Good Dutch Herring Production Case Study Example

The export of herrings to the European market was the primary source of income for Dutch Republic. Netherlands’s domination of the European market for its salted herring, in the seventeenth and eighteenth centuries, was widely facilitated by several factors. Some of these factors include organizations, institutions, and technologies, which managed or controlled the Dutch fishery industry. Subsequently, it led to the growth of the nation in terms of political, technological, social, and economic aspects.
Specifically, herring contributed to the success of the Dutch Republic through trade. They played an integral part in the primary trade. Essentially, fish were caught in the sea, treated with salt, and packed for export. In most cases, they were largely exported as final products, and they exchanged with wine, salt, and other commodities. Because of these exchanges, the Dutch Republic was the leading trading state per person in Europe, during the seventeenth century.
It is important to note that trade in herring established far-reaching social development and integration between the Dutch Republic and other nations. They led to the establishment of a trading network across the country and overseas. For instance, its products were widely shipped to France and Iberia to be exchange with other commodities such as salt. Therefore, herring trade promoted social cooperation among the public and other nations.
Moreover, herring product stimulated the growth of the fishing industry. Because of tremendous demand and its ability to compete, the nation specialized in the manufacture of modern and improved ships. For instance, they developed the factory ship, which enabled anglers to follow the herring into the deep shores.
In addition, there was the development of the onshore processing industry. The industry specialized in the preparation of salted herring for export into Europe and other regions of the globe. Ideally, these fisheries for export brought much profit to the Dutch Republic. By 1650, it had developed into a mature industry, which improved and bolstered the level of organizational innovations. In addition, other innovations were mainly achieved through vertical integration of trade, processing, and production.