Soups and broths market in Germany

Earlier Report Observations

Between 2018 and 2021, the German soups and broths market volume showed moderate growth, rising from 195.7 to 199.9 thousand tonnes. Heatwaves in 2018 disrupted vegetable raw material supplies, creating challenges for producers. The Covid-19 pandemic in 2020 significantly altered consumer behavior, boosting demand for convenient ready-to-eat products like canned and instant soups, which drove market volume to 200 thousand tonnes. By 2021, emerging sustainability requirements and the EU Packaging Regulation began influencing labeling and packaging rules, coinciding with a stabilization in market volume.

The market expanded notably in 2022, reaching 221.8 thousand tonnes, fueled by increased production volumes and a consumer preference shift toward protein-rich and ready-to-drink soups, especially non-vegetarian varieties. However, by 2024 volume fell to 206.7 thousand tonnes, partly due to raw material supply constraints such as a horseradish shortage caused by extreme weather and reduced cultivation areas. Concurrently, the EU Packaging Regulation continued to shape the industry, necessitating adaptations in packaging and labeling, while the market value grew to 878.9 million US dollars, reflecting demand for more premium and specialized products.

Production soups and broths in Germany

In value, 2017-2020, M $ US

In Germany, the output value of soups and broths reached 721.2 million US dollars in 2020, marking a 4.3% increase compared to 2019. Over the period from 2017 to 2020, production grew by 6.4%, which translates to an average annual rate of 2.1%. The most significant decline occurred in 2019, with a drop of 1.7%.

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

In kind, 2017-2020, K t

Germany's production of soups and broths has declined for the second year in a row. In 2020, the country produced 194.7 thousand tonnes, showing a gradual decrease of 3.5% from 2019. From 2017 to 2020, production fell by 7.8%, averaging a 2.7% annual decline. The highest output was recorded in 2018 at 211.2 thousand tonnes, while the largest decrease of 4.5% happened in 2019. In 2018, production remained stable with no change.

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

Exports soups and broths from Germany

Exports in kind, t

Exports of soups and broths from Germany have decreased for the second consecutive year. In 2020, export volumes reached 45 619 tonnes, representing a significant year-over-year decline of 21.3%. Between 2017 and 2020, exports dropped by 9.6%, with a compound annual growth rate of -3.3%. The peak was in 2018 at 58 200 tonnes, and the largest increase of 15.3% also occurred that year.

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

From 2017 to 2020, the Netherlands, France, and Austria were the primary markets for Germany's soups and broths exports in volume terms. The Netherlands accounted for 35.1% of exports, France for 22.4%, and Austria for 5.8%, together making up 63.3% of total export flows.

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 soups and broths in value terms have fallen for the second year in a row. In 2020, exports amounted to 159.6 million US dollars, reflecting a moderate decrease of 7.2% from the previous year. Over the 2017-2020 period, exports declined by 5.1%, equivalent to an average annual rate of 1.7%. The highest value was recorded in 2018 at 181.2 million US dollars, with the largest increase of 7.8% also occurring that year.

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

Between 2017 and 2020, the Netherlands, France, and Austria were the main destinations for Germany's soups and broths exports in value terms. The Netherlands represented 27.6% of exports, France 22.6%, and Austria 7.2%, collectively absorbing 57.4% of total export value.

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

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

Imports soups and broths to Germany

Imports in kind, t

In 2020, Germany imported 50 964 tonnes of soups and broths, showing a slight reduction of 2.5% compared to the previous year. From 2017 to 2020, imports increased by 14.1%, averaging a 4.5% annual growth rate. The lowest volume was in 2018 at 42 634 tonnes, while the peak was in 2019 at 52 285 tonnes. The largest decline of 4.5% occurred in 2018, and the biggest increase of 22.6% was recorded in 2019.

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

Over the 2017-2020 period, the Netherlands, Hungary, and Switzerland were the top contributors to Germany's soups and broths imports in volume terms. The Netherlands made up 42.4% of imports, Hungary 10.7%, and Switzerland 7.7%, together accounting for 60.8% of total import flows.

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 soups and broths in value terms have risen for the second consecutive year. In 2020, imports totaled 133.7 million US dollars, indicating a 3.2% increase from the prior year. Between 2017 and 2020, imports grew by 3.8%, with an average annual rate of 1.2%. The lowest value was in 2018 at 123.9 million US dollars, and the largest decline of 3.8% also happened that year. The most significant increase of 4.5% was recorded in 2019.

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

From 2017 to 2020, the Netherlands, Switzerland, and Hungary formed the main group of sources for Germany's soups and broths imports in value terms. The Netherlands accounted for 25.2% of imports, Switzerland for 13.6%, and Hungary for 12.2%, with a combined share of 51.0% 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