Record Demand for Frozen Food Products in Germany

The frozen food sector in Germany is experiencing unprecedented growth, with per capita consumption reaching an all-time high. According to recent data from the German Frozen Food Institute, the average annual consumption per person increased by 600 grams in 2024, totaling 50 kilograms. This surge in demand highlights the significant role frozen products play in the daily lives of consumers.

Since 2021, the frozen food industry has seen a steady rise in revenue. Following a downturn at the onset of the pandemic, manufacturers have reported substantial consecutive annual growth rates, driven in part by inflationary pressures. In 2020, the average consumption was approximately 45 kilograms per person.

However, while growth remains positive, the rapid expansion seen in previous years has begun to level off. In 2024, the total volume of frozen food sold rose by 2.3% to 4.14 million tons, while revenue increased nominally by 2.7% to EUR22.6 billion, reflecting a modest rise in line with overall food price inflation.

Notably, about half of the total revenue and sales in 2024 originated from the out-of-home market, which includes restaurants, cafes, and institutional catering in facilities such as schools and nursing homes. The other half of the market is served by supermarkets, discount stores, and home delivery services like Bofrost, which provide frozen food directly to consumers.

Among the various frozen goods, frozen pizza continues to dominate as the most popular item, with over 395,000 tons sold in 2024, marking a 4.5% increase compared to the previous year. Other categories, such as frozen fries, seafood, fruits, and baked goods, have also witnessed a rise in demand. In contrast, sales of frozen vegetables, cakes, and raw meats have declined, although there has been an uptick in frozen poultry purchases. It is also important to note that ice cream sales are not included in these statistics.

Industry experts suggest that the increasing demand for frozen food can be attributed to the hectic lifestyles many individuals lead. As people seek quick and convenient meal solutions to accommodate their busy schedules, frozen foods serve as an attractive option, particularly for households with children where time and energy for meal preparation can be scarce.

Frozen food products have been part of the German market for 70 years, with the first frozen items introduced at the Anuga food fair in Cologne in 1955. Initial offerings included items like frozen spinach and vegetables, paving the way for the diverse range of frozen foods available today.