Dairy spreads market in Germany

Earlier Report Observations

The German dairy spreads market experienced a contraction in volume from 15 363 t in 2018 to a low of 13 374 t in 2020, before rebounding to 17 268 t by 2022. This recovery coincided with steady growth in domestic production, which increased from 13 783 t to 17 167 t over the same period, while imports declined and exports expanded.

By 2024, market volume reached 17 278 t, valued at 137.4 million $ US. This continued growth was supported by a consumer shift toward premium, less-processed spreads with high fat content, which elevated product value. Additionally, rising butter prices across Europe contributed to higher costs and market value for dairy spreads.

Production dairy spreads in Germany

In value, 2017-2020, M $ US

The data reveals irregular changes, indicating a volatile market environment. Output reached its lowest point in 2017, followed by a peak in 2018, showing a 2.5-fold amplitude between these years. In 2020, Germany's dairy spreads output was valued at 109.8 million US dollars, reflecting a small contraction of 0.8% year-over-year. The maximum value was recorded in 2018 at 130.0 million US dollars. The largest decline occurred in 2019 at 14.9%, while the largest increase was in 2018 at 145.5%.

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

In kind, 2017-2020, t

Germany's dairy spreads production volume increased for the third consecutive year. In 2020, 14,167 tonnes of dairy spreads were produced in Germany, showing a rise of 2.7% year-over-year. Between 2017 and 2020, production increased by 86.9%, equating to an annualized rate of 23.2%.

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

Exports dairy spreads from Germany

Exports in kind, t

Dairy spreads deliveries from Germany increased for the second consecutive year. In 2020, exports amounted to 2,821 tonnes, representing a solid increase of 10.8% compared to the previous year. Between 2017 and 2020, exports increased by 9.8%, equating to an annualized rate of 3.2%. The minimum value was recorded in 2018 at 2,380 tonnes, with the largest decline occurring that year at 7.4%.

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

During 2017–2020, dairy spreads from Germany were supplied to many different markets. Even the largest destinations—Spain, Belgium, and South Korea—together represented only 49.7% of total exports in kind.

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 exported 17,303 thousand US dollars of dairy spreads in 2020, which is 6.4% greater compared to the previous year. Over the period 2017-2020, exports increased by 2.9%, with a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 1.0%. The minimum value was recorded in 2019 at 16,269 thousand US dollars, while the maximum value was in 2018 at 17,677 thousand US dollars. The largest decline occurred in 2019 at 8.0%.

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

Throughout 2017–2020, the three largest markets—Belgium, Austria, and Spain—remained central to exports in value terms, together accounting for 59.9% of total flows.

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

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

Imports dairy spreads to Germany

Imports in kind, t

Dairy spreads volumes imported into Germany declined for the third consecutive year. In 2020, imports reached 2,028 tonnes, reflecting a sharp decline of 41.7% compared to 2019. Over the period 2017-2020, imports decreased by 55.5%, with a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of -23.7%.

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

Over 2017–2020, Poland (49.6% of imports in kind), Belgium (29.7% of imports in kind), and the Netherlands (14.9% of imports in kind) were the main suppliers of dairy spreads to Germany, together comprising 94.2% 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, K $ US

Foreign dairy spreads supplies to Germany declined for the second consecutive year. In 2020, imports came to 9,222 thousand US dollars, equivalent to a sharp loss of 30.7% compared to 2019. Between 2017 and 2020, imports decreased by 46.6%, equating to an annualized rate of -18.9%. The maximum value was recorded in 2018 at 17,585 thousand US dollars, with the largest increase occurring that year at 1.8%.

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

In 2017–2020, Poland (37.0% of imports in value terms), Belgium (34.2% of imports in value terms), and the Netherlands (20.4% of imports in value terms) formed the main cluster of markets for imports in value terms, with a combined share of 91.6% 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