Fresh or chilled beef market in Slovenia

Earlier Report Observations

The Slovenian fresh beef market volume decreased from 25 915 t in 2018 to 22 100 t in 2020, with production also declining. During this period, the 2018 introduction of the 'selected quality – Slovenia' label for beef guaranteed 100% Slovenian origin, aiming to strengthen consumer trust in domestic products.

Market volume recovered from 2021 onward, reaching 26 488 t in 2024. This growth was primarily driven by increased imports, especially of beef from Italy, due to shortages of pork and other meats on the domestic market in 2023. Rising meat prices encouraged consumers to seek more affordable imported options, while a decline in cattle numbers in Slovenia limited local supply. By 2024, heightened consumer interest in sustainably produced goods boosted demand for organic fresh beef, and the expansion of online sales altered distribution channels. In value terms, the market rose from $117.4 million in 2020 to $184.8 million in 2024, reflecting these price increases and shifting consumption patterns.

Production fresh or chilled beef in Slovenia

In value, 2017-2020, M $ US

Slovenia's fresh or chilled beef production has declined for the third year in a row. In 2020, the output was valued at 104.9 million US dollars, marking a slight decrease of 1.8% compared to 2019. From 2017 to 2020, production fell by 5%, which translates to an average annual decline of 1.7%.

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

In kind, 2017-2020, t

Slovenia's fresh or chilled beef production volume has dropped for the second consecutive year. In 2020, the country produced 20 699 tonnes, showing a contraction of 5.7% from the previous year. Between 2017 and 2020, production decreased by 6.7%, averaging a 2.3% annual decline. The peak volume was recorded in 2018 at 22 664 tonnes, with the largest increase that year at 2.1%.

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

Exports fresh or chilled beef from Slovenia

Exports in kind, t

Following two years of growth, Slovenia's fresh or chilled beef exports declined. In 2020, the country exported 6 496 tonnes, representing a measured drop of 4.9% compared to 2019. From 2017 to 2020, exports rose by 27.8%, averaging an 8.5% annual increase. The highest volume was in 2019 at 6 834 tonnes, with the largest increase that year at 18.0%.

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

Between 2017 and 2020, Bosnia and Herzegovina (27.0% of exports in kind), Croatia (21.9%), and the Netherlands (20.5%) were the top destinations for Slovenia's fresh or chilled beef exports, together accounting for 69.4% of total flows.

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

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

Exports in value, K $ US

After two years of growth, Slovenia's fresh or chilled beef exports in value terms declined. In 2020, exports amounted to 23.946 million US dollars, showing a controlled decrease of 9.9% year-on-year. From 2017 to 2020, exports increased by 17.4%, averaging a 5.5% annual rise. The peak value was in 2019 at 26.563 million US dollars, with the largest increase in 2018 at 18.1%.

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

From 2017 to 2020, Croatia (26.6% of exports in value terms), Italy (25.0%), and Bosnia and Herzegovina (24.2%) were the leading partners for Slovenia's fresh or chilled beef exports, jointly making up 75.9% of total flows.

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

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

Imports fresh or chilled beef to Slovenia

Imports in kind, t

After a two-year advance, Slovenia's imports of fresh or chilled beef in volume terms declined. In 2020, the country imported 7 897 tonnes, down by 18.0% from the previous year. The highest volume was recorded in 2019 at 9 630 tonnes, with the largest increase in 2018 at 13.2%.

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

Throughout 2017–2020, Italy (45.0% of imports in kind), Poland (15.3%), and Lithuania (9.9%) were the main sources for Slovenia's fresh or chilled beef imports, together representing 70.2% of total flows.

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

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

Imports in value, K $ US

Slovenia's fresh or chilled beef imports have fallen for the second year in a row. In 2020, imports totaled 45 412 thousand US dollars, marking a significant drop of 15.7% from 2019. The peak value was in 2018 at 45.412 million US dollars, with the largest increase that year at 27.0%.

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

From 2017 to 2020, Italy (43.9% of imports in value terms), Poland (10.9%), and the Netherlands (10.9%) remained the key partners for Slovenia's fresh or chilled beef imports, together accounting for 65.7% of total flows.

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

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