Greater Rotterdam – The Hague: the ideal destination for alternative proteins

The Greater Rotterdam-The Hague area has a rich history in global agrifood developments and is now at the forefront of the alternative protein sector. With new humanitarian challenges like climate change and wealth-related diseases, there is a growing demand for sustainable and innovative protein sources. This region offers a unique mix of assets, expertise, and capacity for alternative protein companies to thrive and contribute to creating a cleaner, greener, and healthier world.

Why come to the Greater Rotterdam – The Hague area?

44.7% of Dutch consumers

eat less than 5 days a week meat. (source: Statista)

72% of Dutch people

believe that people in the Netherlands should eat more plant-based food and less meat. (source: Statista)

50% ambition

to reduce food waste in 2030 compared to 2015 in the Netherlands

EUR 60M investment

approved by Dutch government to support Cellulair Agriculture Ecosystem (National Growth Fund)

44.7% share

of pescatarians and flexitarians in the Netherlands on average (source: Statista)

Get in touch for an introduction to the alternative proteins community in our region!

Focus Areas for Alternative Protein Sector in the Region

Cellular Agriculture

Fermentation

Aquatic Protein

Potential for alternative protein business in our region

Strategic location and expertise:
The Greater Rotterdam-The Hague area’s strategic location between Europe’s leading logistics hub and the world’s highest-ranked university in agriculture, coupled with the highest concentration of advanced greenhouse cultivation in the world, makes it the ideal location for companies in the alternative protein sector.
Vital player in alternative protein:
The Port of Rotterdam, the largest port in Europe for agricultural produce provides excellent value to the region for the Agri sector and the protein transition.

World-class universities:
The region has world-class universities such as the Delft University of Technology and the Erasmus University Rotterdam, providing a talented workforce in protein expertise.
Receptive market:
Dutch consumers’ adaptive eating habits create a receptive market for plant-based meat substitutes, providing an opportunity for alternative protein companies to thrive.

Explore Stories from Our Global Community of Alternative Protein Innovators

Sibö: Insect Proteins as a tool for Reducing Greenhouse Gas Emissions

November 18, 2022

Making Animal Feed More Efficient, Healthier, and Sustainable

November 17, 2022

IQ Photos for Alver 20221010 HPM Tatiana 1

How Alver is Revolutionising the Plant-based Food Industry with Microalgae

November 2, 2022

How Deep Branch is Recycling Carbon and Reducing Emissions from Animal Products

October 21, 2022

Proeon and the Next Generation of Plant Based Protein

October 13, 2022

The Port of Rotterdam: a crucial player in the agri sector

Highly developed and world-renowned port that plays an essential role in international trade
Leader in processing seaborne goods and the main cargo point in Europe (according to Statista’s 2020 report)
Provides various services in the transshipment and storage of agricultural products, making it a crucial player in the Agri sector and the protein transition in the Rotterdam-The Hague region
Offers the Rotterdam Food Hub as a landing location for businesses in the food industry

Innovation Hubs in the Greater Rotterdam-The Hague area

The Greater Rotterdam – The Hague area has several innovation hubs, including Biotech Campus Delft, Planet B.io, Bio Process Pilot Facility, and Yes!Delft, offering a range of services and support for companies, from accommodation and equipment to programs, funding, and networking opportunities.

Biotech Campus Delft:
- Remarkable innovation campus for biotechnology;
- Provides accommodation for startups, scale-ups, established companies, and knowledge institutions;
- Extensive equipment and green fields available.
Planet B.io:
- Offers shed offices, labs, and offices for companies
- Helps companies connect with other organizations, startups, and scale-ups
Bio Process Pilot Facility:
- Offers equipment and contract research for a pilot scale
Yes!Delft
- Offers 360 degrees of support and empowerment towards tech entrepreneurs
- Organizes programs, services, funding, recruitment;
- Provides an extensive network of different entrepreneurs in the tech industry.

Backed by the regional partners

We closely collaborate with organizations such as the Regional Economic Board, local institutions, national and European financial institutions, incumbent industries, and new players in the field to drive regional economic growth.

Are you active in the Alternative Proteins business and would like to explore options in the Greater Rotterdam – The Hague area?

Reach out to Maarten for more information.

Maarten Hermus

Senior Account Manager Horticulture & Food

Mail me

Call me: +316 137 48 277