more than €2 billion worth of beer was exported from the Netherlands — whoever would’ve thought beer could be such a positive thing for a country’s GDP?
Throughout the 2000s, the Netherlands was the biggest exporter of beer in Europe. However, Belgium is the second-largest exporter, and this lead is becoming smaller — this takes the Belgian/Dutch rivalry to a whole new level.
While both countries exports are still growing, Belgium’s export market is growing faster. Belgian speciality beers have become increasingly popular in recent years. Yeah, that’s right, we’d take a Belgian blonde ale over a Heineken any day. Don’t @ us. 💁♀️
American’s love Dutch beer
The United States purchases 37% of the beer exported from the Netherlands, making them the biggest customer for Dutch beer.
Although US neighbour, Mexico, still provides stiff competition for the Netherlands. Mexican beer remains a favourite amongst Americans and people the world over. Over the past four years, Mexico has exported about $4.3 billion worth of beer and has an export market twice as large as the Netherlands.
The Netherlands makes the best non-alcoholic beer
Non-alcoholic beer has become increasingly popular in recent years that, since 2017, it has been measured on a separate index.
Initially, Germany exported the most non-alcoholic beer, but the Netherlands has since overtaken Germany in this category. Since 2017, the Dutch export of non-alcoholic beer has grown by 83% and is valued at €121 million, making the Netherlands the largest exporter of non-alcoholic beer in the European Union.
What do you think of Dutch beer? Does the Netherlands deserve this title? Tell us in the comments below!
Feature Image: Syda_Productions/Depositphotos