Pork consumption in Germany continues to decline

What is immediately noticeable is that two trends are continuing. Germans choose pork less often, while the preference for chicken meat continues to grow. Pork consumption fell by 6,6% to 27,4 kilos per person. Measured over a longer period, the decline is significant. In 2013, the average German consumed 38,6 kilos of pork per year. A decrease of 11,2 kilos, or in relative terms 29%.

On the other hand, there was an increase in poultry meat consumption of 2,8%. Meanwhile, beef consumption fell by 2,9% and sales of meat substitutes fell by 2,1%. Consumption of (processed) meat products and sausage fell by 0,2%. It is notable that the greatest growth took place in the category of half-and-half minced meat products (which consists partly of beef and partly of pork). Consumption within that category increased by 5%.

Price is decisive
An important reason for declining consumption is higher meat prices. In 2023, the consumer price of meat increased by 6,5%. The changes in consumption patterns are in line with this. The increase in chicken meat consumption and the slight decrease in the meat products and sausage category indicates a preference for cheaper products.

Although the popularity of pork in Germany is structurally declining, high prices also appear to have played a role in the sharp decline. Pork prices rose the most of all categories. In total, the price increased by 8,6%.