In a major development for the European potato sector, Schaap Holland, based in Biddinghuizen, and Landjuweel, from Oosternieland, have entered into a strategic merger that will significantly reshape the Dutch table potato landscape. With deep-rooted family traditions, complementary strengths, and a shared commitment to quality and sustainability, the fusion is set to form a new industry leader in the processing and packaging of potatoes.
Together, the merged entity will boast a combined processing and packaging capacity of 185,000 tons of potatoes annually. This scale positions the new partnership as one of the largest in the Dutch table potato segment, which already plays a pivotal role in the country’s reputation as a global potato powerhouse.
The merger is more than just a business deal—it is a unification of heritage. Schaap Holland, founded in 1967, has grown into a key player in the washing, sorting, reading, packaging, and processing of fresh-cut potato products, with a strong orientation toward sustainability and operational efficiency. Meanwhile, Landjuweel, a family-run company with over 100 years of experience since its founding in 1922, has long focused on high-quality table potatoes, combining tradition with forward-looking technology.
A Timely Alliance in a Changing Market
The merger comes as the global potato industry continues to adapt to changing consumer preferences, climate challenges, and supply chain dynamics. According to Euromonitor, the market for fresh and processed potatoes in Europe is growing steadily, with an increasing demand for pre-packed, ready-to-cook, and sustainable products.
The Netherlands is among the top five potato-producing countries in the European Union, with a total production of over 7 million tons in 2023 (Eurostat). Of this, a substantial portion is allocated to table potatoes and value-added products, such as chilled, pre-cooked, and organic variants. Schaap Holland and Landjuweel’s combined capacity and infrastructure allow them to meet this demand efficiently, particularly as retailers and foodservice providers seek reliable partners that can guarantee consistency and traceability.
Shared Focus: Innovation and Sustainability
Both companies are committed to minimizing environmental impact. Schaap Holland has invested in energy-efficient processing lines, recyclable packaging, and short-chain logistics, while Landjuweel brings deep experience in selective breeding, quality control, and data-driven grading systems.
The synergy is expected to unlock new opportunities in precision agriculture, digitized supply chain management, and climate-smart farming, which are increasingly critical in ensuring long-term sustainability in European crop production.
The merger of Schaap Holland and Landjuweel is a milestone in the Dutch potato industry and sets a new benchmark for integration, innovation, and quality. By combining historical expertise with cutting-edge technology and sustainable practices, the new alliance is well-positioned to meet the evolving needs of consumers and retailers—not only in the Netherlands but across Europe and beyond.
