Odoriferous substances for food and drink market in Germany

Earlier Report Observations

Between 2018 and 2020, the market for odoriferous substances in Germany was shaped by shifting consumer preferences toward greater transparency in food origins and natural, clean-label ingredients. These trends supported initial demand, with market volume reaching 65.1 thousand tons in 2018. However, volume declined to 62.2 thousand tons in 2019 and stabilized at the same level in 2020.

Market volume recovered to 64.7 thousand tons in 2021 and grew further to 66.5 thousand tons in 2022. This expansion was driven by increased emphasis on hygiene and safety across production chains, which bolstered consumer confidence, alongside a rising demand for plant-based products and clean-label formulations that directly raised consumption of odoriferous substances used in these new segments.

After a contraction to 61.2 thousand tons in 2023, the market rebounded to 65.9 thousand tons in 2024. This recovery was fueled by growing consumer interest in alternative proteins and products for specific dietary needs, as well as the launch of approximately 15 new flavoring products. Technological innovations, including portable production centers, also enhanced manufacturing flexibility and efficiency, supporting supply.

Production odoriferous substances for food and drink in Germany

In value, 2017-2020, M $ US

Germany's production of odoriferous substances for food and drink has increased for the third consecutive year. In 2020, output reached 1 417 million US dollars, marking a moderate 3.4% increase compared to the previous year. From 2017 to 2020, production grew by 17.4%, with an average annual growth rate of 5.5%.

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

In kind, 2017-2020, K t

Germany's production of odoriferous substances for food and drink has increased for the third consecutive year. In 2020, 114.2 thousand tonnes were produced, showing a limited 4.2% rise year-over-year. From 2017 to 2020, production increased by 9.9%, with an average annual growth rate of 3.2%.

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

Exports odoriferous substances for food and drink from Germany

Exports in kind, t

Germany's exports of odoriferous substances for food and drink have increased for the third consecutive year. In 2020, Germany exported 90 539 tonnes, reflecting a moderate 3.2% improvement over the previous year. From 2017 to 2020, exports grew by 14.5%, with an average annual growth rate of 4.6%.

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

From 2017 to 2020, the partner structure for exports in kind was fragmented. Poland accounted for 12.6% of exports in kind, Russia for 10.3%, and Turkey for 7.5%, together making up 30.4% of total flows, with no single country holding a dominant share.

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

Germany's cross-border shipments of odoriferous substances for food and drink have increased for the third consecutive year. In 2020, exports totaled 1 127 million US dollars, up by 2.7% compared to 2019. From 2017 to 2020, exports increased by 16.5%, with an average annual growth rate of 5.2%.

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

From 2017 to 2020, Germany's exports in value terms relied on a wide range of partner countries. Poland accounted for 9.3% of exports in value terms, Russia for 8.5%, and France for 6.9%, together representing just 24.7% of total flows.

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

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

Imports odoriferous substances for food and drink to Germany

Imports in kind, t

Germany's imports of odoriferous substances for food and drink declined for the second consecutive year. In 2020, import volume amounted to 38 523 tonnes, indicating a moderate 4.4% decrease over the past year. The highest volume was recorded in 2018 at 41 354 tonnes, which also saw the largest increase of 5.8%.

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

From 2017 to 2020, Ireland was the largest supplier of odoriferous substances for food and drink to Germany, accounting for 29.4% of imports in kind, followed by the Netherlands at 12.5% and Switzerland at 12.2%. Together, these three countries formed 54.1% of total imports in kind.

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 imported approximately 851 million US dollars of odoriferous substances for food and drink in 2020, corresponding to a slight 2.0% increase compared to the previous year. From 2017 to 2020, imports increased by 11.3%, with an average annual growth rate of 3.6%. The highest value was recorded in 2018 at 864 million US dollars, which also saw the largest increase of 13.1%, while 2019 experienced the largest decline of 3.5%.

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

From 2017 to 2020, Ireland accounted for the largest share of Germany's imports in value terms at 58.4%, followed by Switzerland at 15.2% and France at 6.4%. Together, these three countries comprised 80.0% of total flows.

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

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