In Germany, Plant-Based Meat Production Rose By 17% in 2023

Plant-based meat production in Germany rose by 17% in 2023, with 121,600 tonnes produced. This growth indicates a consistent increase in demand for vegetarian and vegan meat substitutes, with manufacturing of meat analogues more than doubling since pre-pandemic levels. Despite the value gap still being significant compared to conventional meat, it has shrunk by almost half since before the pandemic.

Support for plant-based food in Germany is evident through federal policies promoting vegan eating, as well as allocated funds in the 2024 budget to encourage alternative proteins and plant-based agriculture. The country's shift towards a more plant-based diet aligns with the latest dietary guidelines suggesting a 50% reduction in meat consumption, pointing towards a focus on health-promoting and ecologically sustainable diets. Although there have been criticisms of the guidelines for not highlighting the benefits of plant-based meat, the increasing production and consumption of plant-based alternatives reflect a growing shift towards more sustainable and healthy diets in Germany.