Beef and buffalo meat market in Denmark

Earlier Report Observations

Following the enactment of the Food Act in 2018, which strengthened the regulatory framework, the Danish beef and buffalo meat market began to contract in volume. Consumption fell from 197.8 thousand tons in 2018 to 172.4 thousand tons in 2020, reflecting a steady downward trend.

A temporary recovery to 188.2 thousand tons occurred in 2021, but the market then dropped sharply to 168.1 thousand tons in 2022. This decline was driven by historically high beef prices, which led Danish consumers to reduce purchases, compounded by a decline in the national herd of dairy and beef cattle that constrained supply. The downward volume movement continued through 2023 and 2024, reaching 158.3 thousand tons.

In value terms, the market showed more volatile dynamics due to price fluctuations, peaking at 975.1 million US dollars in 2021. The implementation of new EU organic regulations and stricter beef labeling requirements in 2022 altered the operational environment, while the entry of new players like Kødhuset and a growing consumer focus on sustainability and animal welfare introduced additional market factors.

Production beef and buffalo meat in Denmark

In value, 2018-2021, M $ US

After a two-year decline, beef and buffalo meat production in Denmark increased in 2021. Output was valued at 802.5 million US dollars, which is 11.9% higher than the previous year. The minimum value was recorded in 2020 at 717.3 million US dollars, with the largest decline occurring in 2019 at 14.1%. Overall, between 2018 and 2021, production decreased by 8.4%, equating to an annualized rate of 2.9%.

Annual dynamics of production in Denmark in value, 2018-2021, M $ US

In kind, 2018-2021, K t

Top producers of beef and buffalo meat, 2018-2021

World map of production of beef and buffalo meat, 2018-2021

After a two-year decline, Denmark's beef and buffalo meat production increased in 2021. The country produced 173.6 thousand tonnes, up by 11.3% year-over-year. The minimum value was recorded in 2020 at 155.9 thousand tonnes, with the largest decline occurring in 2019 at 12.1%. Over the period from 2018 to 2021, production decreased by 8.7%, with a compound annual growth rate of 3.0%.

Annual dynamics of production in Denmark in kind, 2018-2021, K t

Exports beef and buffalo meat from Denmark

Exports in kind, t

After a two-year decline, exported beef and buffalo meat volumes from Denmark increased in 2021. Exports amounted to 69 652 tonnes, marking a modest gain of 9.4% compared to the previous year. The minimum value was recorded in 2020 at 63 662 tonnes, with the largest decline occurring in 2019 at 13.7%. Between 2018 and 2021, exports decreased by 10.1%, with a compound annual growth rate of 3.5%.

Annual dynamics of product's exports from Denmark in kind, 2018-2021, t

From 2018 to 2021, Germany, Italy, and Sweden formed the main cluster of markets for Denmark's beef and buffalo meat exports in kind. Germany accounted for 31.6% of exports, Italy for 12.7%, and Sweden for 12.6%. Together, these three countries represented 56.9% of total export flows.

Structure of product's exports in kind by countries, 2018-2021

World map of product's exports from Denmark in kind, 2018-2021

Exports in value, M $ US

After a two-year decrease, exported beef and buffalo meat volumes from Denmark increased in 2021. Export volume amounted to 392.6 million US dollars, representing a 30.1% increase compared to 2020. The minimum value was recorded in 2020 at 301.7 million US dollars, with the largest decline occurring in 2019 at 14.7%. Between 2018 and 2021, exports increased by 3.6%, equating to an annualized rate of 1.2%.

Annual dynamics of product's exports from Denmark in value, 2018-2021, M $ US

Throughout 2018 to 2021, Germany, Italy, and Spain formed the core of Denmark's beef and buffalo meat exports in value terms. Germany accounted for 22.5% of exports, Italy for 16.6%, and Spain for 14.0%. Together, these three countries took 53.2% of total export flows.

Structure of product's exports in value by countries, 2018-2021

World map of product's exports from Denmark in value, 2018-2021

Imports beef and buffalo meat to Denmark

Imports in kind, t

After a two-year decline, beef and buffalo meat imports into Denmark increased in 2021. Imports amounted to 84 229 tonnes, amounting to a moderate gain of 5.1% year-over-year. The minimum value was recorded in 2020 at 80 151 tonnes, with the largest decline occurring in 2019 at 5.4%.

Annual dynamics of product's imports to Denmark in kind, 2018-2021, t

Over 2018 to 2021, Germany, the Netherlands, and Poland made the biggest contribution to Denmark's beef and buffalo meat imports in kind. Germany accounted for 31.2% of imports, the Netherlands for 28.1%, and Poland for 10.3%. Jointly, these three countries accounted for 69.6% of total import flows.

Structure of product's imports in kind by countries, 2018-2021

World map of product's imports to Denmark in kind, 2018-2021

Imports in value, M $ US

After a two-year decline, beef and buffalo meat imports into Denmark increased in 2021. Imports came to 565.2 million US dollars, corresponding to a strong increase of 18.8% relative to the prior year. The minimum value was recorded in 2020 at 475.8 million US dollars, with the largest decline occurring in 2019 at 12.2%. Over the period from 2018 to 2021, imports increased by 2.3%, with a compound annual growth rate of 0.8%.

Annual dynamics of product's imports to Denmark in value, 2018-2021, M $ US

Over 2018 to 2021, the Netherlands, Germany, and Poland headed the ranking of suppliers of beef and buffalo meat to Denmark in value terms. The Netherlands accounted for 30.4% of imports, Germany for 29.6%, and Poland for 8.2%. Their combined share reached 68.2% of total imports in value terms.

Structure of product's imports in value by countries, 2018-2021

World map of product's imports to Denmark in value, 2018-2021