Market entry & sales agent matchmaking for sports, outdoor and lifestyle brands that want to grow across borders. Nedmatch helps foreign brands successfully enter the Dutch market and vice versa. We are there to support Dutch brands with ambitions to expand abroad. We do this by combining business development with finding the right sales agent, importer ordistributor. Why Nedmatch? • Focus on establishment and commercial growth • Well established in the Dutch market • Large international network • Hands-on business development What do you get? You can have the best product in the world, but without the right local approach and the right commercial network, growth will not happen. Nedmatch brings structure to your market introduction and connects you with partners who can really deliver. |
Our services focus on two main areas
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.
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 agreed period of time, commission- 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.
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)
Matchmaking service with agents and importers
Finding the right agent or distributor 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.
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.
Trusted by International brands
I am proud to partner with leading international companies on their successful market entry and expansion in the Netherlands and Benelux. Here are some of the brands I am supporting.
