Frozen beef market in Norway

Earlier Report Observations

The Norwegian frozen beef market expanded significantly from 2018 to 2021, with volume growing from 5 858 t to 9 459 t. This growth was primarily driven by the COVID-19 pandemic in 2020, which reduced cross-border shopping and travel, increasing the need for imports to cover domestic sales. Simultaneously, domestic production rose as more calves from dairy farming and a higher slaughter rate contributed to greater availability of Norwegian beef. The state-owned market regulator Nortura SA, which controls import quotas and market balance, encouraged increased slaughter of dairy cows in 2021 to boost local supply and reduce import dependency.

A turning point occurred in 2022 following the lifting of COVID-19 restrictions, which led to a decline in meat sales and imports. The market volume dipped to 9 295 t, and value fell sharply from 123.6 million $ to 102.6 million $. Large regulated frozen stocks, reaching around 7 400 t in 2023, created price pressure and raised food waste concerns. Consumer preferences also shifted, with reported increased consumption of poultry and a decline in red meat. The highly concentrated retail sector, dominated by three major players, limited new entrants and influenced market dynamics.

By 2024, the market value showed a partial recovery to 91.5 million $, though it remained below peak levels. Import quotas from entities like the EU and South America continued to supply the market beyond domestic production. Industry focus remained on cost-saving measures, meat quality, and animal welfare, with new fertilization recommendations and production methods being developed. The long-term trend indicated a gradual market adjustment away from the high pandemic-driven levels, influenced by sustained regulatory stocks and evolving consumption patterns.

Production frozen beef in Norway

In value, 2018-2021, K $ US

Norway's frozen beef production has grown for the second year in a row. In 2021, the output was valued at 91 195 thousand US dollars, marking a 20.2% increase from 2020. From 2018 to 2021, production surged by 101.7%, with an average annual growth rate of 26.4%. The lowest value occurred in 2019 at 44 696 thousand US dollars. The most significant drop was in 2019 at 1.1%, while the largest gain was in 2020 at 69.7%.

Annual dynamics of production in Norway in value, 2018-2021, K $ US

In kind, 2018-2021, t

Norway's frozen beef production volume has risen for the third consecutive year. In 2021, the country produced 6 312 tonnes of frozen beef, showing a notable 15.8% year-over-year increase. Between 2018 and 2021, production grew by 52.6%, with a compound annual growth rate of 15.1%.

Annual dynamics of production in Norway in kind, 2018-2021, t

Exports frozen beef from Norway

Exports in kind, t

The market exhibited volatility during the observed period. Exports fluctuated significantly, with a 4.5-fold difference from the peak in 2018 to the low in 2020. In 2021, frozen beef deliveries from Norway reached 59 tonnes, representing a sharp 305.5% improvement compared to the previous year. The minimum value was recorded in 2020 at 15 tonnes, with the largest decline that year at 74.0%.

Annual dynamics of product's exports from Norway in kind, 2018-2021, t

From 2018 to 2021, Poland and Lithuania remained the top markets for exports in volume, jointly accounting for 81.4% of total flows, while other partners played a supporting role.

Structure of product's exports in kind by countries, 2018-2021

World map of product's exports from Norway in kind, 2018-2021

Exports in value, K $ US

The data shows irregular changes, reflecting a volatile market environment. Exports peaked in 2018 and hit a low in 2020, with a 4.6-fold gap between them. In 2021, frozen beef deliveries from Norway reached 464 thousand US dollars, equivalent to a dramatic 239.5% advance from the previous year. The minimum value was in 2020 at 137 thousand US dollars, with the largest decline that year at 73.7%.

Annual dynamics of product's exports from Norway in value, 2018-2021, K $ US

Between 2018 and 2021, Poland, Lithuania, and Iceland were the main markets for exports in value terms. Poland accounted for 65.1%, Lithuania for 11.3%, and Iceland for 6.6% of total exports, together making up 83.1% of all flows.

Structure of product's exports in value by countries, 2018-2021

World map of product's exports from Norway in value, 2018-2021

Imports frozen beef to Norway

Imports in kind, t

Frozen beef shipments to Norway from abroad have increased for the third year in a row. In 2021, imports reached 3 205 tonnes, corresponding to a sudden 27.7% rise year-over-year. From 2018 to 2021, imports grew by 79.4%, equating to an annualized rate of 21.5%.

Annual dynamics of product's imports to Norway in kind, 2018-2021, t

From 2018 to 2021, Botswana, Uruguay, and Namibia were the primary sources for frozen beef imports to Norway in volume. Botswana contributed 30.5%, Uruguay 25.3%, and Namibia 19.1%, together accounting for 74.8% of total imports.

Structure of product's imports in kind by countries, 2018-2021

World map of product's imports to Norway in kind, 2018-2021

Imports in value, K $ US

In 2021, Norway's frozen beef imports amounted to 32 832 thousand US dollars, up by 64.6% compared to the previous year. Over the period from 2018 to 2021, imports increased by 62.4%, with a compound annual growth rate of 17.5%. The lowest value was in 2020 at 19 941 thousand US dollars, with the largest decline that year at 2.2%.

Annual dynamics of product's imports to Norway in value, 2018-2021, K $ US

Between 2018 and 2021, Uruguay, Botswana, and Namibia held the largest shares of imports in value terms. Uruguay accounted for 30.9%, Botswana for 23.0%, and Namibia for 15.6%, together comprising 69.5% of total flows.

Structure of product's imports in value by countries, 2018-2021

World map of product's imports to Norway in value, 2018-2021