Browse Data and Analysis

Public rejection of genetically engineered (GE) plants in Germany is widespread. There is no commercial GE crop production and practically no food labeled as containing “genetically modified organisms” (“GMO”) on the market. Despite this, Germany is home to world-class companies that develop and supply GE seeds globally from facilities outside the European Union. Germany’s livestock industry is a major consumer of imported GE soybeans for use as animal feed.

Germany has more than 83 million of the world’s wealthiest consumers and is by far the biggest market in the European Union. Although halal and kosher food are considered niche markets, the German market offers opportunities for U.S. exporters of such products. This report provides U.S. exporters with background information and suggestions for entering the German market.

EU-28 chicken meat production is expected to increase slightly again in 2019 driven by both domestic and export demand.

The German food industry represents the third-largest processing industry in Germany. In 2017, Germany produced an estimated USD 203 billion of processed food and drinks.

Germany is one of the largest markets for fruit in Europe.

Germany is the second largest organic market of the world with good prospects for U.S. organic products such as tree nuts, fruits and vegetables and processed food products.