IN SHORT
Europe's gateway
MVO and NOFOTA have contributed to the article Europe’s gateway in OFI Magazine, which highlights the central role of the Netherlands in the European oils and fats supply chain. MVO points to investments, shifting trade flows and increasing volatility. NOFOTA emphasises the impact on trade, including declining transparency and rising price pressure. These themes will also be central during OFI International 2026, where the sector will come together to discuss current developments.
Farewell of Rob Groeliker
After more than eight and a half years as Chair of the Biofuels Working Group and eight years as a board member, Rob Groeliker is stepping down from MVO. We are grateful for his commitment, dedication and energy. He will be greatly missed, and we wish him all the best for the future.
Food security in a new world order
During the event ‘New World Order for Food Security’ at Pakhuis de Zwijger on 3 March 2026, it became clear that the global food system is increasingly shaped by geopolitics, climate change and shifting economic power dynamics. MVO took part in the evening, which was organised by Wageningen Social & Economic Research and Pakhuis de Zwijger.
Bart de Steenhuijsen Piters (Wageningen University & Research) opened the discussion. He studies how geopolitics, trade and concentration of power influence the resilience of food systems and how food can remain accessible and affordable. The panel agreed that food security is primarily an issue of access: enough food is produced globally, but not everyone is able to reach or afford it. Poorva Karkare, an economist at the European Centre for Development Policy Management with experience in India and Africa, emphasised that food security is largely shaped by policy and international rules. Historical choices such as the Green Revolution show that political decisions can increase production, but also create new challenges. Pascal Murasira (African Food Fellowship) pointed out that many African countries remain highly dependent on imports. According to him, investing in local agriculture and regional food chains is essential to build resilience. Fernando Hernandez (Both ENDS) highlighted the significant power of large multinationals in food trade and argued for treating food as a human right. Finally, Lena Kaufmann (University of Fribourg) provided a Chinese perspective, showing how countries seek to safeguard food security strategically through reserves, technology and international trade.
The conclusion: a resilient food system requires stronger local production, fair rules and international cooperation.
Netherlands Nutrition Centre presents updated Wheel of Five
On 9 April 2026, the Netherlands Nutrition Centre presented the updated Wheel of Five. This model translates scientific dietary guidelines into practical advice on what and how much to eat each day. The update does not represent a fundamental shift in direction, but rather a further development. The core message remains unchanged: eat a varied diet in line with the Wheel of Five. For oils and fats, little has changed. They remain an essential part of a healthy dietary pattern, partly due to their contribution to essential fatty acids and fat-soluble vitamins. In doing so, the Netherlands Nutrition Centre once again confirms the importance of oils and fats within a balanced diet.
NOFOTA dinner on 9 April
On 9 April, the annual NOFOTA networking dinner took place at the iconic Laurenskerk. With over 900 participants from across the sector, the evening offered ample opportunity for networking and exchange. In a festive setting, attendees reconnected and engaged in valuable discussions.
Visit to Van Wijk & Olthuis
MVO colleagues recently visited Van Wijk & Olthuis in Dronten, a company active in the trading, collection and processing of oils and fats, with a strong focus on used cooking oil (UCO). The company operates internationally in the collection and recycling of used frying oil, which is used as a feedstock for sustainable biofuels.
MVO engages with Members of the European Parliament on nutrition and policy
On 9 April 2026, MVO engaged in discussions in Brussels with Dutch Members of the European Parliament. The lunch meeting was initiated and hosted by Bert-Jan Ruissen. Participants included representatives from the Ministry of Health, Welfare and Sport, the European Commission (DG AGRI) and industry. Among those present were Jeannette Baljeu, Ingeborg ter Laak, Jessika van Leeuwen and Ton Diepeveen, as well as representatives from MVO, the Ministry and the private sector.
The role of nutrition and policy was central to the discussion. MVO highlighted the importance of a well-founded dietary pattern and pointed to consumption data showing that the intake of oils and fats in the Netherlands is lagging behind. Broader themes were also addressed, including sustainability, food safety and the practical feasibility of dietary guidelines.
The meeting provided space for an open exchange of perspectives across different political groups. Current topics were also discussed, including Nutri-Score, ultra-processed foods and potential food taxes.
