COV: The Dutch Meat Association

The Dutch Meat Association (COV) represents and promotes the collective interests of the Dutch meat industry (pig, veal, beef, sheep/goat), both nationally and internationally. COV is also known as VleesNL. 

Our members account for over 90% of the total turnover of the Dutch meat sector, representing an annual production value of more than 10 billion euros.
Every day, around 100 million people in more than 140 countries enjoy Dutch meat products — underlining the importance of export to our sector.

We are the leading trade association for medium-sized and large slaughterhouses and meat processing companies in the Netherlands. In addition to company members, several employers’ organisations are affiliated with COV, together representing over 150 companies directly or indirectly.

COV is the voice of the Dutch meat industry, an impactful organisation recognised as the representative body of the sector. We are committed to a strong, responsible, and forward-looking meat sector, meeting the highest national and European standards for quality, safety and sustainability. COV is also a member of the IMS (International Meat Secretariat) and UECBV (European Livestock and Meat Trades Union).