The number of people eating meat in Germany fell to a new record low in 2023, national data shows.

Total annual meat consumption declined 0.8% year-on-year to 51.6kg according to the Federal Information Centre for Agriculture (BZL) figures.

This marks a new record low level for the country, after a drop to 52kg per person in 2022.

While the decline two years ago was driven mainly by pork, the combined beef and veal products sub-set saw the largest percentage decrease in 2023, with per capita consumption down nearly 5% at 8.9kg.

Consumption of pork goods fell 2.1% to 27.6kg per person.

However, the per capita consumption of poultry increased 7.3% to 13.1kg.

GlobalData Strategic Intelligence

US Tariffs are shifting - will you react or anticipate?

Don’t let policy changes catch you off guard. Stay proactive with real-time data and expert analysis.

By GlobalData

Chicken products have seen the smallest decline in consumption since 2018 at 2.2%.

Conversely, beef and veal consumption has dropped 16.8% in the past five years, while the number of people eating pork has declined nearly 20%.

The BZl described the overall decline as a “long-term trend”, citing “among other things, changing diets”.

It added: “A generally increased awareness of the effects of high meat consumption on one’s own health, climate and environment is also likely to play a role.”

Slowing meat imports also accompanied the fall in consumption in 2023, said the BZL. This included a drop in imports of fresh meat, meat products and canned goods.

Imports of pork items specifically have slowed “steadily”, it said, decreasing 8.1% on 2022 to 961,600 tonnes.

Exports, meanwhile, fell 13.3% in 2023 to 2.2m tonnes.

Meat production has consequently taken a hit, the BZL said, although not across all categories. While net pork production fell 6.8 to 4.2m tonnes, beef and veal output rose 0.5% to 1m tonnes. Poultry production grew the most, by 1.4% to 1.52m tonnes.

Earlier this year, “preliminary figures” released by Destatis showed a 4% decline in meat production to 6.8m tonnes.

Just Food Excellence Awards - Have you nominated?

Nominations are now open for the prestigious Just Food Excellence Awards - one of the industry's most recognised programmes celebrating innovation, leadership, and impact. This is your chance to showcase your achievements, highlight industry advancements, and gain global recognition. Don't miss the opportunity to be honoured among the best - submit your nomination today!

Nominate Now