Meat Production in Germany – First Increase Since 2016

Germany’s meat production from commercial slaughterhouses increased by 1.4% in 2024, or 97,200 tons, compared to 2023, according to the Federal Statistical Office (Destatis). For comparison: This weight is equivalent to around 350 single-family homes. It marks the first increase since the peak of 8.4 million tons in 2016. In 2024, production totaled 6.9 million tons, which is 1.5 million tons, or nearly a quarter, less than in 2016. A total of 48.7 million pigs, cattle, sheep, goats, and horses were slaughtered in 2024, along with 693.3 million chickens, ducks, and turkeys.

A specific reason for the increase in production was not provided in the press release.

1.9% More Pork Than in 2023

In 2024, 4.3 million tons of pork were produced (+1.9% compared to the previous year), equivalent to around 44.6 million animals, which makes up nearly two-thirds of Germany’s total meat production. Compared to 2023, more pigs were bred domestically (+1.6%, or a total of 43.3 million animals), and fewer imported pigs were used (-9.2%, or a total of 1.3 million animals).

However, the increase in pork production contrasts with another press release from Destatis, which reported a decrease in the number of pig-keeping farms in 2024. 600 of these businesses closed last year. According to Destatis, the trend is shifting towards large farms that keep increasing numbers of pigs at the same time.

1.2% More Beef Than in 2023

The number of cattle slaughtered in Germany remained almost unchanged (+0.1%) at 3.0 million animals. However, the amount of beef produced rose by 1.2% to 1.0 million tons. The GENESIS-Online database provides data to the issue: The average weight of cattle increased in 2024, which may indicate more intensive fattening of breeding bulls.

0.3% More Poultry Meat Than in 2023

In 2024, a total of 1.6 million tons of poultry meat were produced, reflecting a 0.3% increase compared to the previous year. The production of young broilers rose significantly (+1.8%) to 1.1 million tons. On the other hand, fewer turkeys were slaughtered (-2.1%).