Unfit-for-human-consumption meat or fish flours and greaves market in Denmark

Earlier Report Observations

The Danish market for unfit-for-human-consumption meat and fish flours and greaves expanded significantly in 2019, with market volume rising to 196.9 thousand tons from 137.5 thousand tons the previous year. This growth was driven by a sharp increase in imports to 118.4 thousand tons alongside a substantial reduction in exports to 249.8 thousand tons, which directed more product to the domestic market. During this period, Denmark solidified its position as a major global exporter in this sector, with exports valued at USD 362 million in 2019, underscoring the industry's scale.

Market volume then contracted over the next two years, falling to 118.7 thousand tons by 2021. The decline coincided with a period of reduced imports and sustained export levels. A recovery began in 2022, with the market growing to 156.8 thousand tons, and continued through 2024, reaching 185 thousand tons. This rebound was supported by a strong surge in domestic production, which hit 356 thousand tons in 2024, the highest level in the period. Denmark's emergence as the EU's leading exporter of unfit-for-human-consumption fish and seafood flours, accounting for 48% of the bloc's total exports, highlights the sector's external strength, while stable domestic demand, estimated at 12 kg per person, underpinned the market's expansion.

Production unfit-for-human-consumption meat or fish flours and greaves in Denmark

In value, 2018-2021, M $ US

Production of unfit-for-human-consumption meat or fish flours and greaves in Denmark has declined for the third year in a row. In 2021, output was valued at 341.4 million US dollars, which represents a 2.2% decrease compared to the previous year. Looking at the period from 2018 to 2021, production fell by 12.6%, averaging an annual decline of 4.4%.

Annual dynamics of production in Denmark in value, 2018-2021, M $ US

In kind, 2018-2021, K t

Production of unfit-for-human-consumption meat or fish flours and greaves in Denmark has declined for the second consecutive year. In 2021, Denmark produced 291.8 thousand tonnes, marking a measured decline of 7.6% compared to the previous year. Between 2018 and 2021, production decreased by 10.9%, equating to an annualized rate of 3.8%. The highest production level was recorded in 2019 at 328.2 thousand tonnes, which saw a modest increase of 0.2% that year.

Annual dynamics of production in Denmark in kind, 2018-2021, K t

Exports unfit-for-human-consumption meat or fish flours and greaves from Denmark

Exports in kind, K t

Exports of unfit-for-human-consumption meat or fish flours and greaves from Denmark have increased for the second year in a row. In 2021, Denmark exported 259.2 thousand tonnes, which is 0.9% more than the previous year. Over the period from 2018 to 2021, exports decreased by 8.5%, with a compound annual growth rate of 2.9%. The lowest export volume was recorded in 2019 at 249.8 thousand tonnes, which saw a significant decline of 11.8% that year. In contrast, 2020 experienced the largest increase of 2.9%.

Annual dynamics of product's exports from Denmark in kind, 2018-2021, K t

Between 2018 and 2021, Denmark traded unfit-for-human-consumption meat or fish flours and greaves with numerous countries. Even the largest destinations—Norway, Sweden, and the United Kingdom—together accounted for only 39.5% of total exports in volume terms.

Structure of product's exports in kind by countries, 2018-2021

World map of product's exports from Denmark in kind, 2018-2021

Exports in value, M $ US

After a two-year decline, foreign supplies of unfit-for-human-consumption meat or fish flours and greaves from Denmark have rebounded. In 2021, Denmark exported 372.9 million US dollars' worth of these products, representing a moderate rise of 9.8% from 2020. Over the period from 2018 to 2021, exports increased by 4%, with a compound annual growth rate of 1.3%. The lowest value was recorded in 2020 at 339.6 million US dollars, which saw a decline of 4.5% in 2019.

Annual dynamics of product's exports from Denmark in value, 2018-2021, M $ US

From 2018 to 2021, Norway, the United Kingdom, and Greece were the largest buyers of unfit-for-human-consumption meat or fish flours and greaves from Denmark in value terms, accounting for 30.1%, 8.4%, and 7.2% of exports, respectively. Together, they made up 45.7% of total exports, but against a broad backdrop of smaller partners, their dominance was not overwhelming.

Structure of product's exports in value by countries, 2018-2021

World map of product's exports from Denmark in value, 2018-2021

Imports unfit-for-human-consumption meat or fish flours and greaves to Denmark

Imports in kind, K t

Imports of unfit-for-human-consumption meat or fish flours and greaves into Denmark have declined for the second consecutive year. In 2021, imports totalled 86.1 thousand tonnes, corresponding to a fall of 2.8% compared to the previous year. Between 2018 and 2021, imports decreased by 7.5%, equating to an annualized rate of 2.6%. The highest import volume was recorded in 2019 at 118.4 thousand tonnes, which saw a significant increase of 27.2% that year. In 2020, imports experienced the largest decline of 25.2%.

Annual dynamics of product's imports to Denmark in kind, 2018-2021, K t

Between 2018 and 2021, Norway, Germany, and Iceland were the principal sources for imports in volume terms, accounting for 23.8%, 18.2%, and 8.3% of imports, respectively. Together, they represented 50.3% of total import flows.

Structure of product's imports in kind by countries, 2018-2021

World map of product's imports to Denmark in kind, 2018-2021

Imports in value, M $ US

In 2021, imports of unfit-for-human-consumption meat or fish flours and greaves into Denmark totalled 122.2 million US dollars, corresponding to a gradual improvement of 8.0% year-on-year. Between 2018 and 2021, imports decreased by 4%, equating to an annualized rate of 1.4%. The lowest value was recorded in 2020 at 113.2 million US dollars, which saw a sharp decline of 27.8% that year. In contrast, 2019 recorded the highest value at 156.7 million US dollars, with an increase of 23.0%.

Annual dynamics of product's imports to Denmark in value, 2018-2021, M $ US

From 2018 to 2021, Germany, Norway, and Iceland formed the largest group of suppliers of unfit-for-human-consumption meat or fish flours and greaves to Denmark in value terms, accounting for 18.0%, 17.4%, and 10.3% of imports, respectively. Their combined contribution was limited to 45.7% of total imports, reflecting a diversified country structure.

Structure of product's imports in value by countries, 2018-2021

World map of product's imports to Denmark in value, 2018-2021