Non-rendered pig fat free of lean meat market in Hungary

Earlier Report Observations

Between 2018 and 2021, the Hungarian market for non-rendered pig fat free of lean meat experienced notable volatility. The market volume began at 35,810 tonnes in 2018, a year marked by the UBM Group acquiring a 50% stake in a significant domestic enterprise and the introduction of new animal welfare subsidy regulations for the pig sector. Subsequently, the market contracted sharply to 25,770 tonnes by 2020, before recovering to 33,583 tonnes in 2021.

A renewed downturn occurred in 2022, with market volume falling to 26,138 tonnes. This decline coincided with the bankruptcy of three companies within the Kurucz group, a major processor in the domestic pig fat segment, which disrupted supply. Although a government crisis package for the pig sector was launched the same year, offering income support for sows, it did not offset the market contraction. The trend reversed in 2023 as volume grew to 30,434 tonnes, primarily driven by the implementation of state-mandated price caps and margin limits. These measures caused retail prices for pig fat to drop by 30–40% in stores like Penny and Spar, significantly boosting consumer demand.

By 2024, the market volume stabilized at 30,516 tonnes, while its value rose substantially to $66 million, reflecting higher price levels. The retail landscape also shifted during this period, with discount chains Aldi and Lidl increasing their market share at the expense of Tesco, altering the distribution dynamics for pig fat products.

Production non-rendered pig fat free of lean meat in Hungary

In value, 2018-2021, K $ US

Hungary's production of non-rendered pig fat free of lean meat rebounded after a two-year decline. In 2021, output reached 43 903 thousand US dollars, marking a dramatic year-on-year increase of 43.4%. Over the 2018-2021 period, production decreased by 11%, with a compound annual growth rate of -3.8%. The lowest value was recorded in 2020 at 30 607 thousand US dollars, which also saw the largest decline of 24.6%.

Annual dynamics of production in Hungary in value, 2018-2021, K $ US

In kind, 2018-2021, t

From 2018 to 2021, Hungary ranked 25th globally in the production of non-rendered pig fat free of lean meat.

Top producers of non-rendered pig fat free of lean meat, 2018-2021

World map of production of non-rendered pig fat free of lean meat, 2018-2021

Hungary's production of non-rendered pig fat free of lean meat increased following a two-year decline. In 2021, output totaled 29 450 tonnes, reflecting a steep improvement of 56.2% compared to 2020. Over the 2018-2021 period, production decreased by 3.7%, with a compound annual growth rate of -1.3%. The minimum value was recorded in 2020 at 18 855 tonnes, which also experienced the largest decline of 32.0%.

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

Exports non-rendered pig fat free of lean meat from Hungary

Exports in kind, t

Hungary's exports of non-rendered pig fat free of lean meat rose after a two-year decrease. In 2021, exports reached 10 348 tonnes, representing a robust uptick of 22.2% compared to 2020. Between 2018 and 2021, exports decreased by 19.8%, equating to an annualized rate of -7.1%. The lowest value was recorded in 2020 at 8 469 tonnes, which also saw the largest decline of 21.3%.

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

From 2018 to 2021, Italy, Romania, and Slovakia formed the main cluster of markets for Hungary's exports in kind. Italy accounted for 28.5% of exports, Romania for 22.9%, and Slovakia for 19.6%, together representing 71.0% of total flows.

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

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

Exports in value, K $ US

In 2021, Hungary's export volume of non-rendered pig fat free of lean meat was valued at 9 685 thousand US dollars, marking a significant increase of 19.3% compared to 2020. The minimum value was recorded in 2020 at 8 118 thousand US dollars, while the maximum value occurred in 2019 at 10 383 thousand US dollars. The largest decline was recorded in 2020 at 21.8%.

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

Throughout 2018-2021, Romania, Italy, and Slovakia formed the core of Hungary's exports in value terms. Romania accounted for 34.0% of exports, Italy for 16.1%, and Slovakia for 15.5%, together taking 65.6% of total flows.

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

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

Imports non-rendered pig fat free of lean meat to Hungary

Imports in kind, t

Hungary's imports of non-rendered pig fat free of lean meat declined for the third consecutive year. In 2021, imports amounted to 14 482 tonnes, down by 5.9% compared to the previous year. Between 2018 and 2021, imports decreased by 20.1%, equating to an annualized rate of -7.2%.

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

From 2018 to 2021, Germany, Spain, and Italy were consistently the main destinations for Hungary's imports in kind. Germany accounted for 37.2% of imports, Spain for 26.7%, and Italy for 8.4%, together representing 72.3% of total flows.

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

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

Imports in value, K $ US

Cross-border shipments of non-rendered pig fat free of lean meat to Hungary declined for the second consecutive year. In 2021, imports amounted to 16 251 thousand US dollars, equivalent to a decline of 6.8% compared to 2020. Between 2018 and 2021, imports decreased by 16.9%, equating to an annualized rate of -6.0%. The maximum value was recorded in 2019 at 20 042 thousand US dollars. The largest decline occurred in 2020 at 13.0%, while the largest increase was in 2019 at 2.5%.

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

In 2018-2021, Germany, Spain, and Italy were the principal destinations for Hungary's imports in value terms. Germany accounted for 34.2% of imports, Spain for 30.9%, and Italy for 9.6%, jointly accounting for 74.8% of total flows.

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

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