Rendered lard and other pig fat market in Hungary

Earlier Report Observations

Between 2018 and 2020, Hungary's rendered lard market volume initially declined from 7 931 т to 7 388 т, influenced by a shift in urban consumer preferences away from traditional products like zsiros kenyér. The market rebounded to 8 421 т in 2020 as the COVID-19 pandemic increased demand for comfort foods, including lard-based products. Market volume then stabilized at around 8 395 т in 2021.

A significant expansion occurred in 2022, with volume surging to 10 380 т. This growth was primarily driven by sustained consumer interest in premium, artisanal lard derived from the Mangalica pig breed. The breed's revival, supported by culinary festivals and upscale cuisine, created a distinct high-value segment that boosted overall market size. In value terms, the market reached 23 449 тыс. $ in 2022, reflecting the higher price point of these specialty fats.

In 2023, the market volume contracted to 7 981 т before partially recovering to 8 559 т in 2024.

Production rendered lard and pig fat in Hungary

In value, 2018-2021, K $ US

Hungary's production of rendered lard and other pig fat, measured in monetary terms, experienced a decline after two consecutive years of growth. In 2020, output reached its peak at 12 821 thousand US dollars, but by 2021, it had fallen to 10 819 thousand US dollars. This represents a significant year-over-year decrease of 15.6%. The most substantial increase during this period occurred in 2020, when production rose by 12.3%.

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

In kind, 2018-2021, t

In terms of volume, Hungary produced 5 849 tonnes of rendered lard and other pig fat in 2021. This marks a sharp decline of 34.1% compared to the previous year, when production peaked at 8 872 tonnes in 2020. Over the four-year span from 2018 to 2021, overall production decreased by 27.8%, which translates to an average annual reduction of 10.3%. The largest single-year increase was recorded in 2020, at 10.3%.

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

Exports rendered lard and pig fat from Hungary

Exports in kind, t

Hungary's exports of rendered lard and other pig fat, measured by volume, rebounded in 2021 after two years of decline. The country exported 2 945 tonnes that year, reflecting a solid increase of 14.5% from 2020, when exports hit their lowest point at 2 572 tonnes. Over the period from 2018 to 2021, total exports decreased by 7.9%, with a compound annual growth rate of -2.7%. The most significant decline occurred in 2019, when exports fell by 11.9%.

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

From 2018 to 2021, Hungary's exports of rendered lard and other pig fat by volume were heavily concentrated in just two markets: Italy and Slovakia. While other countries also imported Hungarian products, their individual shares were relatively minor compared to these two key partners.

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

Hungary's exports of rendered lard and other pig fat, measured in value terms, grew for the second year in a row in 2021. Export earnings reached 2 288 thousand US dollars, representing a dramatic year-over-year increase of 52.5%. Over the four-year period from 2018 to 2021, total export value rose by 25.1%, with a compound annual growth rate of 7.8%. The lowest value was recorded in 2019 at 1 447 thousand US dollars, which also saw the largest decline of 20.9%.

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

In value terms, Hungary's exports of rendered lard and other pig fat from 2018 to 2021 were dominated by three key partners: Slovakia, Italy, and Romania. Slovakia accounted for 46.1% of export value, Italy for 26.6%, and Romania for 8.0%. Together, these three countries represented 80.7% of Hungary's total export flows in this category.

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

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

Imports rendered lard and pig fat to Hungary

Imports in kind, t

Hungary's imports of rendered lard and other pig fat by volume showed considerable volatility between 2018 and 2021. The lowest point was in 2020, with imports totaling 2 121 tonnes. By 2021, imports surged to 5 491 tonnes, marking a substantial increase of 158.9% compared to the previous year. This fluctuation resulted in a peak-to-trough ratio of 2.6 times. The most significant decline occurred in 2019, when imports fell by 28.6%.

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

From 2018 to 2021, Hungary's imports of rendered lard and other pig fat by volume were consistently sourced from three main countries: Slovakia, Austria, and Poland. Slovakia supplied 40.7% of imports, Austria 28.4%, and Poland 21.0%. Collectively, these three nations accounted for 90.0% of Hungary's total import volume in this category.

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

Hungary's imports of rendered lard and other pig fat, measured in value terms, exhibited noticeable fluctuations during the 2018-2021 period. The lowest value was recorded in 2019 at 2 174 thousand US dollars, which also saw the largest decline of 32.3%. By 2021, import value had risen sharply to 6 466 thousand US dollars, representing a 154.2% increase year-over-year. This resulted in a peak-to-trough ratio of approximately 3 times between the highest and lowest points.

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

In value terms, Hungary's imports of rendered lard and other pig fat from 2018 to 2021 were primarily supplied by three countries: Slovakia, Austria, and Poland. Slovakia accounted for 41.2% of import value, Austria for 26.5%, and Poland for 20.8%. Together, these three suppliers represented 88.6% of Hungary's total import value in this category.

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

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