German military is emptying store shelves.
In a growing trend, German consumers are making a beeline for the Netherlands to satisfy their coffee cravings. The Dutch country, known as a major coffee export hub, has become a popular destination for German shoppers seeking affordable coffee options.
For years, shopping tourism has been a common practice among Germans, with people driving to neighboring countries for cheaper shopping. The Netherlands, with its extensive coffee trade logistics and re-exporting, plays a significant role in this trend. In 2023, the Netherlands exported $96.6 million worth of coffee to Germany, making it one of the Netherlands' top coffee export destinations.
The Dutch coffee market offers a range of specialty, freshly brewed, and sustainably certified coffees that cater to Germany's growing and quality-sensitive coffee market. Many Fairtrade-certified and organic coffees supplied to Germany come from diverse origins via hubs like the Netherlands.
The advantage of shopping for coffee in the Netherlands extends beyond the product itself. The lack of a coffee tax in the Netherlands contributes to the savings on coffee purchases. This, combined with the lower prices, makes the travel costs a more than reasonable investment for many Germans.
The savings are significant enough to justify the travel costs for many Germans. For instance, ten kilograms of coffee can cost up to 72 euros less in the Netherlands compared to prices in Germany. This price difference, coupled with the opportunity to combine shopping with a short vacation or other activities, has made the Netherlands a popular destination for German shoppers.
Interestingly, this trend is not limited to coffee. Many retailers in the Netherlands report an increase in purchases by Germans, with a new product, highly sought after by Germans, now added to the list of items bought abroad. This product is among the favourites of the German nation.
The demand for coffee in Germany has led to a shortage on Dutch shelves, with retailers reporting empty shelves and a surge in demand. Despite the need to pay taxes on imported coffee, many Germans find the cost-effectiveness of a trip to the Netherlands appealing.
This shopping trend reflects a broader trade pattern where the Netherlands imports large quantities of coffee from global producers and then supplies neighboring countries, including Germany. As the coffee market continues to evolve, it is likely that this trend will persist, with the Netherlands continuing to play a key role in Europe's coffee trade.
- The Dutch country's status as a major coffee export hub and the affordable coffee options have contributed to a growing trend, where the German lifestyle includes travel to the Netherlands for food-and-drink shopping.
- In the Netherlands, Germans not only find affordable coffee but also benefit from a lack of coffee tax, making shopping trips cost-effective, even considering travel expenses.
- Beyond coffee, this retail tourism trend is expanding, with an increasing number of retail items from the Netherlands, including a highly sought-after product, appearing in German households.
- With the demand for coffee from the German market, a shortage is being experienced in Dutch retail stores, and some Germans, even when faced with tax payment on imported coffee, find the cost-effectiveness of a trip to the Netherlands appealing, given the larger savings.
