The food & beverage sector

Agriculture and food production are woven into everyday life in the Northern Netherlands. From traditional crops to innovative farming methods, this region has been feeding the Netherlands (and the world) for centuries. 

But the food and beverage sector here is about much more than farming and dairy. It includes production, processing, packaging, distribution, retail, and hospitality, forming a complete and dynamic food ecosystem.

While this article focuses on the wider food and beverage ecosystem, you can explore our separate overview of the region’s agrifood and dairy sector to learn more about farming, processing, and innovation.

🎓Diverse backgrounds, one industry

The food and beverage sector is vast and diverse, offering opportunities across various fields. Whether you come from a scientific background in food chemistry and process engineering, a business focus in management and marketing, or a role in logistics, the industry requires a wide range of skills.

For those in food science, careers in product development and quality control are key, while business professionals can excel in supply chain management, operations, and marketing. The logistics side of the sector, focused on transportation, warehouse management, and cold chain operations, is critical for moving goods efficiently, especially in a global food market.

With so many pathways, the food & beverage sector welcomes individuals from various disciplines. Below, you'll find specific programmes that can help you get started.

🍅 A hub for innovation and exports 

The Netherlands is one of the world’s largest food exporters, and the North plays a big role in that success. Thanks to solar-powered greenhouses and smart farming techniques, we’re able to grow tomatoes, soy, and other plant proteins in surprising quantities. These innovations don’t just boost yields; they also cut down on waste and water use.

🥕 Traditional strengths meet modern trends 

🥛 Dairy powerhouse

While dairy remains a key part of the North’s food output, the region’s food & beverage sector is far broader. Friesland is especially famous for its dairy industry. FrieslandCampina, the world’s largest dairy co-operative, has around 15 offices across the Northern provinces. That’s a lot of milk, cheese, and butter flowing from the region to the rest of the world. Typically you’ll find vacancies in management, engineering and quality control. 

☕ Coffee traditions

In addition to its strong agricultural sector, the North has a rich coffee culture. Joure, in Friesland, is home to the birthplace of Douwe Egberts, one of the most iconic coffee brands in the Netherlands. The roastery in Joure continues to play a key role in the coffee industry, contributing to the region's food and beverage sector. Internationals are likely to have greater chances of success in jobs related to financial controlling or operations. 

📦 Food packaging

The region’s strong food and beverage sector goes hand in hand with a well-developed packaging industry. Companies in the Northern Netherlands work with advanced, sustainable packaging solutions to support everything from dairy to plant-based products. Joure is also home to a major Tetra Pak production facility, making the North an important hub for carton-based food packaging. This close connection between producers and packaging innovators strengthens the entire regional food chain. Tetra Pak offers a wide variety of jobs, from mechanical engineers and food technologists to project managers and business analysts.

🐟 Fishing heritage 

Off the coasts of Friesland and Groningen, fishing remains a vital industry. With approximately 400 active cutter boats, local fishers bring in sole, plaice, and shrimp from the North and Wadden Seas. 

🍻 Brewing & distilling traditions 

Alcohol has been produced here for over 500 years, and each province has its own proud history. Today, microbreweries and distilleries are thriving:

🍺While distilleries and brewers focus on different alcoholic beverages, they share a similar heritage of craftsmanship and innovation. The North is home to a growing number of craft breweries, each contributing to the region’s dynamic beverage industry.  Dutch beer brewers even have their own national association, Nederlandse Brouwers, which helps connect and support the industry.

🛒 Food culture & opportunities

From wholesale hubs in Drenthe with strong rail links to Germany, to bustling weekly markets in Groningen, Assen, Emmen, and Leeuwarden, the North offers many opportunities for food-based businesses. The region forms a well-connected food distribution hub, linking producers to consumers nationally and across Europe. Strong rail connections, export routes via Eemshaven and Delfzijl, and cold-chain logistics ensure efficient transport of fresh and processed foods.

Large wholesalers like Hanos, Sligro, and Bidfood supply restaurants, hotels, and retailers, while supermarkets and specialty stores provide producers direct access to local markets, enabling shorter supply chains and faster consumer feedback. Of course, all companies must meet Dutch food safety standards set by the NVWA, but that’s part of what makes the region’s products trusted worldwide.

With a lively foodie scene, it’s clear this region is more than just a place to produce, it’s a place to enjoy.