Sauces, mixed condiments and seasonings market in Germany

Earlier Report Observations

The market for sauces and condiments in Germany saw steady volume growth from 2018 onward, initially supported by rising consumer demand for convenient and healthier options with natural ingredients. The introduction of ethnic sauces and an expanding share of private labels increased product variety and accessibility. In 2020, the COVID-19 pandemic significantly boosted demand for ready-made and long-lasting sauces, while also accelerating the shift toward online sales channels.

A sharp rise in market volume occurred in 2021, driven by stricter German legislation on ingredient labeling and sodium content, which prompted manufacturers to reformulate and innovate. The entry of new players with health-oriented products and a wider range of organic sauces further stimulated consumption. By 2022, volume growth continued, though at a slower pace, while the market value temporarily declined, partly due to the increasing retail shelf share held by more affordable private-label brands.

The market value recovered strongly in 2023, fueled by the launch of new organic sauce lines from major companies such as Kraft Heinz and by partnerships with food delivery services to improve product availability. Growing consumer interest in international flavor profiles and increased use of digital marketing supported this rebound. In 2024, the expansion of vegan, gluten-free, and allergen-free sauce varieties, along with the growing importance of e-commerce channels, continued to drive the market forward despite pressures from rising raw material costs.

Production sauces, mixed condiments and seasonings in Germany

In value, 2017-2020, M $ US

In Germany, the production value of sauces, mixed condiments, and seasonings reached 2 160 million US dollars in 2020, marking a modest increase of 2.2% compared to 2019. Over the period from 2017 to 2020, production grew by 5.6%, with an average annual growth rate of 1.8%. The highest value was recorded in 2018 at 2 183 million US dollars, which saw the largest increase of 6.7% that year. In contrast, 2019 experienced the most significant decline of 3.2%.

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

In kind, 2017-2020, K t

Following two years of growth, Germany's production of sauces, mixed condiments, and seasonings declined. In 2020, output amounted to 665.1 thousand tonnes, representing a decrease of 2.4% from 2019. The peak was reached in 2019 with 681.6 thousand tonnes, while the largest increase occurred in 2018 at 1.3%.

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

Exports sauces, mixed condiments and seasonings from Germany

Exports in kind, K t

After two consecutive years of growth, Germany's exports of sauces, mixed condiments, and seasonings fell. In 2020, export volume dropped to 256.1 thousand tonnes, a decline of 6.6% compared to 2019. From 2017 to 2020, exports decreased by 2.4%, translating to an annualized rate of 0.8%. The highest volume was recorded in 2019 at 274.2 thousand tonnes, with the largest increase of 3.5% occurring in 2018.

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

Between 2017 and 2020, the export structure for sauces, mixed condiments, and seasonings was well-balanced rather than concentrated. France accounted for 17.9% of exports in kind, the United Kingdom for 16.4%, and the Netherlands for 8.4%, together making up 42.6% of total flows. The remaining 57.4% was distributed among numerous other countries.

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 exports of sauces, mixed condiments, and seasonings declined for the second year in a row. In 2020, export value stood at 785.2 million US dollars, showing little change from 2019. Over the 2017-2020 period, exports increased by 6%, with an average annual growth rate of 1.9%. The peak value was recorded in 2018 at 807.0 million US dollars, which saw the largest increase of 8.9%. In 2019, exports experienced the most significant decline of 2.6%.

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

From 2017 to 2020, Germany's export market for sauces, mixed condiments, and seasonings was diverse. France contributed 14.2% of exports in value terms, the United Kingdom 11.3%, and Austria 9.3%, together accounting for 34.9% of total export value. Many other countries held smaller but notable shares.

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

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

Imports sauces, mixed condiments and seasonings to Germany

Imports in kind, K t

Germany's imports of sauces, mixed condiments, and seasonings increased for the third consecutive year. In 2020, import volume totaled 181.6 thousand tonnes, up 8.1% from 2019. Between 2017 and 2020, imports grew by 21.6%, equivalent to an annualized rate of 6.7%.

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

The import structure for sauces, mixed condiments, and seasonings in Germany was dispersed from 2017 to 2020. The Netherlands accounted for 21.3% of imports in kind, Italy for 17.5%, and Poland for 9.9%, together forming 48.7% of total flows. The remaining 51.3% was shared among a wide range of other countries.

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's imports of sauces, mixed condiments, and seasonings rose for the third year in a row. In 2020, import value reached 511.2 million US dollars, a 15.7% increase from 2019. Over the 2017-2020 period, imports grew by 29%, translating to an annualized rate of 8.9%.

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

From 2017 to 2020, Italy led Germany's imports of sauces, mixed condiments, and seasonings in value terms with a 23.2% share, followed by the Netherlands at 16.6% and Switzerland at 10.7%. Together, these three countries accounted for 50.6% of total import flows.

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

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