New data reveals Germany's growing appetite for meat alternatives

Germany's official statistics agency (Destatis) has reported a surge in demand for plant-based meat substitutes. Production in 2023 jumped 17% compared to the previous year, reaching roughly 121,600 tons. This trend reflects a growing consumer interest in vegetarian and vegan options, including veggie burgers, tofu sausages, and seitan mortadella.

The number of companies producing meat alternatives in Germany is also on the rise, with a 32% increase from 2022 to 2023 (from 51 to 67). Production has more than doubled since 2019, highlighting a significant shift in dietary preferences.

However, despite the impressive growth, the market value of meat substitutes remains considerably lower than that of traditional meat products. In 2023, the value of meat production in Germany was €44.8 billion, nearly 80 times higher than the value of meat substitutes (€583.2 million).

While the gap remains substantial, it has narrowed in recent years. In 2019, the value of meat products was roughly 150 times higher than plant-based alternatives. This indicates a potentially shrinking dominance of traditional meat in the German market.

Destatis also reported a "significant" decline in German meat production during 2023. Production figures fell by 4% to 6.8 million tons, marking the seventh consecutive year of decrease since a peak of 8.25 million tons in 2016. The data suggests a potential shift in the country's food system, with consumers opting for more plant-based options.