Dutch shoppers are still seeing food bills rise faster than in Belgium and Germany. In September, food prices in the Netherlands were 3.7% higher than a year earlier, above the EU average of ~3%, Belgium’s ~3.2%, and Germany’s ~2.9%, according to European and national figures.
The steepest Dutch increases reported this year include beef, coffee, and chocolate. While overall inflation slowed earlier this year, food is proving sticky, keeping supermarket trips costly for many households.
Why are prices high
Economists point to higher operating costs (wages, rents, logistics) and VAT differences with neighbouring countries. Dutch markets also tend to be local: a price cut by a Belgian chain doesn’t automatically carry over to the same brand’s Dutch stores.
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Watchdog steps in
The Dutch competition regulator ACM has opened a market investigation into grocery pricing and profit margins at supermarkets and suppliers. The probe will compare Dutch prices with those abroad and could lead to actions if the watchdog finds problems. Initial results are expected by next summer.
Headline Dutch inflation was 3.3% in September (HICP about 3.0%), slightly above the eurozone’s 2.2% flash estimate, underlining the pressure on food budgets even as wider price growth cools.
What to expect: Food inflation should ease as cost pressures fade, but for now, the Netherlands remains a Western European hotspot for rising grocery prices. The ACM’s findings will be key to seeing if margins or market structure play a role—and whether new rules are needed.
