In Germany, the consumption of meat has hit a new record low, with total annual consumption decreasing by 0.8% year-on-year to 51.6kg in 2023, according to data from the Federal Information Centre for Agriculture (BZL). This decline marks a new low for the country, following a drop to 52kg per person in 2022. The decrease in meat consumption was primarily driven by a 5% decrease in the consumption of beef and veal products, which dropped to 8.9kg per capita. Pork consumption also fell by 2.1% to 27.6kg per person, while poultry consumption increased by 7.3% to 13.1kg.
Chicken products experienced the smallest decline in consumption since 2018, at 2.2%. On the other hand, beef and veal consumption has dropped by 16.8% in the past five years, while the number of people eating pork has declined by nearly 20%. The BZL attributes this overall decline in meat consumption to a “long-term trend” influenced by changing diets and increased awareness of the health, climate, and environmental impacts of high meat consumption.
The decline in meat consumption in 2023 was also accompanied by a slowdown in meat imports, including fresh meat, meat products, and canned goods. Specifically, imports of pork items decreased by 8.1% to 961,600 tonnes. Exports also fell by 13.3% to 2.2m tonnes in the same year. This decline in consumption and trade has impacted meat production in Germany, with net pork production decreasing by 6.8% to 4.2m tonnes, while beef and veal output increased by 0.5% to 1m tonnes. Poultry production saw the highest growth, rising by 1.4% to 1.52m tonnes.
Despite these changes, the German food and beverage industry continues to adapt to evolving consumer trends and business practices. Companies in the food and drink sector are focusing on sustainability, health, and innovation to stay competitive in the market. As the industry navigates these challenges, staying informed about food and beverage industry trends and consumer preferences is essential for success.