Meat Substitute Production in Germany Continues to Rise in 2024

Veggie burgers, tofu sausages, or seitan cold cuts – in 2024, German companies produced approximately 1.5 kilograms of meat substitute products per capita, according to the Federal Statistical Office (Destatis). Total production rose by 4.0% compared to the previous year, reaching 126,500 tonnes. The sales value increased by 10.9% to 647.1 million euros. Compared to 2019, production volume has more than doubled (+109.5%). The rise in sales value reflects both inflation-driven price increases and higher sales volumes.

Meat Still Dominates Store Shelves in Germany

Despite the growing market for meat alternatives, conventional meat production remains dominant: in 2024, meat and meat products worth 44.3 billion euros were produced – nearly 70 times more than meat substitutes. Five years ago, this ratio was even higher at 150 to 1. This discrepancy is striking, considering that around 9% of Germany’s population follows a vegetarian diet.

Meat Consumption Slightly Increased

Even with the increased production of meat substitutes, the consumption of real meat also rose. In 2024, average per capita meat consumption was 53.2 kilograms – slightly higher than in the previous two years. According to the Federal Office for Agriculture and Food (BLE), this is primarily due to higher consumption of poultry, while consumption of beef and pork remained largely unchanged.

What Counts as a Meat Substitute?

Meat substitutes are grouped under "vegetarian and vegan prepared foods, such as vegetarian spreads, tofu products, and vegetarian or vegan foods that resemble sausage in appearance." This category includes vegetarian spreads, soy patties, tofu, and vegetarian sausage products.

Photo: Unsplash / by Anh Nguyen