Over the past five years, an average of 12 horticultural businesses were sold each year. By mid-2025, however, only three sales have been recorded, according to NVM, the Dutch association of real estate agents. In the first half of this year, nine new horticultural businesses were put on the market, bringing the current total for sale to fourteen.
Although the number of ownership changes remains limited, NVM brokers still rate the marketability of horticultural businesses an 8 out of 10. This shows there is strong interest in healthy, well-performing companies, which is why NVM expects sales to pick up in the second half of 2025. Solid harvests and good returns up to mid-2025 are also contributing to this positive outlook. Fruit growers, tree nurseries, and flower bulb producers all report a strong year.
© NVM
As in other agricultural sectors, the high demand for land plays a key role in horticulture. At the same time, these businesses remain vulnerable to the effects of climate change and its extremes. For example, during dry periods there is not always enough fresh water available. To adapt, companies are investing in new cultivation methods such as tunnel growing and precision farming, as well as in more efficient use of water and energy.
Finding enough affordable labor also continues to be a challenge. To address this, some horticultural businesses are investing in worker housing solutions, such as employee hotels.
Source: NVM
