Lard and poultry fats market in Northern Europe

Earlier Report Observations

The market for lard and poultry fats in Northern Europe declined from 75.2 thousand tonnes in 2018 to 65.1 thousand tonnes in 2021, before rebounding strongly to 82.0 thousand tonnes in 2022 and reaching 87.1 thousand tonnes in 2023.

During the initial downturn, production of fats actually increased from 116.1 thousand tonnes to 129.7 thousand tonnes between 2018 and 2021, supported by high producer prices for pork and growing specialization of pig farms. However, rising exports and falling imports reduced domestic availability, shrinking the market size.

The market expansion from 2022 onward coincided with a reported increase in consumer meat consumption, which likely bolstered domestic demand for animal fats. This period saw lower exports and higher imports of fats. In 2024, lower input costs for feed and electricity, along with a 2.1% rise in meat consumption, created favorable conditions for pork production and fat supply. Major processors like HK Scan introduced sustainability premiums in their pricing.

Production lard and poultry fats in Northern Europe

In kind, 2017-2020, K t

Top producers of lard and poultry fats, 2017-2020

World map of production of lard and poultry fats, 2017-2020

Northern Europe's production of lard and poultry fats rebounded after two years of decline. In 2019, output reached its lowest point at 115.9 thousand tons, but then increased by 4.7% in 2020 to 121.3 thousand tons. The most significant production drop occurred in 2018, when it fell by 4.0%.

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

In value, 2017-2020, K $ US

Following two years of decline, Northern Europe's production value for lard and poultry fats showed a strong recovery. The lowest value was recorded in 2019 at 79 413 thousand US dollars, but this surged by 20.9% in 2020 to reach 95 984 thousand US dollars. The most substantial decrease happened in 2018, with a 15.5% drop.

Annual dynamics of production in Northern Europe in value, 2017-2020, K $ US

Exports lard and poultry fats from Northern Europe

Exports in kind, t

Northern Europe's exports of lard and poultry fats grew for the third consecutive year. In 2020, export volumes reached 86 854 tons, marking a 10.0% increase from the previous year. Over the 2017-2020 period, exports expanded by 14.5%, translating to an average annual growth rate of 4.6%.

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

From 2017 to 2020, the Netherlands, Poland, and France consistently served as the primary markets for Northern Europe's lard and poultry fats exports by volume. The Netherlands accounted for 62.6% of exports, Poland for 6.9%, and France for 5.5%, collectively representing 75.0% of total export flows.

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

World map of product's exports from Northern Europe in kind, 2017-2020

Exports in value, K $ US

After two years of contraction, Northern Europe's export value for lard and poultry fats rebounded strongly. The lowest value occurred in 2019 at 54 061 thousand US dollars, but exports surged by 27.1% in 2020 to reach 68 705 thousand US dollars. Over the 2017-2020 period, export value increased by 14.6%, with a compound annual growth rate of 4.6%. The most significant decline was recorded in 2018 at 9.8%.

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

During the 2017-2020 period, the Netherlands, France, and Poland remained the leading destinations for Northern Europe's lard and poultry fats exports by value. The Netherlands held 59.4% of export value, France 6.8%, and Poland 6.7%, together accounting for 72.9% of total export flows.

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

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

Imports lard and poultry fats to Northern Europe

Imports in kind, t

Northern Europe's imports of lard and poultry fats by volume continued to decline gradually. In 2020, imports totaled 35 214 tons, representing a 6.6% decrease from the previous year. Over the 2017-2020 period, import volumes fell by 14.9%, with a compound annual decline rate of 5.2%. The most substantial drop occurred in 2018 at 11.0%, while 2019 saw a modest increase of 2.4%.

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

From 2017 to 2020, Germany, the Netherlands, and Italy were consistently the main sources of lard and poultry fats imports to Northern Europe by volume. Germany accounted for 36.7% of imports, the Netherlands for 13.8%, and Italy for 8.7%, together representing 59.2% of total import flows.

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

World map of product's imports to Northern Europe in kind, 2017-2020

Imports in value, K $ US

Following two years of decline, Northern Europe's import value for lard and poultry fats showed a recovery. The lowest value was recorded in 2019 at 35 542 thousand US dollars, but imports increased by 6.0% in 2020 to reach 37 675 thousand US dollars. Over the 2017-2020 period, import value decreased by 8.3%, with a compound annual decline rate of 2.9%. The most significant drop occurred in 2018 at 8.9%.

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

Between 2017 and 2020, Germany, the Netherlands, and Italy were the largest suppliers of lard and poultry fats to Northern Europe by value. Germany accounted for 31.0% of import value, the Netherlands for 15.1%, and Italy for 15.0%, collectively forming 61.0% of total imports.

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

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