Margarine market in Germany

Earlier Report Observations

In 2018, the margarine market saw product innovations like Rama reducing its fat content to 60% and introducing vegan varieties, while regulatory pressure against trans fats, highlighted by the WHO's REPLACE campaign, prompted manufacturers to develop new trans-fat-free margarines. However, market volume declined to 291,000 t in 2019. A reversal occurred in 2020 as rising butter prices made margarine a more attractive low-cost alternative, boosting sales and contributing to a market volume of 296,100 t, alongside a continued consumer shift towards plant-based and healthier options.

Market volume dropped sharply to 255,500 t in 2021, but recovered to 261,900 t in 2022. This rebound was primarily driven by further butter price increases, which led to a 3.7% rise in margarine sales as consumers sought cheaper alternatives. Throughout this period, major manufacturers like Upfield maintained their dominance and responded to growing demand for healthier products by launching new vegan and functional margarines, while global trends favoring plant-based and clean-label products provided additional market context.

By 2024, the market volume stood at 248,500 t, continuing the overall downward trend observed since 2018. In value terms, the market decreased from $371.9 million in 2023 to $347.3 million in 2024, reflecting changes in prices and consumption patterns.

Production margarine in Germany

In value, 2017-2020, M $ US

Germany's margarine production value rebounded after two years of decline. In 2020, output reached 370.0 million US dollars, marking a gradual year-over-year increase of 7.9%. Over the 2017-2020 period, production decreased by 5.5%, with a compound annual growth rate of 1.9%. The lowest value was recorded in 2019 at 342.9 million US dollars, which also saw the largest decline of 7.2%.

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

In kind, 2017-2020, K t

Germany's margarine production increased for the second consecutive year. In 2020, the country produced 337.4 thousand tons, representing a 5.6% rise compared to the previous year. The lowest volume was recorded in 2018 at 317.3 thousand tons, which also experienced the largest decline of 5.6%.

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

Exports margarine from Germany

Exports in kind, t

After two years of growth, Germany's margarine exports declined. In 2020, the country exported 78 563 tons, showing a slight reduction of 2.4% from the previous year. Between 2017 and 2020, exports increased by 31.5%, equating to an annualized rate of 9.5%. The peak was reached in 2019 with 80 510 tons, which also saw the largest increase of 34.4%.

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

From 2017 to 2020, the United Kingdom, the Netherlands, and Austria remained the top buyers of German margarine by volume. The United Kingdom accounted for 21.4% of exports, the Netherlands for 19.7%, and Austria for 12.1%, together representing 53.2% of total exports.

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

Following two years of growth, Germany's margarine export value declined. In 2020, exports totaled 103.3 million US dollars, reflecting a moderate drop of 4.2% compared to 2019. Between 2017 and 2020, exports increased by 16.4%, with an annualized rate of 5.2%. The highest value was recorded in 2019 at 107.9 million US dollars, which also experienced the largest increase of 18.4%.

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

An analysis of export values from 2017 to 2020 reveals a broad distribution across multiple markets. The United Kingdom accounted for 18.3% of exports, the Netherlands for 15.5%, and Austria for 12.3%, together making up 46.1% of total flows. The remaining 53.9% was distributed among other trading partners.

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

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

Imports margarine to Germany

Imports in kind, t

Germany's margarine import volumes declined for the second year in a row. In 2020, imports stood at 37 303 tons, down by 28.4% from the previous year. Between 2017 and 2020, imports decreased by 22.4%, with an annualized rate of 8.1%. The highest volume was recorded in 2018 at 52 649 tons, which also saw the largest increase of 9.5%.

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

From 2017 to 2020, Belgium, Poland, and the Netherlands were the largest suppliers of margarine to Germany by volume. Belgium accounted for 38.0% of imports, Poland for 27.6%, and the Netherlands for 20.8%, together forming 86.4% of total imports.

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

Germany's margarine import value declined for the second consecutive year. In 2020, imports amounted to 51.9 million US dollars, which is 26.1% lower year-over-year. Over the 2017-2020 period, imports decreased by 17.8%, with a compound annual growth rate of 6.3%. The peak value was recorded in 2018 at 78.5 million US dollars, which also experienced the largest increase of 24.4%.

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

From 2017 to 2020, three key markets—Poland, Belgium, and the Netherlands—collectively accounted for 85.6% of Germany's total margarine import value.

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

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