WILLEMSTAD - Those who want to eat healthy on the islands will pay more than in the Netherlands. Until two years ago, consumers spent 2 dollars 85 in the Netherlands for a healthy diet. These costs were 11 percent higher for Curaçao, 32 percent higher for Aruba and even 70 percent higher in Sint Maarten. This is evident from data for the period 2017-2020.
The higher prices are caused by the islands' dependence on imports. Almost all food is imported. These import prices and high transport costs are passed on to the consumer. According to the director of the central bank, Richard Doornbosch, the higher costs of a balanced diet in combination with a lower income contribute to inequality within the Kingdom. He said this at the 32nd Kingdom Conference in The Hague this week.