Cereal groats and meal market in Germany

Earlier Report Observations

The market for cereal groats and meal in Germany expanded sharply in 2020, with volume reaching 412.6 thousand tons, a 24% increase from the previous year. This surge was driven by major manufacturers like General Mills and Kellogg reviving classic muesli recipes and launching new product variants tailored to specific tastes and demographics, such as protein-rich, low-sugar cereals targeting Generation Z.

After the 2020 peak, market volume fell to 320.5 thousand tons in 2021 and showed uneven movements through 2024. Evolving consumer preferences toward health and sustainability increased demand for specific segments like plant-based and gluten-free products, while regulatory measures, including lower ergot alkaloid limits implemented in July 2024, and a notably poor German grain harvest in 2024, the worst since 2018, constrained raw material supply.

Additional pressure came from high retail market concentration squeezing suppliers, while global events including the war in Ukraine and European weather extremes disrupted grain availability and contributed to price increases, helping stabilize overall market volume around 300–330 thousand tons in the latter part of the period.

Production cereal groats and meal in Germany

In value, 2017-2020, M $ US

Germany's production of cereal groats and meal has increased for the third consecutive year. In 2020, the output was valued at 185.0 million US dollars, marking a significant rise of 32.8% compared to 2019. Over the period from 2017 to 2020, production grew by 41.6%, with a compound annual growth rate of 12.3%.

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

In kind, 2017-2020, K t

Germany's production volume of cereal groats and meal has risen for the second consecutive year. In 2020, 389.8 thousand tonnes were produced, representing a strong increase of 22.4% compared to 2019. From 2017 to 2020, production increased by 29.5%, with a compound annual growth rate of 9.0%. The lowest production level was recorded in 2018 at 294.0 thousand tonnes, which also saw the largest decline of 2.3%.

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

Exports cereal groats and meal from Germany

Exports in kind, t

Germany's cross-border shipments of cereal groats and meal have increased for the second consecutive year. In 2020, export volume reached 68 408 tonnes, up by 14.6% compared to 2019. However, over the period from 2017 to 2020, exports decreased by 5.7%, with a compound annual growth rate of -1.9%. The lowest export volume was recorded in 2018 at 58 555 tonnes, which experienced the largest decline of 19.2%.

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

From 2017 to 2020, Norway, France, and the Netherlands were the main destinations for Germany's exports of cereal groats and meal in kind. Norway accounted for 29.6% of exports, France for 20.9%, and the Netherlands for 11.2%. Together, these three countries absorbed 61.6% of total exports.

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

After a two-year decline, Germany's exports of cereal groats and meal in value terms have increased. In 2020, exports reached 35 260 thousand US dollars, showing a sharp rise of 25.8% year-over-year. The lowest value was recorded in 2019 at 28 038 thousand US dollars, while the largest decline occurred in 2018 at 15.1%.

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

From 2017 to 2020, the partner landscape for Germany's exports of cereal groats and meal in value terms was diverse. France accounted for 19.7% of exports, Norway for 15.7%, and the Netherlands for 11.9%. Together, these three countries formed only 47.4% of total flows, with the remaining 52.6% supplied to many other countries.

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

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

Imports cereal groats and meal to Germany

Imports in kind, t

After a two-year decline, Germany's imports of cereal groats and meal in kind have increased. In 2020, imports totalled 91 146 tonnes, up by 24.4% compared to 2019. Over the period from 2017 to 2020, imports grew by 8.4%, with a compound annual growth rate of 2.7%. The lowest import volume was recorded in 2019 at 73 297 tonnes, which saw the largest decline of 10.1%.

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

From 2017 to 2020, Italy, Luxembourg, and Austria were the principal sources for Germany's imports of cereal groats and meal in kind. Italy accounted for 51.1% of imports, Luxembourg for 16.5%, and Austria for 9.9%. Together, these three countries jointly accounted for 77.5% of total import flows.

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

After a two-year decrease, Germany's imports of cereal groats and meal in value terms have increased. In 2020, imports totalled 53 200 thousand US dollars, reflecting an advance of 34.5% compared to the previous year. Between 2017 and 2020, imports increased by 19.4%, equating to an annualized rate of 6.1%. The lowest value was recorded in 2019 at 39 612 thousand US dollars, while the largest decline occurred in 2018 at 6.0%.

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

From 2017 to 2020, the leading destinations for Germany's imports of cereal groats and meal in value terms were Italy, Luxembourg, and Austria. Italy accounted for 51.9% of imports, Luxembourg for 13.3%, and Austria for 9.1%. Together, these three countries jointly accounted for 74.3% 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