Crispbread, rusks, toasted bread and similar toasted products market in Germany

Earlier Report Observations

The market for crispbread, rusks, and toasted bread in Germany experienced fluctuations between 2018 and 2021. After a decline to 145.8 million dollars in 2019, it recovered to 162.1 million dollars in 2020, partly supported by stable consumer demand and ongoing adherence to EU acrylamide reduction rules for crispbread production. The preparation for updated German food guidelines (Leitsätze) that took effect in April 2021 also contributed to market activity. In 2021, the market dipped slightly to 157.9 million dollars despite the formal introduction of the new Leitsätze, which clarified composition standards for crispbread and toast bread, and a growing consumer shift toward organic and health-conscious products like gluten-free options.

A sharp market expansion occurred from 2022 onward, with the market size jumping to 254.4 million dollars in 2022, driven primarily by a 17% increase in consumer prices for crispbread due to inflation and global supply chain disruptions that raised raw material costs. Simultaneously, changing preferences favored toast bread and sliced bread, increasing their market share. This growth continued in 2023 and 2024, reaching 321.9 million dollars, supported by product innovations such as new crispbread varieties and sustained demand for organic baked goods.

Regulatory updates played a consistent role throughout the period. The Leitsätze for bread and baked goods, revised in 2021 and again in 2024, provided a framework for quality and product definitions, influencing production standards. Additionally, the recognition of German bread culture as UNESCO intangible heritage in 2023 heightened consumer appreciation for traditional and regional bread varieties, reinforcing the market's cultural relevance.

Production crispbread, rusks and toasted bread in Germany

In value, 2017-2020, M $ US

In Germany, the production value of crispbread, rusks, toasted bread, and similar toasted products reached 220.9 million US dollars in 2020, marking a 12.0% increase compared to 2019. Over the period from 2017 to 2020, production grew by 13.4%, which translates to an annualized rate of 4.3%. The most significant decline occurred in 2019, with a drop of 6.9%.

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

In kind, 2017-2020, t

Following a two-year decline, Germany's production volume of crispbread, rusks, toasted bread, and similar toasted products rebounded. In 2020, the country produced 66 470 tonnes, reflecting a 6.5% increase over the previous year. The lowest production level was recorded in 2019 at 62 420 tonnes, which also saw the largest decline of 4.0%.

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

Exports crispbread, rusks and toasted bread from Germany

Exports in kind, t

Exports of crispbread, rusks, toasted bread, and similar toasted products from Germany have risen for the third consecutive year. In 2020, shipments abroad totaled 43 069 tonnes, showing a solid 14.1% increase from the year before. From 2017 to 2020, exports grew by 20.8%, equivalent to an annualized rate of 6.5%.

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

Between 2017 and 2020, Germany's exports of crispbread, rusks, toasted bread, and similar toasted products were distributed relatively evenly across markets. The Netherlands accounted for 15.3% of exports in kind, Italy for 14.7%, and Sweden for 11.7%, with these three countries together making up only 41.7% of total flows.

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, M $ US

Germany's exports of crispbread, rusks, toasted bread, and similar toasted products have increased for the third year in a row. In 2020, export value reached 138.5 million US dollars, up by 15.6% compared to 2019. Over the 2017-2020 period, exports rose by 26%, with a compound annual growth rate of 8.0%.

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

From 2017 to 2020, Germany supplied crispbread, rusks, toasted bread, and similar toasted products to a wide range of markets. France represented 13.3% of exports in value terms, the Netherlands 12.8%, and Italy 12.6%, with these three countries together accounting for just 38.7% of total export value. The remaining 61.3% was spread across numerous smaller destinations.

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

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

Imports crispbread, rusks and toasted bread to Germany

Imports in kind, t

In 2020, Germany's imports of crispbread, rusks, toasted bread, and similar toasted products reached 30 264 tonnes, reflecting a strong 10.4% gain compared to 2019. Between 2017 and 2020, imports increased by 36%, equating to an annualized rate of 10.8%. The largest decline occurred in 2019 at 3.8%, while the highest increase was in 2018 at 28.2%.

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

During 2017-2020, Poland, Sweden, and Austria were the main suppliers of crispbread, rusks, toasted bread, and similar toasted products to Germany. Poland contributed 21.9% of imports in kind, Sweden 20.1%, and Austria 10.8%, with these three countries together comprising 52.8% of total imports in kind.

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, M $ US

Germany's imports of crispbread, rusks, toasted bread, and similar toasted products have grown for the third consecutive year. In 2020, import value amounted to 79.6 million US dollars, showing a 16.7% gain compared to the previous year. From 2017 to 2020, imports increased by 44.9%, which translates to an annualized rate of 13.2%.

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

Over the 2017-2020 period, the distribution of Germany's imports by value was diverse. Poland accounted for 19.4% of imports in value terms, Sweden for 15.3%, and Austria for 15.1%, with these three countries together making up just 49.8% of total flows. No single partner emerged as clearly dominant.

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

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