Ketchup and other tomato sauces market in Germany

Earlier Report Observations

Between 2018 and 2024, the German ketchup and tomato sauces market shifted towards higher value despite a contraction in physical volume. Market size fell from 278 thousand tons to 246 thousand tons in volume, while its value grew from $388 million to $468 million. This divergence was driven by substantial price increases, with the consumer price index for ketchup rising approximately 60% between 2020 and 2023. Evolving consumer preferences towards less sweet, fruitier tomato notes and a wider variety of flavored options encouraged product innovation and premiumization.

The market's structure was influenced by Germany's reliance on imported tomatoes from the Netherlands, Spain, and Morocco to meet demand, elevating raw material costs. Domestic production volume declined over the period, while the value of imports rose significantly. Established German companies and private labels gained ground by offering alternatives to the leading brand, often at competitive value. Sustainability trends also emerged, with manufacturers increasingly adopting recyclable packaging and environmentally friendly methods.

Production ketchup and other tomato sauces in Germany

In value, 2017-2020, M $ US

In Germany, the production of ketchup and other tomato sauces has declined for the third year in a row. In 2020, output was valued at 318.3 million US dollars, marking a slight decrease of 0.7% compared to 2019. From 2017 to 2020, production fell by 3.5%, which translates to an average annual decline of 1.2%.

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

In kind, 2017-2020, K t

In 2020, Germany produced 222.3 thousand tonnes of ketchup and other tomato sauces, showing a modest reduction of 7.0% from 2019. Over the period from 2017 to 2020, production decreased by 6.7%, with a compound annual growth rate of -2.3%. The highest production level was recorded in 2019 at 239.0 thousand tonnes, which also saw the largest increase of 6.5%.

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

Exports ketchup and other tomato sauces from Germany

Exports in kind, K t

Exports of ketchup and other tomato sauces from Germany have increased for the second consecutive year. In 2020, exports reached 85.5 thousand tonnes, reflecting a controlled rise of 4.4% from 2019. Between 2017 and 2020, exports grew by 7.1%, equating to an annualized rate of 2.3%. The lowest export volume was recorded in 2018 at 78.9 thousand tonnes, which also experienced the largest decline of 1.2%.

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

From 2017 to 2020, exports of ketchup and other tomato sauces from Germany were characterized by a broad spread across markets. France accounted for 18.0% of exports in kind, the Netherlands for 16.2%, and the United Kingdom for 14.6%. Together, these three countries made up only 48.8% of total export flows.

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

Cross-border shipments of ketchup and other tomato sauces from Germany have increased for the third consecutive year. In 2020, exports amounted to 133.7 million US dollars, representing a substantial gain of 10.3% year-over-year. Over the period from 2017 to 2020, exports increased by 14%, with a compound annual growth rate of 4.5%.

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

From 2017 to 2020, the geographical structure of exports in value terms was highly diversified. The Netherlands accounted for 16.8% of exports in value terms, France for 15.1%, and the United Kingdom for 12.4%. Together, these three countries represented only 44.2% of total flows, while the remaining 55.8% was distributed among numerous smaller partner countries.

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

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

Imports ketchup and other tomato sauces to Germany

Imports in kind, K t

Imports of ketchup and other tomato sauces into Germany have increased for the third consecutive year. In 2020, imports totalled 149.7 thousand tonnes, up by 8.9% relative to the prior year. Over the period from 2017 to 2020, imports increased by 23.2%, with a compound annual growth rate of 7.2%.

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

Throughout 2017 to 2020, Italy, the Netherlands, and Poland were the key sources for imports in kind. Italy accounted for 37.2% of imports in kind, the Netherlands for 30.0%, and Poland for 10.7%. Together, these three countries took 77.9% of total import flows.

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

Imports of ketchup and other tomato sauces into Germany have increased for the third consecutive year. In 2020, imports reached 213.6 million US dollars, indicating a robust uptick of 15.2% versus the previous year. Between 2017 and 2020, imports increased by 32.5%, equating to an annualized rate of 9.8%.

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

From 2017 to 2020, Italy, the Netherlands, and Poland were the largest suppliers of ketchup and other tomato sauces to Germany in value terms. Italy accounted for 46.2% of imports in value terms, the Netherlands for 23.0%, and Poland for 9.6%. Together, these three countries formed 78.7% of total imports in value terms.

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

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