The number of enterprises in Germany's meat processing sector is projected to decline steadily from 2024 to 2028. In 2023, the sector recorded 7.81 thousand enterprises. The forecasts indicate a year-on-year decrease: 2.63% in 2024, 2.63% in 2025, 2.57% in 2026, 2.63% in 2027, and 2.56% in 2028. The compound annual growth rate (CAGR) over this five-year period is -2.6%, reflecting ongoing consolidation.

Future trends to watch:

Market consolidation as smaller enterprises exit the industry.
Impact of regulatory changes favoring sustainable and ethical meat production.
Potential growth in plant-based alternatives affecting traditional meat processing.