Classification
Product TypeRaw Material
Product FormFresh
Industry PositionPrimary Agricultural Product
Raw Material
Market
Dutch chicory root is a contract-grown arable crop used mainly as feedstock for Sensus inulin and oligofructose production. The commercial market is concentrated around Dutch arable regions and is organized through annual grower contracts rather than open retail channels. Production has expanded recently, with CBS reporting higher area and output in 2025 than in 2023. The main operational constraints are root rot control, short storage windows, and careful delivery logistics.
Market RoleDomestic processing feedstock market with export-facing downstream ingredient role
Domestic RoleIndustrial crop for inulin extraction
Market GrowthGrowing (2023-2025)Recent increase in planted area and gross output
SeasonalitySpring sowing followed by a roughly 180 to 200 day growing period; roots are harvested in late summer and autumn, then stored and delivered through the winter campaign.
Specification
Primary VarietyInulinecichorei (root chicory)
Physical Attributes- Uniform root size
- Low tare and soil contamination
- Low rot damage
- Good storability
Compositional Metrics- Inulin concentration
- Root dry matter
- Root nitrogen content
- Tare percentage
Grades- Processor acceptance grades
- Tare and cleanliness thresholds
- Root health specifications
Packaging- Loose bulk delivery
- Covered heap storage
- Truckload delivery to processor
Supply Chain
Value Chain- Spring sowing -> field production -> harvest -> covered cool storage -> delivery to processor -> inulin and FOS extraction
Temperature- Late-campaign storage is kept around 0 to 5 C to slow deterioration
Atmosphere Control- Covered heaps and moisture control matter because humidity accelerates rot
Shelf Life- Shelf life is short once roots are lifted; prompt delivery reduces quality loss
Freight IntensityHigh
Transport ModeLand
Risks
Food Safety HighErwinia-linked wet rot has increasingly caused problems in Dutch chicory roots, reducing yield, increasing tare, and lowering inulin quality; serious cases can spread during storage or forcing and there is no reliable curative treatment.Inspect lots early, keep harvest-to-delivery times short, and prioritize affected fields for earlier delivery.
Regulatory Compliance MediumCrop-protection authorizations change, and several insect and weed control options in chicory are limited or tightly specified, so growers must follow current Dutch authorization guidance.Verify current Ctgb and NVWA authorizations before spraying and keep full field records.
Logistics MediumThe crop is bulky and perishable, so covered storage at 0 to 5 C and fast land haulage to the processor are important to avoid quality loss.Schedule transport windows tightly and use covered heaps or other protected storage.
Climate MediumEmergence is weaker on heavy soils, and crusting or wet field conditions can thin stands and reduce harvestability.Prefer lighter soils where possible and adjust planting and harvest timing to field conditions.
Sustainability- Cichory should not return to the same field more often than once every 4 to 5 years.
- Lighter soils are preferred because heavy soils raise emergence risk and crusting can hurt stands.
- Mechanical weed control and reduced-chemical weed management are actively promoted in the sector.
FAQ
What is Dutch chicory root mainly used for?It is mainly used as feedstock for Sensus to make inulin and oligofructose ingredients.
Why is wet rot such an important risk for this crop?Because it can reduce yield, increase tare, and lower inulin quality, and severe cases can spread during storage or forcing.
How is chicory root stored after harvest in the Netherlands?The crop is kept cool, around 0 to 5 C, and stored under cover to slow deterioration during the campaign.
Which Dutch regions are important for chicory root production?The main contracting and growing areas include Zeeland, West-Brabant, Zuid-Holland, Flevoland, Wieringermeer, Groningen, and Drenthe.