Browse Data and Analysis

The food processing industry represents the fourth-largest industry in Germany. According to the Federation of German Food and Drink Industries (BEV) estimates, Germany produced $238.9 (€ 218.5) billion of processed food and drinks in 2022.

Following weeks of farmer protests across the European Union, the European Commission published a legislative proposal to amend certain provisions of the Common Agricultural Policy.

The UK food ingredients sector is a thriving and competitive market, driven by changing consumer demands, technological advancements, and an emphasis on quality and safety.

In 2023, Portugal imported $293 million worth of agricultural, fish, and forestry products from the United States. Outside the European Union Member States, the United States was the third main origin of Portuguese agricultural and related imports.

In 2023, Spain imported $2.2 billion worth of agricultural, seafood and forest products from the United States, up 3 percent compared to the previous year. Even though inflation rates declined in 2023 as compared to the record highs registered in 2022, they remained higher compared to pre-pandemic levels.

In 2023, Ukraine's cattle inventory and beef production remained on a three-decade-long downward trend. The decrease in consumer numbers and comparatively high beef prices resulted in a domestic consumption drop and increased exports of both live cattle for slaughter and beef.

Assuming the return of more favorable growing conditions and yields that are in line with historical averages, Turkey is expected to produce more sunflowerseed, cottonseed, and soybeans in MY 2024/25 compared to the previous year, which was marked by dry weather conditions in parts of the country.

While EU beef production is forecast to further decline in 2024 due to a structural unprofitability of the sector and mounting environmental regulations, the EU pork supply is projected to rebound in 2024.

On April 15, 2023, Poland introduced an entry ban on certain agri-food products from Ukraine, amid difficult economic situation of famers on a domestic market. Following intensive negotiations with the Ukrainian side, since April 21, 2023, transit of Ukrainian agricultural products through the Polish territory is allowed, while the import ban on agri-food goods from Ukraine is maintained until June 30, 2023.

In January 2017, hemp cultivation became legal pursuant to Italian law No. 242/2016 promoting hemp cultivation and its industrial uses, leading to a sector revival, with more than 800 farms cultivating 4,000 hectares (ha).

Spring planting in Bosnia and Herzegovina (BiH), which usually takes place in April, is expected to be less costly this year as diesel and fertilizer prices decreased slightly since last year. Corn in marketing year (MY) 2023/2024 is expected to be planted on 202,000 hectares (HA) with anticipated production of 900,000 metric tons (MT).

The European Commission requested a scientific opinion from the European Food Safety Authority (EFSA) on microorganisms produced by new developments in biotechnology.