In 2025, just over 14 million pigs were slaughtered in the Netherlands, the lowest level since 2010. The declining trend in slaughters has been visible for years, but intensified last year. The decrease in slaughters was partly offset by a halving of the export of live pigs to Germany. The number of slaughters also decreased in Germany.
News|Published: Jan 13, 2026
Following other processors, Vreugdenhil Dairy Foods also enters the new year with a significantly lower milk price. In addition, the powder producer has made a remarkable change by allowing the valuation of protein to rise above that of the fat component in the milk.
Analysis|Published: Jan 8, 2026
Following a sharp price decline in the second half of 2025, butter prices have started the new year largely sideways. The usual price differences between countries remain visible, according to the DCA benchmarks this week.
Analysis|Published: Jan 8, 2026
At the start of 2026, prices in the liquid dairy market remain under pressure, although a modest recovery has become visible following the holiday period. Availability of milk, cream and skimmed milk concentrate remains ample due to continued high milk supply across Northwest Europe
News|Published: Jan 8, 2026
Big news in the Dutch meat sector, as Van Loon Group is being taken over by Van Rooi Meat. One Brabant meat company is merging into the other, although both companies will continue to operate under their own banner in the future. The deal still needs to be approved by the competition authorities.
News|Published: Jan 8, 2026
The Irish dairy sector exported dairy products for a record amount of €7.3 billion last year. Notably, Ireland sold significantly more butter and cheese to mainland Europe. Here, the Netherlands is by far the largest buyer of Irish cheese and butter.
