Animal feed preparations market in Germany

Earlier Report Observations

From 2018 to 2020, the German animal feed preparations market experienced a gradual increase in volume, reaching nearly 49 million tons. This period was shaped by the introduction of the EU Organic Regulation 2018/848, which established new standards for organic pet food production and labeling, alongside a growing trend of pet humanization that raised quality expectations and spurred demand for functional ingredients and innovative product forms. The entry of first suppliers from adjacent industries began to expand the competitive landscape.

After 2020, market volume contracted, falling to 45.1 million tons by 2022, yet the market value rose sharply to over $21 billion, reflecting a decisive shift toward premium and organic products. The full implementation of the EU organic rules for pet food in January 2022, which removed labeling restrictions, accelerated this premiumization. New market entrants focusing on natural and regional ingredients, coupled with retailers commencing their own production, fueled competition and innovation in higher-value segments.

In 2023 and 2024, market volume further declined to 44.5 million tons, while value remained elevated at $18.95 billion, underscoring sustained consumer preference for premium, organic, and functional feeds. Regulatory developments, including new EU labeling mandates for organic pet food with a mandatory EU organic logo from May 2024, and price increases for key additives like DL-methionine, reinforced a market structure oriented toward higher-value products. The emergence of new segments such as grain-free and insect-protein-based feeds, alongside advancements in packaging technology, supported this evolution.

Production animal feed preparations in Germany

In value, 2017-2020, M $ US

In Germany, the output value of animal feed preparations reached 17 886 million US dollars in 2020, marking a 3.7% increase from the previous year. Production grew by 7.8% between 2017 and 2020, averaging an annual growth rate of 2.5%. The highest value was recorded in 2018 at 17 945 million US dollars, with the largest annual increase of 8.1% that year. In contrast, 2019 saw the largest decline of 3.9%.

Annual dynamics of production in Germany in value, 2017-2020, M $ US

In kind, 2017-2020, K t

Germany's production of animal feed preparations has increased for the third consecutive year. In 2020, the country produced 49 863 thousand tonnes, up 1.0% from the previous year. From 2017 to 2020, production rose by 3.4%, translating to an average annual growth rate of 1.1%.

Annual dynamics of production in Germany in kind, 2017-2020, K t

Exports animal feed preparations from Germany

Exports in kind, K t

Exports of animal feed preparations from Germany have grown for the second year in a row. In 2020, export volumes reached 3 088 thousand tonnes, a 6.4% increase compared to the previous year. Over the period from 2017 to 2020, exports increased by 12.1%, with a compound annual growth rate of 3.9%. The lowest volume was recorded in 2018 at 2 713 thousand tonnes, which also saw the largest decline of 1.5%. The largest increase occurred in 2019, with a 7.0% rise.

Annual dynamics of product's exports from Germany in kind, 2017-2020, K t

From 2017 to 2020, Germany's exports of animal feed preparations in volume terms were widely distributed across partner countries. The Netherlands accounted for 24.4% of exports, Poland for 16.1%, and France for 8.3%. Together, these three countries represented only 48.8% of total export flows, indicating a diverse market.

Structure of product's exports in kind by countries, 2017-2020

World map of product's exports from Germany in kind, 2017-2020

Exports in value, M $ US

The value of animal feed preparations exported from Germany has increased for the third consecutive year. In 2020, exports totaled 3 700 million US dollars, a significant 17.7% rise from the previous year. Between 2017 and 2020, export value grew by 30%, averaging an annual growth rate of 9.1%.

Annual dynamics of product's exports from Germany in value, 2017-2020, M $ US

The partner structure for Germany's exports of animal feed preparations in value terms remained fragmented from 2017 to 2020. Poland accounted for 13.6% of export value, the Netherlands for 10.7%, and Austria for 9.9%. Combined, these three countries represented only 34.3% of total flows, with no single country holding a dominant share.

Structure of product's exports in value by countries, 2017-2020

World map of product's exports from Germany in value, 2017-2020

Imports animal feed preparations to Germany

Imports in kind, K t

In 2020, Germany imported 2 208 thousand tonnes of animal feed preparations, a 7.9% increase from the previous year. Over the period from 2017 to 2020, imports grew by 6.3%, with a compound annual growth rate of 2.1%. The lowest volume was recorded in 2019 at 2 045 thousand tonnes, which also experienced the largest decline of 1.9%.

Annual dynamics of product's imports to Germany in kind, 2017-2020, K t

From 2017 to 2020, the Netherlands, Poland, and France were the main suppliers of animal feed preparations to Germany in volume terms. The Netherlands accounted for 48.7% of imports, Poland for 10.4%, and France for 7.6%. Together, these three countries formed 66.7% of total import volumes.

Structure of product's imports in kind by countries, 2017-2020

World map of product's imports to Germany in kind, 2017-2020

Imports in value, M $ US

Germany's imports of animal feed preparations in value terms have increased for the third year in a row. In 2020, imports reached 2 654 million US dollars, up 9.4% from the previous year. Between 2017 and 2020, import value rose by 19.2%, averaging an annual growth rate of 6.0%.

Annual dynamics of product's imports to Germany in value, 2017-2020, M $ US

Throughout 2017 to 2020, the Netherlands, Poland, and France remained key partners for Germany's imports of animal feed preparations in value terms. The Netherlands accounted for 28.2% of import value, Poland for 14.4%, and France for 9.1%. Together, these three countries represented 51.7% of total import flows.

Structure of product's imports in value by countries, 2017-2020

World map of product's imports to Germany in value, 2017-2020