Sausages and similar meat products market in Germany

Earlier Report Observations

Between 2018 and 2024, the physical market volume for sausages and similar meat products in Germany declined from 1 489 thousand tons to 1 341 thousand tons. This reduction was primarily driven by a sustained shift in consumer preferences toward plant-based alternatives, supported by double-digit production growth in the meat substitute sector. The production of meat substitutes surged by nearly 17% in 2021 and by 16.6% in 2023, while the number of manufacturers increased from 51 in 2022 to 67 in 2023.

Despite the drop in volume, the market value rose from 8 302 million USD in 2018 to 9 958 million USD in 2024. This increase was partly due to stricter regulations on meat production and animal welfare, which raised costs, alongside a broader consumer trend toward premium products. Per capita meat consumption fell to 52.0 kg in 2022, reflecting a structural change in dietary habits.

Market dynamics were further influenced by the entry of new players and the launch of innovative plant-based products such as veggie burgers and sausages. By 2023, the value of meat substitute production reached 583.2 million euros, intensifying competition for traditional meat producers.

Production sausages and similar meat products in Germany

In value, 2017-2020, M $ US

In Germany, the output value of sausages and similar meat products reached 8 812 million US dollars in 2020, reflecting a modest year-over-year increase of 4.5%. Over the period from 2017 to 2020, production grew by 8%, which translates to an annualized growth rate of 2.6%. The largest decline occurred in 2019, with a decrease of 0.4%.

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

In kind, 2017-2020, K t

Following two years of growth, the production of sausages and similar meat products in Germany experienced a decline. In 2020, Germany produced 1 508 thousand tonnes of these products, marking a slight year-over-year drop of 3.3%. The peak production was recorded in 2019 at 1 560 thousand tonnes, while the largest increase occurred in 2018, with a rise of 1.2%.

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

Exports sausages and similar meat products from Germany

Exports in kind, K t

In 2020, Germany's exports of sausages and similar meat products amounted to 161.0 thousand tonnes, representing a 3.2% decrease compared to the previous year. The lowest export volume was recorded in 2018 at 158.1 thousand tonnes, while the highest was in 2019 at 166.3 thousand tonnes. The largest increase occurred in 2019, with a growth of 5.2%.

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

From 2017 to 2020, key buyers of German sausages and similar meat products included the United Kingdom, accounting for 25.2% of exports in kind, France at 16.0%, and Denmark at 7.5%. However, their combined share reached only 48.7% of total exports in kind, with the remaining 51.3% distributed among numerous other trading partners.

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 sausages and similar meat products in value terms increased for the third consecutive year. In 2020, exports totaled 871.7 million US dollars, showing a 10.0% rise compared to the previous year. Over the 2017-2020 period, exports grew by 16.3%, with a compound annual growth rate of 5.2%.

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

Between 2017 and 2020, Germany's exports of sausages and similar meat products in value terms were not heavily concentrated on a few key markets. The United Kingdom accounted for 24.7% of exports in value terms, France for 13.4%, and the Netherlands for 9.1%, with these three countries jointly representing only 47.2% of total export flows.

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

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

Imports sausages and similar meat products to Germany

Imports in kind, K t

Germany's imports of sausages and similar meat products increased for the second consecutive year. In 2020, imports reached 105.1 thousand tonnes, reflecting a slight year-over-year improvement of 2.0%. Over the 2017-2020 period, imports grew by 9.7%, equating to an annualized rate of 3.1%. The lowest import volume was recorded in 2018 at 95.7 thousand tonnes, with the largest decline occurring that year at 0.1%. The largest increase was in 2019, with a rise of 7.6%.

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

From 2017 to 2020, three principal markets—Austria, Italy, and the Netherlands—together accounted for 65.8% of Germany's total imports in kind of sausages and similar meat products.

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 sausages and similar meat products in value terms increased for the third consecutive year. In 2020, imports totaled 718.0 million US dollars, marking a notable advance of 14.9% compared to the previous year. Over the 2017-2020 period, imports grew by 27.3%, with an annualized growth rate of 8.4%.

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

Between 2017 and 2020, three main markets—Italy, Austria, and France—together absorbed 66.8% of Germany's total imports in value terms of sausages and similar meat products.

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

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