For years, pork production in Germany has been declining. In the first half of 2024, the trend reversed.
For the first time in eight years, more pigs were slaughtered in Germany than in the same period last year. 21.9 million animals killed in the first half of 2024 represented an increase of 0.4 percent, according to the Federal Statistical Office. The amount of pork produced rose by 1.1 percent to 2.1 million tons.
Before that, the number of pigs slaughtered had been declining since 2016, partly due to changes in eating habits. In the first half of 2016, 7.4 million more pigs were slaughtered and a good 660,000 tons more pork were produced than in the same period in 2024.
Pork continues to account for the majority of German meat production at 62 percent. The quantities of beef (+2.5 percent) and poultry (+1.3 percent) also increased in the first half of the year. The total quantity grew by 1.3 percent to 3.4 million tons of meat.
Destatis Communication Meat Production 1st half of 2024
Source: Stern
