Germany: Meat consumption increased slightly
Chicken, in particular, has been more popular, while pork consumption has virtually stagnated in recent years. Meat production increased for the first time since 2016.
According to the 2024 Meat Supply Balance, pork was once again the most consumed meat per capita, at 28.4 kilograms, but around 100 grams less than in 2023. Poultry meat's popularity increased again, rising by 500 grams to 13.6 kilograms per capita. This increase was primarily due to chicken. Beef and veal consumption remained stable at 9.3 kilograms per capita despite rising consumer prices.
Overall, meat consumption in 2024 amounted to 4.44 million tons, 0.8 percent more than the previous year. "How this will develop remains to be seen," says Dr. Josef Goos, head of the Federal Agricultural Information Center (BZL). "A return to consumption levels of previous years seems unlikely given the trend toward a flexitarian diet." From a statistical perspective, it should also be noted that the reported calculated per capita meat consumption from 2022 onwards is based on updated population figures, and a comparison with previous years is currently not possible. "As soon as the population figures based on the 2022 census are available, we will be able to calculate per capita consumption retroactively for ten years and make statements about the long-term trend," adds Goos.
Slowed price increase due to higher production
The slight increase in meat consumption in 2024 was supported by the fact that, according to the Federal Statistical Office, consumer price increases remained limited at 1.3 percent compared to 2023. Poultry meat was even offered at lower prices on average. The first increase in net meat production in Germany in a long time, which grew by 1.4 percent to 7.3 million tons, also contributed to more affordable prices. Net pork production increased above average by 1.9 percent, followed by chicken at 1.3 percent, and beef and veal at 1.1 percent. Net production of turkeys, ducks, geese, sheep, and goats, however, was lower than in 2023.
Less meat traded internationally
Overall, German foreign trade in meat and meat products weakened in 2024 compared to the previous year. According to preliminary data, imports declined by 1.4 percent to 3.14 million tonnes. In particular, pork and beef imports declined; however, poultry imports increased. Exports declined by 0.3 percent to 4.39 million tonnes, though. The significant increase in third-country exports of pork, in particular, offset the overall decline in exports of other types of meat.
Self-sufficiency rate increased by one percentage point
Because domestic meat production grew slightly faster than consumption in 2024, the self-sufficiency rate increased from 119.5 percent in 2023 to 120.5 percent in 2024. Domestic demand was met at 134.6 percent for pork, 108.2 percent for beef and veal, and 100.4 percent for poultry. For popular cuts, such as pork fillet or chops, the self-sufficiency rate was also below average.
"We have never before experienced such a high export value in the month of February. This is due ...
Poultry remains an affordable protein option for price-conscious consumers due to its competitive...
Straight from the sizzling scene of the 2025 International Pizza Expo in Las Vegas, Hormel Foods ...
