Benelux: Molluscs Market 2025

Molluscs Market Size in Benelux

After four years of decline, the Benelux molluscs market increased by 2.6% to $X in 2021. In general, consumption continues to indicate a relatively flat trend pattern. Over the period under review, the market attained the peak level at $X in 2016; however, from 2017 to 2021, consumption failed to regain momentum.

Molluscs Production in Benelux

In value terms, molluscs production rose remarkably to $X in 2021 estimated in export price. The total output value increased at an average annual rate of +1.8% over the period from 2012 to 2021; however, the trend pattern indicated some noticeable fluctuations being recorded throughout the analyzed period. The most prominent rate of growth was recorded in 2013 with an increase of 23%. The level of production peaked at $X in 2014; however, from 2015 to 2021, production remained at a lower figure.

Molluscs Exports

Exports in Benelux

In 2021, approx. X tons of molluscs (scallops, mussels, cuttle fish, squid and octopus) were exported in Benelux; picking up by 14% on 2020. Overall, exports, however, continue to indicate a relatively flat trend pattern. The most prominent rate of growth was recorded in 2020 with an increase of 21% against the previous year. The volume of export peaked at X tons in 2012; however, from 2013 to 2021, the exports stood at a somewhat lower figure.

In value terms, molluscs exports rose rapidly to $X in 2021. In general, exports, however, showed a relatively flat trend pattern. The pace of growth appeared the most rapid in 2020 with an increase of 29%. Over the period under review, the exports hit record highs at $X in 2014; however, from 2015 to 2021, the exports remained at a lower figure.

Exports by Country

In 2021, the Netherlands (X tons) was the main exporter of molluscs (scallops, mussels, cuttle fish, squid and octopus), constituting 70% of total exports. It was distantly followed by Belgium (X tons), committing a 30% share of total exports.

The Netherlands was also the fastest-growing in terms of the molluscs (scallops, mussels, cuttle fish, squid and octopus) exports, with a CAGR of +4.9% from 2012 to 2021. Belgium (-7.5%) illustrated a downward trend over the same period. While the share of the Netherlands (+27 p.p.) increased significantly in terms of the total exports from 2012-2021, the share of Belgium (-27.1 p.p.) displayed negative dynamics.

In value terms, the largest molluscs supplying countries in Benelux were the Netherlands ($X) and Belgium ($X).

Among the main exporting countries, the Netherlands, with a CAGR of +6.4%, recorded the highest growth rate of the value of exports, over the period under review.

Export Prices by Country

In 2021, the export price in Benelux amounted to $X per ton, flattening at the previous year. In general, the export price saw a relatively flat trend pattern. The pace of growth was the most pronounced in 2013 an increase of 7.7% against the previous year. The level of export peaked at $X per ton in 2014; however, from 2015 to 2021, the export prices stood at a somewhat lower figure.

Average prices varied noticeably amongst the major exporting countries. In 2021, amid the top suppliers, the country with the highest price was Belgium ($X per ton), while the Netherlands totaled $X per ton.

From 2012 to 2021, the most notable rate of growth in terms of prices was attained by the Netherlands (+1.4%).

Molluscs Imports

Imports in Benelux

In 2021, supplies from abroad of molluscs (scallops, mussels, cuttle fish, squid and octopus) decreased by -0.8% to X tons for the first time since 2018, thus ending a two-year rising trend. Overall, imports continue to indicate a perceptible reduction. The most prominent rate of growth was recorded in 2016 when imports increased by 26% against the previous year. Over the period under review, imports hit record highs at X tons in 2013; however, from 2014 to 2021, imports remained at a lower figure.

In value terms, molluscs imports amounted to $X in 2021. In general, imports saw a relatively flat trend pattern. The most prominent rate of growth was recorded in 2016 with an increase of 35% against the previous year. Over the period under review, imports attained the peak figure at $X in 2014; however, from 2015 to 2021, imports stood at a somewhat lower figure.

Imports by Country

The Netherlands was the major importer of molluscs (scallops, mussels, cuttle fish, squid and octopus) in Benelux, with the volume of imports recording X tons, which was near 64% of total imports in 2021. It was distantly followed by Belgium (X tons), making up a 32% share of total imports. Luxembourg (X tons) took a little share of total imports.

From 2012 to 2021, average annual rates of growth with regard to molluscs imports into the Netherlands stood at +2.0%. At the same time, Luxembourg (+2.3%) displayed positive paces of growth. Moreover, Luxembourg emerged as the fastest-growing importer imported in Benelux, with a CAGR of +2.3% from 2012-2021. By contrast, Belgium (-8.3%) illustrated a downward trend over the same period. The Netherlands (+22 p.p.) significantly strengthened its position in terms of the total imports, while Belgium saw its share reduced by -23.2% from 2012 to 2021, respectively. The shares of the other countries remained relatively stable throughout the analyzed period.

In value terms, the Netherlands ($X), Belgium ($X) and Luxembourg ($X) constituted the countries with the highest levels of imports in 2021.

In terms of the main importing countries, the Netherlands, with a CAGR of +5.6%, saw the highest rates of growth with regard to the value of imports, over the period under review, while purchases for the other leaders experienced mixed trends in the imports figures.

Import Prices by Country

The import price in Benelux stood at $X per ton in 2021, increasing by 5.2% against the previous year. Over the last nine-year period, it increased at an average annual rate of +1.9%. The pace of growth appeared the most rapid in 2014 an increase of 12% against the previous year. Over the period under review, import prices reached the peak figure at $X per ton in 2018; however, from 2019 to 2021, import prices remained at a lower figure.

Average prices varied noticeably amongst the major importing countries. In 2021, amid the top importers, the country with the highest price was Luxembourg ($X per ton), while the Netherlands ($X per ton) was amongst the lowest.

From 2012 to 2021, the most notable rate of growth in terms of prices was attained by the Netherlands (+3.5%), while the other leaders experienced mixed trends in the import price figures.

Source: IndexBox Platform