Lard and poultry fats market in Denmark

Earlier Report Observations

In 2018, a 4% increase in the number of pigs produced supported high lard and poultry fat output, contributing to a market volume of 56.4 thousand tonnes. However, the sharp deterioration in farm economics, marked by a 21% drop in gross factor income and falling pig prices, pressured the sector. By 2019, the market volume contracted to 42 thousand tonnes, coinciding with the industry's continued focus on efficiency, specialization, and the growth of large herds holding over a third of slaughter pigs.

The market saw a temporary recovery to 45.7 thousand tonnes in 2020 before dropping sharply to 28.5 thousand tonnes in 2021, driven by a collapse in imports and a rise in exports. In 2022, despite stable production, the market volume remained low at 26.4 thousand tonnes as the swine herd shrank by 6%, the number of pig farms fell by 7%, and poor economics led to the closure or partial closure of several producers.

A further 10% decline in the swine herd in 2023—the lowest level in 25 years—reduced domestic fat production to 48.5 thousand tonnes. Nevertheless, the market volume grew to 29.7 thousand tonnes that year, aided by a significant rebound in imports.

Production lard and poultry fats in Denmark

In kind, 2018-2021, t

Denmark was among the world's leading producers of lard and poultry fats from 2018 to 2021, ranking 17th globally by production volume.

Top producers of lard and poultry fats, 2018-2021

World map of production of lard and poultry fats, 2018-2021

Lard and poultry fats production in Denmark increased for the second consecutive year in 2021, reaching 61 063 tons. This represents a 9.6% rise compared to 2020. Over the 2018-2021 period, production decreased by 10.2%, with a compound annual growth rate of 3.5%. The lowest production level was recorded in 2019 at 54 748 tons, which also saw the largest decline of 19.5%.

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

Exports lard and poultry fats from Denmark

Exports in kind, t

After a two-year decline, Denmark's cross-border shipments of lard and poultry fats increased in 2021, with exports amounting to 33 509 tons. This reflects a significant rise of 49.2% compared to the previous year. The lowest export volume was recorded in 2020 at 22 465 tons, while the largest decline occurred in 2019 at 24.5%.

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

From 2018 to 2021, the Netherlands and the United Kingdom accounted for 80.5% of Denmark's total exports of lard and poultry fats in volume terms. The remaining share was distributed among other destinations, each with smaller individual contributions.

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

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

Exports in value, K $ US

The market exhibited an unstable trend throughout the period. Exported volumes of lard and poultry fats from Denmark reached 39 805 thousand US dollars in 2021, which is 107.4% higher than in 2020. The lowest value was recorded in 2019 at 17 349 thousand US dollars, with the largest decline of 23.1% also occurring that year. From the low in 2019 to the high in 2021, volumes varied 2.3 times.

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

From 2018 to 2021, the Netherlands, the United Kingdom, and Germany were the top buyers of lard and poultry fats from Denmark in value terms. The Netherlands accounted for 61.6% of exports, the United Kingdom for 16.2%, and Germany for 9.2%. Together, these three countries represented 86.9% of total export value.

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

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

Imports lard and poultry fats to Denmark

Imports in kind, t

There were noticeable fluctuations in market performance during the period. Imports of lard and poultry fats into Denmark reached 898 tons in 2021, marking a sharp decline of 92.8% compared to 2020. The largest increase was recorded in 2020 at 2.8%. Imports peaked in 2018 and fell to their lowest point in 2021, showing a variation of 24 times between these years.

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

From 2018 to 2021, Germany and Sweden were the dominant sources for Denmark's imports of lard and poultry fats in volume terms, jointly accounting for 85.9% of total flows. Other markets played a supplementary role.

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

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

Imports in value, K $ US

The market exhibited an unstable trend throughout the timeframe. Denmark's imports of lard and poultry fats in value terms reached 1 220 thousand US dollars in 2021, reflecting an intense decline of 86.5% compared with 2020. The largest increase was recorded in 2020 at 20.1%. Volumes climbed to their maximum in 2018 and dropped to a minimum in 2021, a 10.4-fold shift.

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

From 2018 to 2021, Germany and Sweden continued to lead as the main markets for Denmark's imports of lard and poultry fats in value terms, together accounting for 87.8% of total flows. Other partners played a supplementary role.

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

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