Food preparations for infants market in Germany

Earlier Report Observations

The market volume for infant food preparations in Germany contracted from 139 thousand tons in 2018 to 88 thousand tons in 2021. This sustained decline was principally driven by a falling birth rate, which reduced the core consumer base. During these years, strict regulatory standards under the German Diet Ordinance governed product composition, while growing consumer awareness fueled demand for organic baby food. An increase in working mothers also supported the market for convenient, industrially produced options, though these factors could not offset the demographic pressure.

Market volume recovered to 93 thousand tons in 2022, a turnaround supported by the growing importance of private-label products in retail, which improved affordability and access. This period also saw a regulatory focus on sustainable packaging, promoting materials like glass and compostables. In 2023, volume fell sharply to 63 thousand tons, even as producers launched new organic products with recyclable packaging and consumer preferences shifted toward natural, minimally processed formulas. The concurrent rise in market value to 1 055 million US dollars indicated a notable shift toward higher-value product segments.

A modest recovery to 67 thousand tons occurred in 2024. This took place alongside a projected surge in new organic product introductions and stricter enforcement of EU safety and sustainability rules, including bans on non-recyclable packaging. Global supply chain disruptions and higher raw material prices affected production costs, while online distribution channels and targeted marketing to segments like full-time employed parents gained significance.

Production food preparations for infants in Germany

In value, 2017-2020, M $ US

In Germany, the output value of food preparations for infants reached 887.7 million US dollars in 2020, marking a gradual increase of 6.8% compared to the previous year. Between 2017 and 2020, production grew by 31.1%, which translates to an annualized rate of 9.4%. The largest decline occurred in 2019, at 1.4%, while the largest increase was recorded in 2018, at 24.4%.

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

In kind, 2017-2020, K t

On a global scale, Germany ranked as the third-largest producer of food preparations for infants from 2017 to 2020.

Top producers of food preparations for infants, 2017-2020

World map of production of food preparations for infants, 2017-2020

Food preparations for infants production in Germany declined for the second consecutive year. In 2020, output amounted to 141.3 thousand tonnes, down by 10.3% from the previous year. Over the period from 2017 to 2020, production decreased by 4.7%, with a compound annual growth rate of 1.6%. The maximum volume was recorded in 2018 at 160.1 thousand tonnes, which also saw the largest increase of 8.0%.

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

Exports food preparations for infants from Germany

Exports in kind, t

Food preparations for infants exports from Germany declined for the third consecutive year. In 2020, export volumes totaled 82 757 tonnes, reflecting a drop of 6.1% year-over-year. Between 2017 and 2020, exports decreased by 11.1%, equating to an annualized rate of 3.8%.

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

From 2017 to 2020, exports in kind of food preparations for infants from Germany were characterized by a broad spread across markets. China accounted for 25.7% of exports in kind, the Netherlands for 6.6%, and the United Kingdom for 6.5%, with these three countries together representing only 38.9% 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

In 2020, food preparations for infants exports from Germany were valued at 793.4 million US dollars, up by 3.4% year-over-year. The minimum value was recorded in 2019 at 767.6 million US dollars, while the maximum value occurred in 2018 at 819.3 million US dollars. The largest decline was in 2019 at 6.3%, and the largest increase was in 2018 at 5.0%.

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

Over the period from 2017 to 2020, exports in value terms of food preparations for infants from Germany were widely dispersed across partner countries. China represented 36.4% of exports in value terms, Hong Kong 7.7%, and the Netherlands 5.8%, with these three together accounting for only 49.8% 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 food preparations for infants to Germany

Imports in kind, t

Imported volumes of food preparations for infants in Germany declined for the third consecutive year. In 2020, imports totaled 44 014 tonnes, amounting to a substantial loss of 18.9% year-over-year. From 2017 to 2020, imports decreased by 53.6%, with a compound annual growth rate of 22.6%.

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

Throughout 2017 to 2020, Ireland, Poland, and the Netherlands remained the key partners for imports in kind of food preparations for infants into Germany. Ireland accounted for 53.1% of imports in kind, Poland for 17.0%, and the Netherlands for 8.2%, together representing 78.3% of total 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, M $ US

Food preparations for infants imports into Germany declined for the third consecutive year. In 2020, Germany imported 210.9 million US dollars worth of these products, corresponding to a robust drop of 15.5% year-over-year. Over the period from 2017 to 2020, imports decreased by 62.4%, with a compound annual growth rate of 27.8%.

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

From 2017 to 2020, Ireland, Poland, and the Netherlands continued to lead as suppliers of food preparations for infants to Germany in value terms. Ireland accounted for 45.6% of imports in value terms, Poland for 20.8%, and the Netherlands for 11.9%, jointly taking 78.3% of total imports in value terms.

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

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