Per capita consumption of meat in Germany 2012-2023, by type

Total per capita pork consumption in Germany amounted to 27.5 kilograms in 2023. Pork was the most consumed type of meat in the country, followed by poultry, then beef and veal.

A growing industry

The German meat processing industry has seen a rise in enterprise numbers in recent years. Among meat eaters, whether they go to the meat counter in their local supermarket or a butcher, it is not unusual to have very particular preferences on where to buy meat and what to buy, especially with increasing consumer awareness about manufacturing methods behind the products. Other influences on purchase choices are connected with how animals facing slaughter are being raised and treated.

Conscious consumption

In fact, according to a recent survey, 33 percent of German consumers considered animal welfare important when buying food. This is part of a growing trend for ethical and sustainable consumption, with meat eaters not necessarily becoming vegetarian or vegan, but regularly questioning product origins.