Pig fat free of lean meat and poultry fat market in Northern Europe

Earlier Report Observations

Between 2018 and 2021, the market volume for pig fat free of lean meat fluctuated, starting at 47,178 t and reaching 51,485 t. Initial growth was supported by beef availability challenges in 2018, which led to a substitution effect toward other meat products, including pork-based ingredients like fat used in processed meats. This trend was interrupted in 2020 when shifting consumer priorities toward convenience and well-being, amid a broader transformation in food purchasing, contributed to a market contraction. Despite a rising interest in vegetarian diets and protein diversification noted in 2021, which tempered demand, the market volume recovered slightly that year.

From 2022 onward, the market expanded markedly, reaching 68,214 t by 2023. This surge was primarily driven by the rapid growth in ready-meal sales, which increased the demand for pig fat as a food ingredient. Continued beef supply issues further supported this upturn. In 2023, domestic production faced pressure from external factors such as geopolitical tensions and animal disease situations, but a sharp decline in exports helped maintain market volume. By 2024, new legislation requiring country-of-origin labeling for fresh and frozen meat in food service took effect, while weakening consumer purchasing power and heightened price sensitivity began to influence import and export flows.

Production pig fat free of lean meat and poultry fat in Northern Europe

In kind, 2017-2020, K t

Top producers of pig fat free of lean meat and poultry fat, 2017-2020

World map of production of pig fat free of lean meat and poultry fat, 2017-2020

Production of pig fat free of lean meat and poultry fat in Northern Europe has increased for the second year in a row. In 2020, output reached 67.7 K t, marking a 2.5% rise compared to 2019. However, looking at the broader period from 2017 to 2020, production actually fell by 65.8%, which translates to an average annual decline of 30.1%. The lowest production level was recorded in 2018 at 64.3 K t. That year also saw the steepest drop of 67.5%, while the largest increase occurred in 2019 with a 2.6% gain.

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

Exports pig fat free of lean meat and poultry fat from Northern Europe

Exports in kind, t

Cross-border shipments of pig fat free of lean meat and poultry fat from Northern Europe have declined for the third consecutive year. In 2020, exports totaled 43 841 t, holding steady compared to 2019. Over the period from 2017 to 2020, exports decreased by 21%, averaging an annual decline of 7.5%.

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

From 2017 to 2020, exports of pig fat free of lean meat and poultry fat from Northern Europe were not heavily concentrated. The top three destinations—China (23.2% of exports in kind), Poland (6.7%), and Belgium (5.9%)—together accounted for only 35.7% of total 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

The value of exported pig fat free of lean meat and poultry fat from Northern Europe has increased for the second year in a row. In 2020, exports amounted to 60 438 K $ US, showing a 3.3% advance compared to 2019. Over the 2017–2020 period, exports grew by 14.1%, with an average annual increase of 4.5%. The lowest value was recorded in 2018 at 42 574 K $ US, which also saw the largest decline of 19.6%. In contrast, the biggest increase occurred in 2019 with a 37.5% rise.

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

Between 2017 and 2020, the buyer portfolio for pig fat free of lean meat and poultry fat from Northern Europe was broad. China (31.4% of exports in value terms), Belgium (6.1%), and Poland (5.8%) together contributed only 43.3% of total export value, while many other countries held smaller but still notable shares.

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 pig fat free of lean meat and poultry fat to Northern Europe

Imports in kind, t

Imports of pig fat free of lean meat and poultry fat into Northern Europe have declined for the third consecutive year. In 2020, import volume totaled 25 628 t, which is 22.3% lower than the previous year. From 2017 to 2020, imports decreased by 36.2%, averaging an annual decline of 13.9%.

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

Over the 2017–2020 period, Germany (29.6% of imports in kind), Poland (14.1%), and Spain (12.3%) made the biggest contributions to imports, jointly accounting for 56.0% of total 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

After a two-year decline, imports of pig fat free of lean meat and poultry fat into Northern Europe have increased. In 2020, imports amounted to 36 677 K $ US, showing a 2.2% rise compared to 2019. However, over the 2017–2020 period, imports decreased by 4.9%, with an average annual decline of 1.7%. The lowest value was recorded in 2019 at 35 887 K $ US, while the largest decline occurred in 2018 with a 6.9% drop.

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

Throughout 2017–2020, Germany (26.3% of imports in value terms), Spain (14.9%), and the Netherlands (12.0%) remained the main sources for imports of pig fat free of lean meat and poultry fat into Northern Europe, jointly taking 53.2% of total flows.

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

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