Salted, in brine, dried or smoked beef market in Europe, 2026

Earlier Report Observations

The European market for salted, brined, dried, or smoked beef showed steady growth from 2018 to 2021, with volume rising from 102.8 thousand tons to 139.2 thousand tons. The most significant expansion occurred in 2021, when the market size increased by over 18% to reach its peak.

After 2021, the market entered a period of contraction, declining to 118.3 thousand tons in 2022 and then dropping sharply to 68.1 thousand tons in 2023. This brought the market volume below its 2018 level, with a reduction of more than 40% in a single year.

By 2024, high production costs and herd reductions in key producing countries like Germany were limiting beef supply across the EU, supporting prices despite stable demand. Consumer preferences for products with clear origin and quality assurance continued to shape the processed meat segment.

Production salted, in brine, dried or smoked beef in Europe

In kind, 2017-2020, t

Top producers of salted, in brine, dried or smoked beef, 2017-2020

World map of production of salted, in brine, dried or smoked beef, 2017-2020

Salted, in brine, dried or smoked beef production in Europe has increased for the third consecutive year. In 2020, Europe produced 120 954 tons of this product, marking a modest 8.5% rise compared to the previous year. Over the period from 2017 to 2020, production grew by 12.3%, with a compound annual growth rate of 3.9%.

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

In value, 2017-2020, M $ US

In 2020, the output of salted, in brine, dried or smoked beef in Europe was valued at 25 411 million US dollars, indicating a robust 13.2% drop from the year before. Over the 2017-2020 period, production decreased by 5.7%, with a compound annual growth rate of 1.9%. The minimum value was recorded in 2018 at 24 559 million US dollars, while the maximum value was in 2019 at 29 279 million US dollars. The largest increase occurred in 2019, with a 19.2% rise.

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

Exports salted, in brine, dried or smoked beef from Europe

Exports in kind, t

In 2020, salted, in brine, dried or smoked beef exports from Europe reached 17 286 tons, up by 5.6% compared to the previous year. Between 2017 and 2020, exports decreased by 15.5%, equating to an annualized rate of 5.5%. The minimum value was recorded in 2019 at 16 375 tons, and the maximum value was in 2018 at 24 973 tons. The largest decline occurred in 2019 with a 34.4% drop, while the largest increase was in 2018 with a 22.0% rise.

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

From 2017 to 2020, Switzerland was the primary market for exports in kind of salted, in brine, dried or smoked beef from Europe, accounting for 1.8% of total flows.

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

World map of product's exports from Europe in kind, 2017-2020

Exports in value, M $ US

After a two-year gain, salted, in brine, dried or smoked beef shipments from Europe to abroad declined. In 2020, exports amounted to 249.2 million US dollars, marking a 4.9% decrease over the past year. Over the period from 2017 to 2020, exports increased by 8.5%, with a compound annual growth rate of 2.7%. The maximum value was recorded in 2019 at 262.1 million US dollars, and the largest increase occurred in 2018 with an 11.6% rise.

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

Throughout 2017 to 2020, Switzerland was the single largest buyer of salted, in brine, dried or smoked beef from Europe, taking 4.9% of total exports in value terms.

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

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

Imports salted, in brine, dried or smoked beef to Europe

Imports in kind, t

In 2020, Europe imported a total of 14 250 tons of salted, in brine, dried or smoked beef, indicating a modest 4.3% uptick over the past year. Over the period from 2017 to 2020, imports decreased by 12%, with a compound annual growth rate of 4.2%. The minimum value was recorded in 2019 at 13 671 tons, and the maximum value was in 2018 at 17 592 tons. The largest decline occurred in 2019 with a 22.3% drop, while the largest increase was in 2018 with an 8.6% rise.

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

From 2017 to 2020, Switzerland stood out as the main supplier of salted, in brine, dried or smoked beef to Europe, accounting for 12.2% of total imports in kind.

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

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

Imports in value, M $ US

Salted, in brine, dried or smoked beef deliveries to Europe have increased for the third consecutive year. In 2020, the import volume amounted to 213.4 million US dollars, which is 0.8% greater year-over-year. Between 2017 and 2020, imports increased by 19.6%, equating to an annualized rate of 6.1%.

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

From 2017 to 2020, Switzerland was the largest destination for imports in value terms of salted, in brine, dried or smoked beef to Europe, taking 24.6% of total flows.

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

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