Fresh or chilled beef market in Finland

Earlier Report Observations

From 2018 to 2022, the Finnish fresh beef market experienced notable volatility. The market volume reached 100 974 t in 2018, supported by industry investments in animal welfare, traceability, and ecological sustainability, along with strict cold-chain regulations that ensured product quality. A sharp contraction followed in 2019, bringing the market down to 69 626 t. Recovery began in 2020, driven by heightened consumer discussion around environmental impact and sustainability, which reinforced the appeal of fully domestic Finnish beef. By 2022, the market had grown to 89 055 t.

Starting in 2023, the market entered a downward phase as rising beef prices quickly dampened demand. In 2023, the market volume fell to 82 803 t after producer price increases led to swollen inventories and prompted price campaigns to clear stocks. The decline accelerated in 2024, with the market dropping to 73 592 t, as producer prices rose by about 25% year-on-year and retail sales volumes fell by approximately 14%. Visually appealing 'skin' packaging that emphasized freshness emerged as a marketing response to shifting consumer behavior.

Production fresh or chilled beef in Finland

In value, 2017-2020, M $ US

In 2020, Finland's production of fresh or chilled beef reached a value of 454.7 million US dollars, marking an 8.9% increase from the previous year. Over the 2017-2020 period, production declined by 11.6%, with an average annual decrease of 4.0%. The lowest value was recorded in 2019 at 417.6 million US dollars, while the peak occurred in 2018 at 530.9 million US dollars. The most significant drop took place in 2019, when production fell by 21.3%.

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

In kind, 2017-2020, t

In 2020, Finland produced 82 032 tonnes of fresh or chilled beef, representing a 13.5% year-over-year increase. From 2017 to 2020, production decreased by 10.9%, with an average annual decline of 3.8%. The lowest output was recorded in 2019 at 72 278 tonnes, while the highest was in 2018 at 92 045 tonnes. The most substantial reduction occurred in 2019, with a 21.5% decrease.

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

Exports fresh or chilled beef from Finland

Exports in kind, t

Finland's exports of fresh or chilled beef have grown for the third consecutive year. In 2020, export volume reached 5 139 tonnes, showing a moderate 6.1% increase compared to the previous year. Between 2017 and 2020, exports surged by 115.5%, translating to an average annual growth rate of 29.2%.

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

From 2017 to 2020, Denmark and Sweden were the primary destinations for Finland's fresh or chilled beef exports, together accounting for 96.5% of total export volume. The remaining share was distributed among other markets.

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

World map of product's exports from Finland in kind, 2017-2020

Exports in value, K $ US

Finland's fresh or chilled beef exports have increased for the third year in a row. In 2020, export value amounted to 29 438 thousand US dollars, reflecting a 4.7% year-over-year rise. Over the 2017-2020 period, exports grew by 96.5%, with an average annual increase of 25.2%.

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

Between 2017 and 2020, Denmark and Sweden dominated as the key markets for Finland's fresh or chilled beef exports in value terms, jointly representing 94.3% of total export flows. The remainder was shared among smaller markets.

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

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

Imports fresh or chilled beef to Finland

Imports in kind, t

The import market exhibited volatility during the observed period. From a peak in 2017 to a low in 2019, imports changed nearly sixfold. In 2020, Finland's imports of fresh or chilled beef reached 7 637 tonnes, a substantial 248.5% increase from 2019. The lowest volume was recorded in 2019 at 2 191 tonnes, with the sharpest decline that year at 81.3%.

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

From 2017 to 2020, Denmark, Germany, and the Netherlands were the main sources of Finland's fresh or chilled beef imports by volume. Denmark accounted for 48.9% of imports, Germany for 13.9%, and the Netherlands for 11.3%, together making up 74.1% of total import flows.

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

World map of product's imports to Finland in kind, 2017-2020

Imports in value, K $ US

Finland's imports of fresh or chilled beef declined for the second consecutive year. In 2020, import value totaled 29 438 thousand US dollars, showing a slight 1.7% decrease from 2019. Over the 2017-2020 period, imports fell by 32.4%, with an average annual decline of 12.2%. The highest value was recorded in 2018 at 64 812 thousand US dollars. The most significant drop occurred in 2019 at 36.3%, while the largest increase was in 2018 at 8.0%.

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

Throughout 2017-2020, Denmark, Germany, and the Netherlands formed the core group of markets for Finland's fresh or chilled beef imports by value. Denmark contributed 30.2% of import value, Germany 19.7%, and the Netherlands 16.1%, together representing 65.9% of total import flows.

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

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