Germany’s meat production increases in 2024 for the first time since 2016

GERMANY – Germany’s meat production has risen by 1.4% in 2024 compared to the previous year, marking the first increase since 2016. 

According to preliminary data from the Federal Statistical Office (Destatis), commercial slaughterhouses processed 6.9 million tonnes of meat, which is 97,200 tonnes more than in 2023.

This increase follows a seven-year decline in domestic meat production, which had fallen from a peak of 8.4 million tonnes in 2016. 

In total, slaughterhouses processed 48.7 million pigs, cattle, sheep, goats, and horses, along with 693.3 million chickens, turkeys, and ducks throughout the year.

Pork Production Rises by 1.9%

Pork output in German slaughterhouses grew by 1.9% in 2024, reaching 4.3 million tonnes. 

This represents an increase of 80,500 tonnes compared to the previous year, though production remains 1.3 million tonnes below the 2016 peak.

The number of pigs slaughtered rose by 1.2% to 44.6 million animals, with domestic pig slaughter increasing by 1.6% to 43.3 million. 

In contrast, the number of imported pigs slaughtered in Germany declined by 9.2% to 1.3 million animals.

Beef and Poultry Meat Also Show Growth

Beef production experienced a 1.2% increase, reaching 1.0 million tonnes in 2024. 

The number of cattle slaughtered remained largely stable, rising by just 0.1% to 3.0 million animals. 

However, higher average slaughter weights contributed to the overall increase in beef output.

Poultry meat production grew slightly by 0.3% to 1.6 million tonnes. 

The increase was driven by a 1.8% rise in young broiler production, which reached 1.1 million tonnes. Meanwhile, turkey meat output fell by 2.1% to 408,100 tonnes.

A total of 653.8 million chickens were slaughtered in 2024, including 626.7 million young broilers and 27.1 million soup chickens. 

Additionally, the industry processed 30.2 million turkeys and 9.3 million ducks.

Germany’s 2024 meat production figures signal a shift after years of decline, with pork and beef output increasing while poultry meat shows only modest growth.

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