Jumbo has become the first national retailer to introduce dried split peas and beans grown in the Netherlands at scale.
From this week, customers can buy Dutch-grown split peas supplied by the Dutch Protein Farmers in stores across the Netherlands and Belgium, as well as online. Brown, white, black and red kidney beans grown domestically are also part of the range.
The move makes the Netherlands supermarket the first major chain to re-establish large-scale local production of dried legumes.
Demand for legumes has been rising steadily. According to Rabobank, supermarket sales have increased by around 10–15% over the past three years. Legumes are increasingly used in ready meals, snacks and plant-based products. The Dutch Nutrition Centre continues to recommend regular consumption due to their fibre and plant protein content.
Jumbo previously introduced locally grown edamame beans under its “Dichtbij” range. With split peas and multiple bean varieties now added, the retailer is expanding its private-label protein offer sourced closer to home.
The shift also carries an agricultural dimension. Legumes fix nitrogen in the soil, reduce fertiliser use and support biodiversity. Shorter supply chains lower transport distances between grower and shelf.
Split pea cultivation moved largely to North America in the 1970s. To restart production domestically, the Jumbo Impact Fund invested alongside the Dutch Protein Farmers to build a new supply chain. The cooperative is working to scale Dutch protein crops including split peas, chickpeas and other legumes.
The launch coincides with Beanmeal Week, which highlights the role of legumes in future-proof farming.
By securing local protein supply at retail level, Jumbo strengthens its position in plant-based categories while rebuilding domestic cultivation capacity.
Editor’s Note: This development highlights how a Netherlands supermarket is moving beyond traditional sourcing models to actively rebuild domestic protein crop supply. The information in this article is based on Jumbo’s official announcement dated 10 February 2026.
