Widespread dry weather across Europe is reducing crop yields and pushing up prices for fresh produce in the Netherlands, though basic supplies remain available in stores and markets.
While Dutch grocers and wholesalers report that key staples like broccoli, leeks, and green beans are still coming from domestic growers, the lack of rainfall is noticeably affecting crop sizes.
Smaller yields and rising prices
Produce distributors report that lighter crops are yielding significantly less weight per unit, with heads of iceberg lettuce and cauliflowers coming in far smaller than usual. Extreme heat has also led to visible defects, such as brown edges on lettuce leaves.
The dry spell is affecting staple crops like onions and potatoes as well, particularly where regional water restrictions prevent farmers from irrigating their fields.
Agricultural organization LTO Nederland notes that unirrigated onion plots are yielding half of their usual output, while french fry potato prices have spiked to 30 cents per kilo from near-zero open market rates a month ago.
Impact on summer fruit and hospitality
Strawberries have been among the hardest hit by the dry conditions, resulting in limited availability and higher retail prices. However, intense sunlight has boosted sugar content in other summer fruits, making crops like Dutch plums unusually sweet this season.
With drought measures and watering bans expanding, industry experts advise restaurants and caterers to adopt more flexible menus that focus on broad ingredient categories rather than specific produce items.
