Browse Data and Analysis

Germany is a member of the European Union (EU) and generally follows EU directives and regulations, including those relating to the importation of food products.

Ecuador's sugar production in marketing year (MY) 2025/26 is forecast to reach 513,000 metric tons (MT), a decrease from MY 2023/24 estimate. Domestic consumption is forecast to remain stable with gradual increases expected in the coming years.

Wheat production in marketing year (MY) 2025/26 (July-June) is projected at just over 10,000 metric tons (MT), a decline from the previous year. With only about 5,000 hectares (HA) dedicated to cultivation, Ecuador’s wheat production is insufficient to meet domestic demand and thus dependent on imports.

The food processing industry is an important component of Ecuador’s manufacturing sector. This sector contributes 56 percent to Ecuador’s manufacturing gross domestic product and grossed $14 billion in net sales. Excellent sales prospects exist for U.S. food ingredient products to supply this industry.

On January 10, 2025, the German Federal Research Institute for Animal Health (FLI) confirmed a Foot-and-Mouth Disease (FMD) case on a water buffalo farm in Brandenburg.

After organic sales declined in 2022, demand began to recover in 2023 and is estimated to continue to have grown moderately in 2024, largely due to decreasing inflation and increasing availability of low-cost store brands.

With more than 84 million of the world’s wealthiest consumers, Germany is the largest market for food and agricultural products in the European Union. The German market offers good opportunities for U.S. exporters of consumer-oriented food and...

Genetically-engineered (GE) products are highly politicized in Germany. As the EU takes gradual steps towards potentially liberalizing NGTs, German public debate is beginning to shift from a general rejection of GE towards discussion regarding possible liberalization of New Genomic Techniques (NGTs).

The legal and regulatory situation to allow the planting of genetically engineered (GE) crops in Ecuador remains the same as 2023. Commercial cultivation of GE crops is not permitted, however cultivation for research is allowed and an exception exists for GE products without recombinant or foreign DNA in the genome.

Germany is the largest market for food and beverages in the European Union importing USD 69 billion worth of consumer-oriented agricultural products in 2023. The food retail sector is saturated, highly consolidated, and competitive.

On August 7-9, 2024, the World Apple and Pear Association (WAPA) presented the 2024 EU apple and pear crop forecast at the 49th edition of the Prognosfruit convention. WAPA forecasts the 2024 EU fresh apple crop at 10.2 million metric tons (MT), 11.2 percent below the 2023 harvest.

Unlike the many smaller trade shows in Nigeria, Food and Beverage (FAB) West Africa 2024 stood out as a well-attended, well-organized, and diverse trade show featuring snack and processed foods, confectionery products, beverages, food ingredients, dairy products, grains, seafood, and food service equipment.