Germany’s meat substitute production sees 17% surge
GERMANY – Germany’s appetite for meat substitutes has grown, with production witnessing a significant uptick in 2023, according to the Federal Statistical Office, Destatis.
The demand for vegetarian and vegan meat alternatives has surged, encompassing a variety of products such as veggie burgers, tofu sausages, and seitan mortadella.
Destatis reported that Germany produced approximately 121,600 tons of meat substitute products in 2023, marking a notable 16.6% increase compared to the previous year.
The data revealed a rising trend in the number of companies venturing into producing faux meat items; in 2023, the count rose from 51 to 67, indicating a growing interest and investment in the alternative protein market.
Over five years, production more than doubled, showcasing the rapid evolution and acceptance of meat substitutes in the German market.
However, despite this remarkable growth, the value of meat and meat products still far surpasses that of alternative items.
In 2023, the value of meat products stood at €44.8 billion (US$ 48.2 billion), almost 80 times higher than the €583.2 million (US$ 628 million) value of meat substitute products.
The increasing popularity of meat substitutes has contributed to a shift in consumer behavior, reflected in a decline in per-capita meat consumption.
In 2023, the average meat consumption dropped to just under 52kg per capita, representing a decrease of almost 12% compared to 2019.
Despite the surge in meat substitute production, the decline in meat consumption, and the rise of alternative protein sources, the preliminary figures released by Destatis also indicate a significant drop in meat production in Germany.
This decline, observed for the seventh consecutive year, underscores the country’s shifting landscape of dietary preferences and production trends.
Liked this article? Subscribe to Food Business Africa News, our regular email newsletters with the latest news insights from Africa and the World’s food and agro industry. HERE
