Frozen Foods Gain Unprecedented Popularity in Germany

The consumption of frozen foods in Germany has reached an all-time high, with the average per capita intake increasing by 600 grams to a total of 50 kilograms in 2024, as reported by the German Frozen Food Institute. This surge in demand highlights the importance of frozen products in the daily lives of consumers, with nearly every household purchasing such items.

Since 2021, the frozen food industry has experienced rising revenues. Following a decline at the onset of the pandemic, manufacturers have enjoyed consecutive years of double-digit percentage growth and record levels of per capita consumption. In 2020, the average consumption was around 45 kilograms per person.

However, the growth trend appears to have slightly moderated in 2024, with manufacturers reporting a more modest increase in sales. The volume of frozen goods sold rose by 2.3 percent, totaling 4.14 million tons. The nominal revenue also increased by 2.7 percent to 22.6 billion euros, which aligns closely with the overall rise in food prices.

Notably, about half of the revenue and sales in 2024 came from the food service sector, which includes restaurants, cafes, and community catering services in schools and nursing homes. The remaining sales were attributed to supermarkets, discount stores, and home delivery services like Bofrost.

Frozen pizza continues to dominate as the most popular product in the frozen food sector, with over 395,000 tons sold in 2024, marking a 4.5 percent increase from the previous year. Demand has also risen for other categories, including French fries, fish, fruits, bread, and rolls. Conversely, there has been a decline in the purchase of vegetables, cakes, and raw meat, though sales of poultry have seen an uptick. It is important to note that ice cream sales are not included in these statistics.

The growing preference for frozen foods can be attributed to the busy lifestyles of many consumers who seek quick and convenient meal solutions. As highlighted by the managing director of the German Frozen Food Institute, the demands of modern life often leave individuals with little time to prepare elaborate meals, especially in households with children.

Frozen foods have been available in Germany for 70 years, with the first frozen products being introduced at the Anuga food fair in Cologne in 1955. Early offerings included frozen spinach and vegetables, which have since evolved into a diverse range of products available today.