Empty greenhouses in Holland are a big concern for the Rabobank; smaller growers leave the industry or build larger greenhouse operations in rural area's with greenhouse clusters. Due to the oversupply of smaller empty greenhouses, the value of the companies has decreased significant. Many of the empty greenhouse are now serving as a winter storage for caravans.
Rabobank's customers in the greenhouse industry are undergoing tough times, and more growers are not capable to meet financial obligations. Last year the bank had to reserve 2,6 billion Euro for customers that could not pay their bills; this were not only greenhouse growers, but also businesses in detailed retail and inland shipping.
Over the last years, the average income of a Dutch grower has decreased significant. The cost price is increased due to high energy costs, while at the same time the trade is under pressure. Smaller growers find it difficult to survive and have no capital to invest, while larger growers consolidate and upscale their production to become more cost-efficient. This brings even more pressure on the market.
Rabobank's net profit in 2014 was lower than the net profit over 2013. In 2014 the net profit was 1,84 billion Euro, against 2,01 billion Euro in 2013.