From 2013 to 2023, the number of employees in the meat processing sector in the Netherlands has shown a steady increase, rising from 14.18 thousand in 2013 to 15.98 thousand in 2023. The sector experienced fluctuations, with year-on-year variations peaking at 5.73% in 2014 and seeing a decline of -1.09% in 2020. Over the past five years, the compound annual growth rate (CAGR) has been 0.31%, highlighting modest but consistent growth.
From 2024 onwards, forecast data suggest continued growth in employment, with projections reaching 16.5 thousand employees by 2028. The five-year forecasted CAGR is observed at 0.51%, indicating sustained albeit slower growth compared to previous years.
Future trends to watch for in the sector include technological advancements in meat processing, shifts in consumer dietary preferences potentially affecting meat consumption, and regulatory changes regarding labor and food safety standards. Additionally, the impact of sustainability initiatives and alternative protein sources could influence employment trends within the industry.