Pig fat free of lean meat and poultry fat market in Norway

Earlier Report Observations

From 2018 to 2022, the Norwegian market for pig fat free of lean meat and poultry fat contracted significantly, falling from 5 969 t to 4 818 t. This decline was partly driven by changing consumer preferences, as seen in 2021 when major producer Nortura launched a range of healthier products with reduced fat and salt content, shifting demand away from traditional fat. In 2022, industry focus on animal welfare and sustainability, exemplified by the Boars4All project to phase out pig castration, may have affected production practices and supply.

The market showed a recovery in 2023, rising to 5 436 t. Throughout the period, innovation in packaging and product development reflected broader trends toward environmental and health consciousness, which continued to shape the industry landscape.

Looking ahead, statistical reclassification of meat products in 2024 is set to alter market reporting from 2026, while a 2025 listeria outbreak and consumer debate over added water in rib products underscored ongoing concerns about food safety and transparency, potentially influencing future demand.

Production pig fat free of lean meat and poultry fat in Norway

In kind, 2018-2021, t

Top producers of pig fat free of lean meat and poultry fat, 2018-2021

World map of production of pig fat free of lean meat and poultry fat, 2018-2021

After two consecutive years of decline, Norway's production of pig fat free of lean meat and poultry fat increased in 2021. That year, Norway produced 5 188 tonnes, marking a modest gain of 2.4% compared to 2020. Looking at the broader period from 2018 to 2021, overall production decreased by 2.3%, with a compound annual growth rate of 0.8%. The lowest production level was recorded in 2020 at 5 067 tonnes, while the largest annual decline occurred in 2019 with a drop of 3.7%.

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

Exports pig fat free of lean meat and poultry fat from Norway

Exports in kind, t

The export market for pig fat free of lean meat and poultry fat from Norway showed an unstable trend during the period. Volumes reached their lowest point in 2020 at 199.9 tonnes, with the largest decline that year at 23.7%. In contrast, exports peaked in 2021 at 539.4 tonnes, representing a dramatic increase of 169.8% from the previous year. The difference between the peak in 2021 and the trough in 2020 was 2.7 times.

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

From 2018 to 2021, Denmark, Georgia, and Ukraine consistently remained the main destinations for Norway's exports of pig fat free of lean meat and poultry fat. Denmark accounted for 49.4% of exports in kind, Georgia for 28.1%, and Ukraine for 11.0%. Together, these three countries represented 88.5% of total export flows during this period.

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

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

Exports in value, K $ US

The value of exports showed irregular changes, indicating a volatile market environment. The lowest value was recorded in 2020 at 363 thousand US dollars, with the largest decline that year at 36.6%. In 2021, exports reached 693 thousand US dollars, marking a dramatic uptick of 90.6% compared to 2020. The difference between the high in 2021 and the low in 2020 was 1.9 times.

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

From 2018 to 2021, Denmark was the principal market for Norway's exports of pig fat free of lean meat and poultry fat in value terms, accounting for 72.5% of total exports. Other destinations collectively formed a less significant portion of the export value.

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

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

Imports pig fat free of lean meat and poultry fat to Norway

Imports in kind, t

Norway's imports of pig fat free of lean meat and poultry fat showed mixed trends. The lowest volume was recorded in 2019 at 747.2 tonnes, with the largest decline that year at 20.7%. In 2021, imports reached approximately 852.0 tonnes, constituting a strong increase of 14.0% compared to 2020. Over the entire period from 2018 to 2021, imports decreased by 9.5%, equating to an annualized decline rate of 3.3%.

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

From 2018 to 2021, Denmark and Sweden were the dominant sources for Norway's imports of pig fat free of lean meat and poultry fat in kind. Together, they accounted for 99.2% of total import flows, while the remaining volume was distributed among smaller markets.

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

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

Imports in value, K $ US

In terms of value, Norway's imports of pig fat free of lean meat and poultry fat fluctuated during the period. The minimum value was recorded in 2019 at 1 281 thousand US dollars, with the largest decline that year at 6.1%. The maximum value occurred in 2020 at 1 410 thousand US dollars, showing the largest increase of 10.1%. In 2021, imports amounted to 1 350 thousand US dollars, equivalent to a gradual decline of 4.2% compared to 2020.

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

From 2018 to 2021, Denmark and Sweden were the main directions for Norway's imports of pig fat free of lean meat and poultry fat in value terms. Together, they accounted for 98.9% of total import flows, while the residual share was split among other markets.

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

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