Gingerbread market in Germany

Earlier Report Observations

The German gingerbread market volume expanded to 77 509 t in 2019 from 72 631 t in 2018, then saw slight declines in 2020 and 2021 before a modest recovery to 75 821 t in 2022. Production during these years was characterized by a pronounced seasonal pattern, with around a third of annual output concentrated in the third quarter to meet Christmas demand. Bavaria consistently dominated production, accounting for over 70% of output from larger facilities.

Beginning in 2023, inflation and sharply rising raw material costs, particularly for cocoa, began to pressure the market. Gingerbread prices increased by more than 50% compared to 2019. In 2024, domestic consumption fell by approximately 7%, driven by continued inflation, unseasonably mild winter weather, and supply chain difficulties. Consequently, the market volume dropped to 69 786 t, while its value rose to 270.8 million US dollars, reflecting the significant price increases.

Production gingerbread in Germany

In value, 2017-2020, M $ US

In Germany, gingerbread production value reached 293.8 million US dollars in 2020, marking a 3.9% increase compared to the previous year. Over the period from 2017 to 2020, production grew by 5.4%, which translates to an average annual growth rate of 1.8%. The most significant decline occurred in 2019, when production value fell by 0.3%.

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

In kind, 2017-2020, t

Germany's gingerbread production volume increased for the second consecutive year. In 2020, the country produced 86 507 tonnes of gingerbread, showing no significant change from the previous year. Between 2017 and 2020, production rose by 2.9%, equivalent to an average annual growth rate of 1.0%. The lowest production volume was recorded in 2018 at 82 523 tonnes, which also saw the largest decline of 1.8%. In contrast, 2019 experienced the highest increase, with production growing by 4.6%.

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

Exports gingerbread from Germany

Exports in kind, t

Gingerbread exports from Germany increased for the third consecutive year. In 2020, exports reached 20 031 tonnes, reflecting a 3.0% advance compared to the prior year. From 2017 to 2020, exports grew by 21%, which corresponds to an average annual growth rate of 6.6%.

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

Between 2017 and 2020, the export partner landscape for gingerbread in kind was diverse. Austria accounted for 20.6% of exports, Poland for 18.1%, and the United Kingdom for 10.6%. Together, these three countries represented 49.3% of total export flows, while the remaining 50.7% was distributed among many other countries.

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, K $ US

Gingerbread exports from Germany increased for the third consecutive year. In 2020, export value amounted to 79.168 million US dollars, showing a modest uptick of 7.3% from the previous year. Over the period from 2017 to 2020, exports grew by 19.2%, with a compound annual growth rate of 6.0%.

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

From 2017 to 2020, the main markets for gingerbread exports in value terms were Austria, with a 20.1% share, Poland at 15.4%, and the United States at 14.8%. Together, these three countries accounted for 50.3% of total export 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 gingerbread to Germany

Imports in kind, t

After two years of growth, gingerbread imports into Germany declined. In 2020, Germany imported 8 793 tonnes of gingerbread, reflecting a 17.0% decrease compared to the previous year. Between 2017 and 2020, imports increased by 12.4%, equivalent to an average annual growth rate of 4.0%. The highest import volume was recorded in 2019 at 10 593 tonnes, which also saw the largest increase of 34.4%.

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

Over the period from 2017 to 2020, the main suppliers of gingerbread to Germany in kind were Poland, with a 47.9% share of imports, Lithuania at 13.1%, and the Netherlands at 12.3%. Together, these three countries comprised 73.4% of total imports in kind.

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, K $ US

In 2020, gingerbread imports into Germany reached 28.514 million US dollars, representing a measured drop of 8.1% compared to 2019. Over the period from 2017 to 2020, imports increased by 7.5%, with a compound annual growth rate of 2.4%. The lowest import value was recorded in 2018 at 25.861 million US dollars, while the highest was in 2019 at 31.036 million US dollars. The largest increase occurred in 2019, with imports rising by 20.0%.

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

Between 2017 and 2020, the main sources of gingerbread imports in value terms were Poland, with a 61.4% share, the Netherlands at 7.6%, and Czechia at 5.8%. Together, these three countries accounted for 74.8% of total import flows.

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

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