Wheat groats and meal market in Germany

Earlier Report Observations

From 2018 to 2024, the German wheat groats and meal market showed pronounced volatility in physical volume. Market size expanded sharply from 265.6 thousand metric tons in 2018 to a peak of 364.9 thousand metric tons in 2020, then contracted to 269.6 thousand metric tons in 2021. Volumes subsequently stabilized in the range of 260–275 thousand metric tons, ending at 259.7 thousand metric tons in 2024. In value terms, the market reached its highest point of 192.1 million US dollars in 2022, reflecting significant price movements despite lower physical quantities.

The market decline in recent years was influenced by several specific factors. Regional harvest failures in Germany and other European countries, caused by erratic weather with extreme rainfall, reduced grain availability and tightened supply. Simultaneously, industry reports indicated falling domestic consumption for flour products, contributing to lower overall demand. Furthermore, new product safety regulations scheduled to take effect on 13 December 2024 introduced additional information obligations for manufacturers, affecting market preparations and potentially adding cost pressures.

Underlying structural trends included a highly concentrated milling sector, where 21% of mills processed 86% of the wheat, and a shift in consumer preferences toward health-oriented products such as nutrient-enriched, high-fiber, and functional flours. The trend toward home baking increased private flour usage, supporting household demand, though it did not reverse the broader market contraction.

Production wheat groats and meal in Germany

In value, 2017-2020, M $ US

Germany's wheat groats and meal production has grown for the third year in a row. In 2020, the output was valued at 144.7 million US dollars, marking a significant increase of 39.3% compared to 2019. Over the period from 2017 to 2020, production rose by 43.4%, with an average annual growth rate of 12.8%.

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

In kind, 2017-2020, K t

Germany's wheat groats and meal production has increased for the second consecutive year. In 2020, the country produced 314.1 thousand tonnes, representing a sharp rise of 26.4% from 2019. Between 2017 and 2020, production grew by 34.1%, which translates to an annualized rate of 10.3%. The lowest production level was recorded in 2018 at 226.1 thousand tonnes, with the largest decline of 3.5% also occurring that year.

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

Exports wheat groats and meal from Germany

Exports in kind, t

Germany's wheat groats and meal exports have risen for the second year in a row. In 2020, exports reached 27 207 tonnes, up 17.3% from 2019. Over the period from 2017 to 2020, exports increased by 16%, with an average annual growth rate of 5.1%. The lowest export volume was recorded in 2018 at 22 111 tonnes, when the largest decline of 5.7% occurred.

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

From 2017 to 2020, France, the Netherlands, and Austria were the top destinations for Germany's wheat groats and meal exports in volume terms. France accounted for 50.2% of exports, the Netherlands for 15.1%, and Austria for 9.4%, combining for a total share of 74.7% of all 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, K $ US

In 2020, Germany's cross-border shipments of wheat groats and meal amounted to 16 598 thousand US dollars, a 31.9% increase compared to the previous year. Over the period from 2017 to 2020, exports grew by 31.9%, with an average annual growth rate of 9.7%. The lowest value was recorded in 2019 at 12 581 thousand US dollars, when the largest decline of 1.6% took place.

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

From 2017 to 2020, France, the Netherlands, and Austria were the three principal markets for Germany's wheat groats and meal exports in value terms, together accounting for 68.8% of total exports.

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

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

Imports wheat groats and meal to Germany

Imports in kind, t

Germany imported 78 013 tonnes of wheat groats and meal in 2020, up 32.9% from the previous year. Between 2017 and 2020, imports increased by 35.4%, equating to an annualized growth rate of 10.6%. The largest decline was recorded in 2019 at 4.8%.

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

From 2017 to 2020, Italy, Luxembourg, and Austria were the three principal sources for Germany's wheat groats and meal imports in volume terms, together accounting for 89.6% of total imports.

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

In 2020, Germany's wheat groats and meal imports amounted to 43 217 thousand US dollars, showing a 45.4% increase compared to the previous year. Between 2017 and 2020, imports grew by 56.2%, which translates to an annualized rate of 16.0%. The largest decline was recorded in 2019 at 3.3%.

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

From 2017 to 2020, Italy, Luxembourg, and Austria were the three principal markets for Germany's wheat groats and meal imports in value terms, together accounting for 89.0% of total imports.

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

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