Germany Manufactured Less Meat And More Vegan Products in 2020

Although schnitzels and wurst are still very popular in Germany, consumption of meat is decreasing. At the same time, the demand for vegan alternatives surges, and the plant-based market is growing.

Last year, Germany produced less meat, according to the latest data from Federal Statistics Office (Desatis) published today. 

The report says the total value of meat production in Germany went down 4% to €38.6 billion in 2020, from the 10-year high in 2019 of €40.1 billion. 

German companies produced almost 39% more meat alternatives in 2020. 

Production increased from 60,400 tons to 83,700 tons, and the value of the meat alternatives market increased by 37%, from €272.8 million to €374.9 million. 

The researchers say the reason for the lower meat production could be the coronavirus pandemic and the sanitary issues many of the production facilities had to face. Many of the factories were forced to close due to d COVID-19 outbreaks among workers.