German meat consumption rose slightly in 2024, according to preliminary figures from the Federal Office of Agriculture (BZL). It is the first increase since 2017. Total consumption increased by 0,3 kilos to 53,2 kilos per capita. This breaks the downward trend of recent years. German meat production also showed an increase.
The growth is the result of lower food inflation. In 2024, the rise in meat prices in Germany began to level off. Last year, prices rose by an average of 1,3%.
Pork consumption also fell less sharply than in previous years, but, unlike in 2023, showed a slight decrease again. In total, consumption amounted to 28,4 kilos per person, a decrease of 100 grams compared to the previous year. Poultry meat consumption was on the rise again, although the increase was less sharp than a year earlier. Total consumption increased by 500 grams to 13,6 kilos per person. In 2023, poultry meat consumption increased by another 700 grams. Beef consumption remained the same in 2024, at a level of 9,3 kilos.
Production increases
Meanwhile, meat production also increased for the first time since 2016. In total, it rose by 1,4% to 7,31 million tons. Pork production grew by 1,9% to 4,29 million tons, while chicken production increased by 1,3% to 1,1 million tons. Beef production increased by 1,1% to 1,015 million tons. Meat imports, on the other hand, fell in 2024. Total imports decreased by 1,4% to 3,14 million tons. Pork imports decreased by 4,9%, while beef imports decreased by 4,3%. However, poultry imports increased by 4%.