Smoked herring market in Germany

Earlier Report Observations

The smoked herring market in Germany experienced a pronounced contraction from 2018 to 2022, with total volume falling by over 40% from 1 049.5 t to 614.4 t. This prolonged decline occurred under the long-standing regulatory requirement, in place since 1987, for labels to warn of possible nematode content in the product's offal.

Market volume rebounded to 707.1 t in 2023. This recovery was supported by herring's entrenched position as one of Germany's most popular food fish and a rising consumer focus on healthier options, with smoked herring being valued for its high protein and omega-3 fatty acid content.

The upward momentum was short-lived, as the market volume fell again to 577.4 t in 2024, resuming the broader downward trend of the period despite continued general consumer interest in sustainable and healthy foods.

Production smoked herring in Germany

In value, 2017-2020, K $ US

Germany's smoked herring production has declined for the third year in a row. In 2020, the output was valued at 3,360 thousand US dollars, marking a significant drop of 17.9% compared to 2019. Over the period from 2017 to 2020, production fell by 36%, with an average annual decline of 13.8%.

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

In kind, 2017-2020, t

Germany's smoked herring production has decreased for the third consecutive year. In 2020, the country produced 569.4 tonnes of smoked herring, down by 23.0% from 2019. Between 2017 and 2020, production dropped by 32.6%, which translates to an annualized decline of 12.3%.

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

Exports smoked herring from Germany

Exports in kind, t

Smoked herring exports from Germany have fallen for the second year running. In 2020, Germany exported 41.6 tonnes of smoked herring, showing a notable decrease of 20.3% compared to 2019. Over the period from 2017 to 2020, exports declined by 12.8%, with an average annual drop of 4.5%. The highest export volume was recorded in 2018 at 56.5 tonnes, which also saw the largest increase of 18.4% that year.

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

From 2017 to 2020, Austria, Czechia, and Bunkers were the main destinations for Germany's smoked herring exports in volume terms. Together, they accounted for 54.2% of total exports, with Austria making up 20.6%, Czechia 17.3%, and Bunkers 16.3%.

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, K $ US

Germany's smoked herring exports have declined for the second consecutive year. In 2020, exports reached 202 thousand US dollars, representing a decrease of 22.5% from the previous year. Between 2017 and 2020, exports fell by 12.6%, equating to an annualized decline of 4.4%. The peak value was recorded in 2018 at 287 thousand US dollars, which also experienced the largest increase of 24.4% that year.

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

From 2017 to 2020, Austria, Czechia, and Bunkers remained the key destinations for Germany's smoked herring exports in value terms. Together, they accounted for 65.5% of total export value, with Austria contributing 28.8%, Czechia 21.2%, and Bunkers 15.5%.

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

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

Imports smoked herring to Germany

Imports in kind, t

After two years of growth, Germany's smoked herring imports declined. In 2020, import volume stood at 260.1 tonnes, showing a solid decrease of 15.4% compared to 2019. Over the period from 2017 to 2020, imports fell by 3.8%, with an average annual decline of 1.3%. The highest import volume was recorded in 2019 at 307.6 tonnes, while the largest increase occurred in 2018 at 9.2%.

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

From 2017 to 2020, the Netherlands was the dominant source for Germany's smoked herring imports in volume terms, holding an 89.5% share of total imports. The remaining volume was distributed among various other markets.

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, K $ US

Following two years of improvement, Germany's smoked herring imports declined. In 2020, imports were valued at 1,202 thousand US dollars, which is 13.1% lower than in 2019. Over the period from 2017 to 2020, imports decreased by 11.3%, with an average annual drop of 3.9%. The peak value was recorded in 2019 at 1,383 thousand US dollars, while the largest increase was in 2018 at 1.1%.

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

From 2017 to 2020, the structure of Germany's smoked herring imports in value terms was heavily concentrated, with the Netherlands dominating at 92.7% of total import value.

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

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