Frozen beef market in Germany

Earlier Report Observations

Germany's frozen beef market volume fluctuated significantly between 2018 and 2024. It expanded to 69 892 tons in 2019 before beginning a four-year contraction that bottomed at 34 214 tons in 2023. This decline was rooted in persistently lower beef consumption, influenced by evolving consumer habits and health awareness, as well as pandemic-induced market adjustments. Elevated production costs and price pressures on cattle also limited volume growth during these years.

The industry's growing focus on sustainability was marked by the 2022 launch of the Beef Carbon Footprint Guideline. By 2024, the market recovered to 48 971 tons, buoyed by rising demand for sustainable and premium beef products, despite the ongoing downward trend in overall beef consumption. Established players such as Tönnies Holding and Westfleisch continued to shape the market without major new entrants or facility openings.

Production frozen beef in Germany

In value, 2017-2020, M $ US

After two consecutive years of growth, Germany's frozen beef production experienced a downturn. In 2020, the output value dropped to 171.9 million US dollars, marking a 21.1% decrease from the previous year. Over the 2017-2020 period, production fell by 17.1%, with an average annual decline of 6.1%. The peak value was recorded in 2019 at 217.9 million US dollars, while the strongest growth occurred in 2018 with a 4.3% increase.

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

In kind, 2017-2020, t

Germany produced 39 262 tonnes of frozen beef in 2020, representing a 26.0% drop compared to the previous year. From 2017 to 2020, production volume decreased by 23.9%, translating to an average annual reduction of 8.7%. The highest output was achieved in 2019 with 53 055 tonnes, and the most significant growth occurred that same year with a 10.3% increase.

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

Exports frozen beef from Germany

Exports in kind, t

Germany's frozen beef exports declined for the second year in a row. In 2020, shipments abroad totaled 37 020 tonnes, reflecting an 18.5% decrease from 2019. Over the 2017-2020 timeframe, exports fell by 19.9%, with an average annual contraction of 7.1%. The maximum volume was recorded in 2018 at 47 057 tonnes, while the strongest growth occurred that year with a 1.9% rise.

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

Between 2017 and 2020, France, the Netherlands, and Austria emerged as Germany's primary export markets for frozen beef by volume. France accounted for 26.4% of exports, followed by the Netherlands at 24.3%, and Austria at 6.7%. Together, these three countries represented 57.4% of Germany's total frozen beef exports during this period.

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

For the second consecutive year, Germany's frozen beef export revenues declined. In 2020, exports were valued at 178.0 million US dollars, representing a substantial 28.2% decrease from the previous year. Between 2017 and 2020, export values fell by 21.4%, equating to an average annual decline of 7.7%. The peak value was recorded in 2018 at 267.1 million US dollars, with the strongest growth occurring that same year at 18.0%.

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

From 2017 to 2020, the Netherlands, France, and Austria remained Germany's leading frozen beef export markets by value. The Netherlands accounted for 23.3% of export revenues, France for 20.0%, and Austria for 8.6%. Collectively, these three markets represented 51.9% of Germany's total frozen beef export value during this four-year period.

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

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

Imports frozen beef to Germany

Imports in kind, t

Germany's frozen beef imports reached 53 645 tonnes in 2020, showing a 13.9% decrease from the previous year. Over the 2017-2020 period, import volumes declined by 19.4%, with an average annual reduction of 6.9%. The most significant drop occurred in 2018 with a 16.1% decrease, while the strongest growth was recorded in 2019 with an 11.6% increase.

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

Between 2017 and 2020, the Netherlands, Austria, and Poland were Germany's largest suppliers of frozen beef by volume. The Netherlands accounted for 31.1% of imports, Austria for 21.1%, and Poland for 14.7%. Together, these three countries supplied 66.8% of Germany's total frozen beef imports during this timeframe.

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

In 2020, Germany's frozen beef import expenditure totaled 255.7 million US dollars, reflecting a 20.3% decrease compared to 2019. Between 2017 and 2020, import values fell by 22.3%, equating to an average annual decline of 8.1%. The most notable increase occurred in 2019 with a modest 0.6% rise.

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

From 2017 to 2020, the Netherlands, Austria, and Poland formed Germany's primary frozen beef import sources by value. The Netherlands accounted for 32.8% of import expenditure, Austria for 18.2%, and Poland for 10.1%. Collectively, these three countries represented 61.1% of Germany's total frozen beef import value during this period.

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

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