Beef, sheep or goat fat market in Southern Europe

Earlier Report Observations

The market volume for beef, sheep, and goat fats in Southern Europe began the period at 419 thous. t in 2018 but fell steadily to 328 thous. t by 2020. This decline was largely due to a sustained reduction in cattle herds across Italy's primary production regions, which constrained the supply of bovine animal fats. A parallel decrease in sheep and goat populations further limited output of ovine and caprine fats.

Market volume recovered to 342 thous. t in 2021 and reached a peak of 373 thous. t in 2022, aided by a 21.7% surge in live cattle imports into Italy that boosted domestic slaughter activity. However, 2023 saw a sharp contraction to 259 thous. t as higher input costs and a decrease in animals held for fattening reduced production. Concurrently, consumer spending on fresh beef rose, reflecting a shift toward quality products that supported demand for animal fats in traditional and biodiesel applications.

Production beef, sheep or goat fat in Southern Europe

In kind, 2017-2020, K t

Top producers of beef, sheep or goat fat, 2017-2020

World map of production of beef, sheep or goat fat, 2017-2020

Southern Europe's production of beef, sheep, or goat fat has declined for the second year in a row. In 2020, the region produced 274.2 thousand tons, marking a 9.0% decrease from the previous year. Looking at the period from 2017 to 2020, overall production fell by 5%, with an average annual decline of 1.7%. The highest production level was in 2018 at 351.3 thousand tons, which saw a significant increase of 21.7%. However, the largest drop occurred in 2019, with a 14.3% reduction.

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

In value, 2017-2020, M $ US

In 2020, the value of beef, sheep, or goat fat production in Southern Europe reached 209.8 million US dollars, up 1.6% from the year before. Over the 2017-2020 period, however, production value decreased by 13%, averaging a 4.5% annual decline. The lowest value was recorded in 2019 at 206.4 million US dollars, which experienced the largest decline of 16.6%. In contrast, the peak value was in 2018 at 247.6 million US dollars, with a modest increase of 2.6%.

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

Exports beef, sheep or goat fat from Southern Europe

Exports in kind, t

Following two years of growth, Southern Europe's export volume of beef, sheep, or goat fat declined in 2020. Exports totaled 33 205 tons, down 13.0% from the previous year. From 2017 to 2020, exports overall increased by 77.9%, with an average annual growth rate of 21.2%. The highest export volume was in 2019 at 38 170 tons, while the largest increase occurred in 2018, rising by 43.0%.

Annual dynamics of product's exports from Southern Europe in kind, 2017-2020, t

Between 2017 and 2020, Southern Europe exported beef, sheep, or goat fat to a wide range of markets. Even the top destinations—the Netherlands, France, and Turkey—collectively accounted for only 38.9% of total exports in volume, highlighting a diverse export structure.

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

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

Exports in value, K $ US

After two years of increases, the value of beef, sheep, or goat fat exports from Southern Europe fell in 2020. Exports were valued at 25 406 thousand US dollars, a 2.9% decrease compared to the previous year. Over the 2017-2020 period, export value grew by 62.9%, with an average annual increase of 17.7%. The peak value was in 2019 at 26 164 thousand US dollars, which also saw the largest rise of 39.1%.

Annual dynamics of product's exports from Southern Europe in value, 2017-2020, K $ US

From 2017 to 2020, the Netherlands (24.4% of export value), France (11.1%), and Turkey (7.9%) were the leading buyers of beef, sheep, or goat fat from Southern Europe. Together, they made up 43.4% of total export value, indicating a relatively diversified market with no single country dominating.

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

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

Imports beef, sheep or goat fat to Southern Europe

Imports in kind, t

Southern Europe's imports of beef, sheep, or goat fat decreased for the second consecutive year in 2020. The region imported 87 307 tons, down 4.9% from the previous year. Between 2017 and 2020, imports overall increased by 3.5%, equivalent to an average annual growth of 1.1%. The highest import volume was in 2018 at 94 660 tons, which recorded the largest increase of 12.2%.

Annual dynamics of product's imports to Southern Europe in kind, 2017-2020, t

During 2017-2020, France (64.6% of import volume), Germany (9.1%), and Austria (4.7%) were the primary sources for beef, sheep, or goat fat imports into Southern Europe. Combined, they represented 78.3% of total import flows, showing a more concentrated supply structure compared to exports.

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

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

Imports in value, K $ US

In 2020, Southern Europe's imports of beef, sheep, or goat fat were valued at 63 873 thousand US dollars, a 15.3% increase year-over-year. Over the 2017-2020 period, import value rose by 2.1%, with an average annual growth of 0.7%. The lowest value was in 2019 at 55 395 thousand US dollars, which saw the largest decline of 13.1%.

Annual dynamics of product's imports to Southern Europe in value, 2017-2020, K $ US

From 2017 to 2020, France (62.1% of import value), Germany (9.9%), and Austria (4.8%) accounted for the largest share of beef, sheep, or goat fat imports into Southern Europe in value terms. Together, they comprised 76.8% of total import flows, reinforcing the concentration seen in volume terms.

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

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