Beef and buffalo meat market in Norway

Earlier Report Observations

Norwegian beef and buffalo meat production increased from 112 thousand tons in 2018 to 123 thousand tons in 2021, supported by industry efforts to enhance efficiency and sustainability. The introduction of virtual fencing technology allowed for better pasture management and extended grazing seasons, while breeding projects aimed at developing climate-friendly cattle strains contributed to steady output growth.

A significant contraction occurred in 2023, with production falling to 91 thousand tons. This decline was directly linked to the consolidation of slaughtering facilities by major processor Nortura, which closed plants in Egersund, Førde, and Gol. Concurrently, a tuberculosis outbreak in Rogaland led to heightened testing and monitoring, further tightening supply.

The market continued to evolve through regulatory changes and new entrants. Mandatory minimum grazing periods for cattle were enforced in 2024 to improve animal welfare, and vaccines for bluetongue disease became available. By 2025, local players like Siljanhjort began offering contract slaughtering services, strengthening regional value chains.

Production beef and buffalo meat in Norway

In value, 2018-2021, M $ US

Norway's beef and buffalo meat production value increased for the second consecutive year. In 2021, output reached 1 329 million US dollars, marking a 19.1% year-over-year rise. The minimum value was recorded in 2019 at 1 069 million US dollars, which saw the largest decline of 4.6%. Between 2018 and 2021, production grew by 18.5%, equating to an annualized rate of 5.8%.

Annual dynamics of production in Norway 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

Beef and buffalo meat production in Norway increased for the third consecutive year. In 2021, 123.3 thousand tonnes were produced, reflecting a 4.0% uptick from the previous year. Between 2018 and 2021, production rose by 10.3%, equating to an annualized rate of 3.3%.

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

Exports beef and buffalo meat from Norway

Exports in kind, t

The market showed signs of volatility over the observed period. Exports reached their lowest point in 2020 at 15 tonnes, then rebounded to 67 tonnes in 2021, which is 356.0% higher than in 2020. The largest decline was recorded in 2020 at 75.7%. Exports peaked in 2018, with a 4.7-fold difference between the highest and lowest points.

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

From 2018 to 2021, Poland, Lithuania, and Denmark led the structure of exports in kind, accounting for 61.0%, 14.6%, and 7.0% of exports, respectively. Together, they represented 82.6% of total flows.

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

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

Exports in value, M $ US

The data reveals irregular changes, indicating a volatile market environment. The lowest exports were recorded in 2020 at 0.1 million US dollars, with the largest decline of 75.5%. In 2021, beef and buffalo meat deliveries from Norway reached 0.6 million US dollars, which is 300.8% higher than the previous year. Exports peaked in 2018, showing a 4.7-fold gap between the highest and lowest points.

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

From 2018 to 2021, three main markets—Poland, Lithuania, and Sweden—together absorbed 79.1% of total exports in value terms of beef and buffalo meat from Norway.

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

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

Imports beef and buffalo meat to Norway

Imports in kind, t

Beef and buffalo meat shipments to Norway from abroad increased for the second consecutive year. In 2021, Norway imported 21 439 tonnes, up by 31.8% compared to 2020. The minimum value was recorded in 2019 at 10 415 tonnes, which saw the largest decline of 1.3%. The largest increase was recorded in 2020 at 56.2%. Over the period 2018-2021, imports grew by 103.1%, with a compound annual growth rate of 26.6%.

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

Throughout 2018 to 2021, Germany, Namibia, and Botswana formed the core of imports in kind, accounting for 56.3%, 11.9%, and 9.5% of imports, respectively. Together, they took 77.8% of total flows.

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

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

Imports in value, M $ US

Cross-border shipments of beef and buffalo meat to Norway increased for the second consecutive year. In 2021, imports came to 133.3 million US dollars, which is 37.2% higher than in 2020. The minimum value was recorded in 2019 at 77.8 million US dollars, which saw the largest decline of 13.6%. Over the period 2018-2021, imports rose by 48%, with a compound annual growth rate of 14.0%.

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

Throughout 2018 to 2021, Germany, Namibia, and Botswana remained the main markets for imports in value terms of beef and buffalo meat to Norway, accounting for 35.3%, 23.0%, and 14.5% of imports, respectively. Jointly, they took 72.8% of total flows.

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

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