Caviar substitutes market in Germany

Earlier Report Observations

Between 2018 and 2020, the market volume for caviar substitutes in Germany contracted from 1 348 t to 1 077 t. The initial decline in 2019 was driven by a doubling of farmed caviar production across Europe, which pushed prices down by up to 50% and intensified competition. The following year, the COVID-19 pandemic reduced demand in the food service sector and for luxury goods, further shrinking the market.

From 2021 onward, the market recovered, aided by a pandemic-driven shift to online sales that boosted revenue for major fish egg companies. By 2023, the market volume had rebounded to 1 498 t, supported by growing consumer interest in plant-based and vegan caviar alternatives as well as increased domestic aquaculture output, with German farms producing around 105 t of caviar that year.

In 2024, new EU product safety regulations for online traders came into effect, while trends toward organic caviar and plant-based substitutes continued to shape the market, reflecting broader consumer preferences for sustainability and value for money.

Production caviar substitutes in Germany

In value, 2017-2020, K $ US

Germany's production of caviar substitutes declined after two years of growth. In 2020, output was valued at 28 181 thousand US dollars, marking a slight decrease of 2.7% compared to 2019. Over the period from 2017 to 2020, production increased by 18.1%, with a compound annual growth rate of 5.7%. The highest value was recorded in 2019 at 28 951 thousand US dollars, while the largest annual increase occurred in 2018 at 19.8%.

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

In kind, 2017-2020, t

Germany's production of caviar substitutes declined for the second consecutive year. In 2020, 1 324 tonnes were produced, down by 3.6% from 2019. The peak production was in 2018 at 1 387 tonnes, which also saw the largest annual increase of 3.1%.

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

Exports caviar substitutes from Germany

Exports in kind, t

Germany's exports of caviar substitutes declined for the second year in a row. In 2020, exports reached 1 496 tonnes, remaining relatively stable compared to 2019. Between 2017 and 2020, exports decreased by 7.2%, equating to an annualized decline of 2.5%. The highest export volume was in 2018 at 1 722 tonnes, with the largest annual increase of 6.8% that year and the largest decline of 12.8% in 2019.

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

From 2017 to 2020, Germany's exports of caviar substitutes in volume terms were dispersed across many countries. France accounted for 31.5% of exports, Denmark for 7.6%, and Italy for 7.5%, together forming 46.6% of total flows. The remaining 53.4% was distributed among a wide range of other destinations.

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, K $ US

Germany's exports of caviar substitutes in value terms declined for the second consecutive year. In 2020, export volume totaled 32 139 thousand US dollars, representing a gradual decline of 8.2% compared to 2019. Between 2017 and 2020, exports decreased by 5.2%, with an annualized rate of decline of 1.8%. The peak value was in 2018 at 39 469 thousand US dollars, with the largest annual increase of 16.4% that year and the largest decline of 11.3% in 2019.

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

From 2017 to 2020, France, Italy, and Austria were the largest buyers of caviar substitutes from Germany in value terms, accounting for 19.2%, 8.1%, and 6.9% of exports, respectively. However, their combined share was only 34.2% of total exports, indicating a diversified country structure.

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

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

Imports caviar substitutes to Germany

Imports in kind, t

Germany's imports of caviar substitutes declined for the third consecutive year. In 2020, imports totaled 1 496 tonnes, representing a moderate decline of 9.9% compared to 2019. Over the period from 2017 to 2020, imports decreased by 42.2%, with a compound annual growth rate of -16.7%.

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

From 2017 to 2020, the country breakdown of Germany's imports of caviar substitutes in volume terms was scattered. The United States accounted for 24.6% of imports, Sweden for 10.7%, and Iceland for 10.1%, together comprising 45.4% of total flows, with no single partner dominating.

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, K $ US

Germany's imports of caviar substitutes in value terms declined for the third consecutive year. In 2020, imports were approximately 20 212 thousand US dollars, showing a small fall of 1.2% from 2019. Over the period from 2017 to 2020, imports decreased by 46.6%, with a compound annual growth rate of -18.9%.

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

From 2017 to 2020, the United States, Denmark, and Iceland accounted for the largest share of Germany's imports of caviar substitutes in value terms. The United States represented 47.2% of imports, Denmark 10.2%, and Iceland 6.5%, together comprising 64.0% of total flows.

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

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