Meat industry in Scandinavia - statistics & facts
The small Scandinavian country of Denmark is one of Europe's largest pork exporters. When thinking of Scandinavia's most important industries in the food segment, one tends to think of the fishing industry, or the dairy and beer industries with their giants Arla Foods and Carlsberg. But in fact, the pork industry is one of the major markets of the Danish economy, the country takes third place in the European ranking and is the only Scandinavian country among the ten largest exporters.
Even in times when issues such as sustainability, environmental protection, and animal welfare are playing an increasingly important role in the meat industry, the trade and consumption of meat is still an integral part of the economy and culture. Although sales of meat substitutes are increasing in many regions, including the Nordic countries, the meat industry is also experiencing growth in Denmark, Norway, and Sweden.
International trade in various meat products
Danish dominance can also be seen in the general import and export of meat products: in 2022, the value of Danish exports of meat and meat preparations was more than twice as high as imports into the country. The export value reached 34 billion Danish kroner, while the import value amounted to almost 13 billion Danish kroner. Its bigger neighbor Sweden achieved an export value of about 1.6 billion Swedish kronor for fresh, chilled, or frozen meat in the same year and an import value of almost 6.5 billion Swedish kronor.Scandinavians’ consumption of meat
In general, the per capita meat consumption volume in the north is growing steadily. Between 2018 and 2029, the volume is expected to grow on average by almost ten kilograms per person in the Nordic countries. Looking at the per capita revenue of meat in the individual Scandinavian countries, Denmark stands out again. In 2023, the average value amounted to approximately 790 U.S. dollars per person, followed quite closely by Norway with an average per capita revenue of roughly 726 U.S. dollars. Sweden came last with a revenue of about 697 U.S. dollars.Even in times when issues such as sustainability, environmental protection, and animal welfare are playing an increasingly important role in the meat industry, the trade and consumption of meat is still an integral part of the economy and culture. Although sales of meat substitutes are increasing in many regions, including the Nordic countries, the meat industry is also experiencing growth in Denmark, Norway, and Sweden.
