Netherlands: The Dutch Oyster Market

There are new export opportunities for oysters grown in Massachusetts and Washington since the EU lifted its import ban on live, chilled, frozen, and processed bivalve mollusks from the United States. As part of the equivalency arrangement between the EU and the United States, the U.S. market will now also be open for Dutch oysters, creating a win-win. Additionally, the Dutch are important traders of oysters, making it an interesting market for U.S. oysters. While a small market, the consumption of oysters in the Netherlands is growing, creating additional opportunities for U.S. oysters. There are several trade shows and events in Northwest Europe, where U.S. growers can meet new importers and distributors of oysters.