Germany Poultry Meat Market SIZE & SHARE ANALYSIS - GROWTH TRENDS & FORECASTS UP TO 2030

Germany Poultry Meat Market Analysis

The Germany Poultry Meat Market size is estimated at 4.29 billion USD in 2025, and is expected to reach 4.39 billion USD by 2030, growing at a CAGR of 0.45% during the forecast period (2025-2030).

Germany's poultry meat industry is experiencing significant transformation driven by changing retail dynamics and consumer preferences. The country's robust retail infrastructure comprises 48,075 supermarkets as of 2022, with major chains like Edeka, Aldi, and Lidl dominating the landscape. The retail sector has evolved beyond traditional stores, with an innovative deployment of approximately 570,000 vending machines across the country in 2022, including specialized meat vending machines offering bratwurst and other poultry products. This retail evolution reflects the industry's adaptation to modern consumer demands for convenience and accessibility.

The domestic production capabilities demonstrate Germany's strong agricultural foundation in the poultry meat sector. As of 2022, the country maintained substantial production capacity with 34 million laying hens, 60 million broilers, and 11 million turkeys to meet domestic consumption demands. The industry operates under strict regulatory frameworks, particularly regarding animal welfare, with Germany maintaining more stringent stocking density requirements for broilers (39 kg/sq. m) compared to other EU countries (42 kg/sq. m). This commitment to quality and animal welfare has strengthened Germany's position as a leading poultry producer in Europe.

Digital transformation is reshaping the industry's distribution channels, supported by Germany's high digital penetration rate. As of 2023, the country boasts 77.53 million internet users, representing a 93.1% internet penetration rate. This digital infrastructure has facilitated the growth of online food delivery services, which witnessed remarkable expansion with a 36% revenue growth in 2022. The convergence of digital technology and food service has created new opportunities for poultry meat distribution and consumption patterns.

Consumer behavior in Germany reflects a strong cultural connection to poultry products, particularly in processed forms. Germans consume an average of 60 kg of sausages per year, demonstrating the significant role of processed poultry in the national diet. The country's robust tourism sector, which attracted 163 million visitors in 2022, has further influenced the meat market by creating additional demand channels and exposing local producers to international preferences. This dynamic interplay between local consumption patterns and tourism has contributed to product innovation and market diversification in the poultry sector.

Germany Poultry Meat Market Trends

Chicken accounts for 90% of the country's poultry population

• Poultry production in Germany experienced a slight decline of 2.52% in growth in 2022 compared to the previous year. In 2022, the poultry population in Germany constituted 90% laying hens and broiler chickens. The turkey accounts for most of the remaining population, followed by ducks with approximately two million animals. Goose farming in Germany is limited to selling St. Martin's Goose or Christmas goose, while guinea fowl, ostrich, pheasant, quail, and pigeon are only present in a minimal number.
• Compared to broilers, turkeys, or Peking ducks, the economic situation of chicken meat production in Germany shows considerable advantages for broilers compared to other poultry species regarding cultivable land, overall margin, and per working hour earnings. Lower Saxony has a dominant position in poultry farming. Every second chicken in Lower Saxony is kept on a poultry farm. Turkey and duck farming also dominate in Lower Saxony, with 40% of each being held in farms.
• Intensive breeding programs conducted in Germany refined specific characteristics of chickens, leading to the emergence of various breeds of chickens, including the Augsburg, the Bergische, the Bielefeld, the German Langshane, and the Lohmann Brown chicken. As environmental concerns become increasingly acute, the German government has been investing in projects like "GreenChicken," which seeks to improve the economics of on-farm operations by providing organic chicken with environmentally and climatologically friendly feed. Expanding processing facilities contributes to increased broiler meat production, resulting in self-sufficiency, while turkey and Pekin ducks met only 76% and 86.5% of domestic demand in 2022, respectively.

Inflation in the country is leading to a rise in consumer prices, including poultry

• The poultry prices in Germany rose by 8.23% from 2017 to 2022. Germany’s inflation rate was 6.4% in June 2023, compared with 6.1% in May 2023. The inflation rate increased slightly in June 2023 after declining for three consecutive months. Poultry prices were 25% higher in March 2023 than in March 2022, driven by chicken prices (+19.3%).
• The increase in poultry prices across the country is primarily attributed to the increasing cost of production. As a result, poultry farmers face considerable financial difficulties due to increased feed and energy costs. This has resulted in a rise in the retail price of poultry meat. According to the Central Association of the German Poultry Industry (ZDG), poultry meat may become scarce in supermarkets if producers cannot afford their produce fare. The cost of feed has doubled, while the cost of gas has nearly tripled in the context of the ongoing Russia-Ukraine conflict. To balance the cost of production, producer prices increased from USD 1.00/kg to USD 1.60/kg for chicken and from USD 1.58/kg to USD 2.20/kg for turkey meat. As of 2022, one in five turkey houses in the country were empty due to higher production costs.
• The price of broiler chicken weighing 2,000 g was USD 1.28/kg in May 2023, which was USD 1.26/kg in May 2022. For slaughter, hens weighed 1,700-1,900 g, and the average price was USD 0.26 in May 2023, whereas in May 2022, it was USD 0.33. Similarly, for turkey hens weighing 9.5 kg, the prices were USD 1.84/kg in May 2023 and USD 1.62/kg in May 2022. Turkey roosters of 18.5 kg were priced at USD 1.85/kg and USD 1.65/kg in May 2023 and 2022, respectively.

Segment Analysis: Form

Frozen Segment in Germany Poultry Meat Market

The frozen poultry segment maintains its dominant position in the German meat market, commanding approximately 37% market share in 2024. This significant market presence is attributed to the segment's ability to offer extended shelf life and convenience to consumers while maintaining product quality. Germany's position as a major poultry importer has particularly benefited the frozen poultry segment, as it allows access to a diverse range of products from different countries. Major players like Wiesenhof, Sprehe Geflügel, Heidemark, and Möhlenhoff have strengthened their frozen poultry offerings through innovative poultry packaging solutions and cold chain management systems. The segment's growth is further supported by the expansion of cold storage facilities, exemplified by recent developments such as Barings' acquisition of a 68,000 sq. m cold-storage logistics center near Berlin.

Processed Segment in Germany Poultry Meat Market

The processed poultry segment is projected to exhibit the strongest growth trajectory in the German meat market from 2024 to 2029. This growth is driven by several factors, including the increasing consumer preference for convenience foods and ready-to-eat options. Manufacturers are investing in advanced processing technologies like retort pouch technology, which combines heat and pressure to sterilize contents and extend shelf life without refrigeration. The segment's expansion is also supported by innovations in packaging techniques and the introduction of new flavored varieties that cater to evolving consumer tastes. Additionally, the growing demand for processed poultry products like chicken nuggets, sausages, and deli meat, particularly among urban consumers and millennials, continues to fuel the segment's growth momentum.

Remaining Segments in Form Segmentation

The fresh poultry and canned segments complete the German poultry meat market's form segmentation. The fresh/chilled segment maintains its appeal among consumers who prioritize traditional cooking methods and authentic flavor profiles, particularly in the food service sector where restaurants prefer fresh chicken meat for specialized menu creation. The segment benefits from Germany's strict food safety regulations and domestic production capabilities. Meanwhile, the canned segment serves a specific market niche, offering long shelf life and convenience. Manufacturers in this segment are focusing on innovations in packaging, including the introduction of BPA-free containers and clean-label products to address growing consumer health consciousness.

Segment Analysis: Distribution Channel

On-Trade Segment in Germany Poultry Meat Market

The on-trade segment dominates the German poultry meat market, commanding approximately 47% market share in 2024. This significant market position is driven by the increasing trend of dining out across Germany, particularly in urban regions where restaurants are offering high-quality white meat products. Major quick service restaurant (QSR) chains like McDonald's, KFC, and Burger King have observed a substantial spike in demand as eating out has become deeply ingrained in German consumer behavior. The segment's strength is further reinforced by the growing popularity of various poultry meat products cuts, including whole chicken feet, breasts with and without bones, and drumsticks across foodservice channels. The rise in takeaway services and digital delivery systems has also contributed significantly to this segment's dominance, with food delivery revenue showing remarkable growth in recent years.

Online Channel Segment in Germany Poultry Meat Market

The online channel is emerging as the most dynamic segment in the German poultry meat market, projected to grow at approximately 5% CAGR from 2024 to 2029. This growth is primarily driven by Germany's high internet penetration rate and the increasing consumer preference for convenient shopping experiences. Popular platforms like Amazon Fresh, REWE Online, HelloFresh, Edeka 24, and Bringmeister are expanding their poultry offerings, providing diverse choices from established brands such as Wiesenhof, Heidemark, Stolle, Sprehe, and Landkost. The channel's growth is further accelerated by attractive features such as free shipping, discount offers, easy order cancellation, refund procedures, and coupon codes. The segment particularly benefits from its ability to offer regional specialties and exclusive deli meat products from specific German regions, making these products accessible nationwide.

Remaining Segments in Distribution Channel

The remaining distribution channels, including supermarkets/hypermarkets, convenience stores, and other traditional retail formats, continue to play vital roles in the German poultry meat market. Supermarkets and hypermarkets, represented by major chains like Edeka, Aldi, Lidl, and Kaufland, maintain a strong presence through their extensive network and strict quality control standards. Convenience stores cater to urban consumers seeking quick purchase options, while other traditional retail formats serve specific local market needs. These channels differentiate themselves through various strategies, including weekly specials, loyalty programs, and specialized product offerings, maintaining their relevance in the market despite the growing prominence of online and on-trade channels.

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