Business

Action’s sales jumped 14 percent to 8.3 billion euros, driven by strong demand for summer products and increased store visits. The retailer continues its rapid expansion, adding new stores across Europe and preparing for its first U.S. opening.

Dutch growers expect a smaller apple harvest this year, while pear production is set to rise. Apple acreage continues to shrink, but pear cultivation remains stable. Growers say the final weeks of the season will determine the quality of the new harvest.

The European Commission is fining the Chinese online retailer AliExpress €550 million for failing to stop the sale of illegal, unsafe, or counterfeit products....

Picnic saw strong revenue growth in 2025 as more customers joined and its electric fleet expanded. However, the company’s continued investments in automation and international expansion led to a higher net loss. The supermarket says these costs are necessary to support long‑term growth.

Dutch breweries expect little disruption from the national water shortage thanks to their own underground water sources. While the government prepares new conservation measures, major brewers say they can maintain production and adjust tap‑water usage during peak times.

The EU is requiring Google to open its search data and Android AI access to competitors, aiming to reduce Google’s market dominance and expand user choice. Key obligations begin in 2027 under the Digital Markets Act.

Variable gas prices in the Netherlands rose by 7 percent this month, pushing rates 12 percent above pre‑war levels. Fixed contracts, however, became cheaper, while dynamic contracts continue to gain popularity.

Dutch semiconductor specialist ASML is expanding its manufacturing capacity for advanced DUV and low NA EUV lithography machines by 30 per cent next year to satisfy a surge in customer orders. The company is shortening assembly lead times, streamlining factory testing protocols, and preparing to break ground on a major new site at Eindhoven's Brainport Industries Campus. While restructuring efforts are underway to cut corporate bureaucracy, rapid business growth is expected to create new opportunities for affected personnel.