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In 2023, German meat production fell to 6.8 million tons (-280,000 t) compared to the previous year, representing a 4% drop and marking the seventh consecutive year of decreased production. The reduction mainly affected pork and beef. At their annual conference in Munich, the German Meat Industry Association (VDF) and the Federal Association of German Sausage and Ham Producers (BVWS) blamed this mainly on high regulatory pressure, political uncertainty, and rising costs.
German exports of meat and meat products were also severely restricted in 2023 due to the outbreak of African swine fever (ASF) in Germany among other factors. Many third countries have maintained a ban on German pork imports.
The lower volume of animals destined for slaughter has triggered strong consolidation pressure in the meat industry and has led to plant closures and sales. The processing industry, which is also dominated by medium-sized companies, is suffering from economic burdens caused by high energy and raw material prices, rising wages, and labor shortages. These rising costs make it difficult for companies to offer their products at reasonable prices. High inflation in recent years, particularly in the food sector, has significantly impacted consumer purchasing behavior.
The slaughterhouses and processing plants are also very concerned about the possible consequences of the various legal regulations that have already been implemented in Germany or are currently being discussed. Both associations are also opposed to increasing the price of animal foodstuffs by means of a levy to finance animal welfare.
April 25, 2024/ VDF and BVWS/ Germany.
https://www.v-d-f.de/
https://www.wurstproduzenten.de/
