🥩 Meat Industry's Optimistic Trend in Germany 🥩
The German meat industry is bouncing back with renewed vigor, bucking the recent downward trend in meat consumption. This positive outlook is echoed by Hubert Kelliger, a member of the Board of the German Meat Industry Association (VDF), who stated that over 90% of Germans still value meat as a staple food. Although some product categories saw a slight dip, higher prices in other areas resulted in overall increased sales.
The VDF, which represents slaughterhouse operators such as Tönnies, Westfleisch, Danish Crown, and Vion, is confident about a prosperous holiday season and stability in the coming year. Gereon Schulze Althoff, another VDF board member, mentions the gradual recovery of meat's reputation and noting a surge in demand among younger generations.
The optimism is partly based on a consumer survey conducted by the GfK Consumer Panel and commissioned by the Vion Food Group, one of Germany's largest slaughtering companies. This survey revealed that 61% of Germans consider meat an essential component of their diet, a four-point increase compared to the previous year.
In contrast to the nationwide trend, meat production in Germany has seen a decline. Figures from Germany's Federal Statistical Office show a 5.9% decrease in the first half of 2023, compared to the same period the previous year. However, prominent meat companies like Tönnies and Westfleisch maintain faith in a strong holiday season and long-term stability.
oter's Note
- Investment in automation and modernization in the meat industry, particularly in the USA and Europe, has improved efficiency and production safety.
- Stable meat consumption in Western Europe and North America, as well as a growing market for alternative proteins, have contributed to the meat industry's confidence.
- The global food industry dynamic with high growth rates in many countries backs the meat and protein sector's positive outlook.
- Technological advancements, including digitalization and AI, are crucial to improving efficiency, product safety, and transparency in the manufacturing and packaging process.
- Germany ranks high in the global market for meat processing machinery exports, with the EU-27 accounting for almost 80% of global exports in 2023.
This optimism in the meat industry, as reported by VDMA representatives in 2023, highlights the sector's resilience and adaptability in the face of changing consumer trends and technological advancements.
