In 2023, the number of self-employed individuals in the food products, beverages, and tobacco products manufacturing sector in Germany stood at 21,000 persons. From 2024 to 2028, the forecasts indicate a sharp decline. By 2025, the number will fall to 13,000, showing a significant year-on-year decrease of 23.5%. This downward trend continues, with a projected reduction to 3,000 by 2028, marking a decrease of up to 76.9% from the 2023 baseline. The compound annual growth rate (CAGR) over this period is -35.5%, highlighting the sector's struggles with self-employment retention.
Future trends to watch for in this sector include:
- Automation and technological advancements impacting traditional self-employment roles.
- Shifting consumer preferences towards sustainable and artisanal products may revive niche opportunities.
- Regulatory changes and economic conditions affecting small businesses and entrepreneurship viability.
- Cross-border trade policies and EU regulations influencing manufacturing dynamics.
