Who I am

Erik Kraij - With over 20 years of experience in business development for various international brands, I help companies successfully navigate the cultural and business landscape of the Dutch market. I have supported companies in various market segments, such as sportswear, footwear, outdoor, garden and lifestyle. Thanks to my experience and hands-on approach, I know how to effectively guide international sports brands in their introduction to the Dutch market.

My approach: hands-on

A hands-on approach means that I not only provide theoretical advice, but am also actively involved in the implementation. I work closely with your team to develop and implement a tailor-made strategy that will help your company grow rapidly in the Netherlands. My approach is practical, transparent and goal-oriented. Thanks to my international experience, I am able to bridge cultural differences and make the most of opportunities.

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For whom.

I work with brands and companies in the sports and leisure industry that want to expand into the Dutch market. I work not only with established parties, but also with smaller companies and start-ups. I offer clear rates: per hour, per month or on a project basis. My services cover everything needed for a successful market entry, from market research and finding agents or recruiting your team to setting up shops, offices or showrooms and launching e-commerce activities.

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Market entry & business development

From “interest in the Netherlands” to a scalable sales channel.

I will help you develop a clear go-to-market approach and build your initial commercial momentum.

What this entails in concrete terms:

• Practical market knowledge: how to really get in and stay in

• Market and channel selection (retail, wholesale, B2B, distributor)

• Positioning & proposition for the Dutch market (or abroad)

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Matchmaking service with agents and importers

Finding the right sales agent is about matching fit and performance.
Nedmatch selects and approaches suitable commercial partners such as:
sales agents, importers and distributors.

What to expect:

-Intake: understanding the candidate's needs and profile
-Longlist to shortlist based on relevant experience and network
-Introductions & guidance during interviews
-Assistance with agreements on exclusivity, targets, contract design and cooperation

Result: a partner that fits your brand and can deliver.

Interested in international agent matchmaking?
Feel free to contact me to discuss the possibilities for your brand.

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About the Netherlands

Small market, big potential. The Netherlands is where your brand meets opportunity.

A strategic and accessible market for international sports brands

The Netherlands is an ideal gateway for international sports, outdoor and lifestyle brands looking to establish themselves or expand in Europe. With over 17.5 million inhabitants and a high level of spending, the Dutch market offers a combination of compactness and purchasing power.

Some key advantages:

Open and innovation-oriented economy

The Netherlands is structurally one of the most competitive economies in the world, with a strong focus on innovation, logistics and digital commerce.

Strategically located in Europe

Central location with direct access to large neighbouring countries such as Germany, Belgium and Scandinavia. Rotterdam is the largest port in Europe and Schiphol is one of the busiest airports.

Digital and brand-sensitive consumers

Dutch consumers are trend-sensitive, sporty and active online – a perfect target group for sports and lifestyle brands.

Entrepreneur-friendly climate

Multilingual talent, excellent infrastructure and a favourable tax and legal climate make it attractive for foreign companies to establish themselves here. International sports brands consciously choose the Netherlands

In short: the Dutch market is small enough to test, large enough to scale up.

NedMatch is happy to help you take the first step — and achieve further sustainable growth.