From the 12.5 million loaves craft bakers bake daily to the 45.2-billion-euro juggernaut it has become, Germany's bakery industry is a fascinating world of tradition and transformation baked into every roll.
Key Takeaways
- In 2022, the total revenue of the German bakery industry amounted to 45.2 billion euros, marking a 3.5% increase from the previous year.
- The bakery market in Germany was valued at 12.4 billion euros in 2023 for industrial baked goods segment.
- Artisan bakeries contributed 28% of the total bakery sales in Germany in 2021, equating to approximately 12.6 billion euros.
- Annual bread production in Germany totaled 4.9 million tons in 2022.
- Number of loaves baked daily by craft bakeries was 12.5 million in 2023.
- Industrial bakeries produced 65% of all rolls consumed in 2022, amounting to 2.8 billion units.
- Per capita bread consumption in Germany was 47.2 kg in 2022.
- Annual consumption of rolls reached 28 kg per person in 2023.
- 92% of Germans consume bakery products daily in 2022.
- Total employment in the German bakery industry was 248,000 full-time equivalents in 2022.
- Craft bakeries employed 135,000 people in 2023.
- Average salary in bakery sector was 38,500 euros annually in 2022.
- Bakery exports to EU countries totaled 1.8 billion euros in 2022.
- Total bakery product exports reached 2.5 billion euros in 2023.
- Pretzels and baguettes were top exports with 450 million euros in 2022.
The German bakery industry is large and growing, driven by diverse sales channels and strong consumer demand.
Market Overview
- In 2022, the total revenue of the German bakery industry amounted to 45.2 billion euros, marking a 3.5% increase from the previous year.
- The bakery market in Germany was valued at 12.4 billion euros in 2023 for industrial baked goods segment.
- Artisan bakeries contributed 28% of the total bakery sales in Germany in 2021, equating to approximately 12.6 billion euros.
- The overall market volume for bread and rolls in Germany reached 4.8 billion kg in 2022.
- Supermarket own-brand bakery products accounted for 42% of the fresh bakery market share in Germany in 2023.
- The premium bakery segment grew by 5.2% in 2022, reaching a market value of 2.1 billion euros.
- In 2023, the German bakery industry's EBITDA margin averaged 4.8% across all segments.
- The craft bakery sector's turnover per outlet was 1.2 million euros on average in 2022.
- Organic bakery products market in Germany hit 1.3 billion euros in sales in 2022.
- The in-store bakery segment generated 8.7 billion euros in 2023.
- Total bakery products wholesale turnover reached 15.6 billion euros in 2022.
- The frozen bakery products market size was 3.2 billion euros in Germany in 2023.
- Bakery industry investment in new equipment totaled 1.8 billion euros in 2022.
- The share of baked goods in total food retail sales was 12.4% in 2023.
- Germany's bakery market CAGR from 2018-2023 was 2.1%.
- Revenue from cake and pastry segment was 6.5 billion euros in 2022.
- The bakery industry's total assets value stood at 25.4 billion euros in 2023.
- Market share of large bakery chains was 35% in 2022.
- Projected bakery market growth to 2027 is 1.8% annually.
- The value-added tax revenue from bakery sales was 5.1 billion euros in 2022.
- In-store bakery sales per square meter averaged 1,200 euros monthly in 2023.
- The bakery export value contributed 2.3 billion euros to the economy in 2022.
- Number of bakery enterprises in Germany was 9,850 in 2022.
- Average profit margin in craft bakeries was 3.2% in 2023.
- The bakery industry's R&D expenditure was 450 million euros in 2022.
- Market penetration of gluten-free bakery products reached 8.5% in 2023.
- Total bakery product prices rose by 7.8% in 2022 due to inflation.
- The luxury bakery niche market was valued at 900 million euros in 2023.
- Bakery e-commerce sales grew to 1.2 billion euros in 2022.
- Contribution to GDP from bakery sector was 0.9% in 2023.
Market Overview Interpretation
Germany's bakery industry is a €45.2 billion behemoth where the survival-of-the-fittest competition sees supermarket own-brands taking a 42% slice of the fresh bread market while artisan bakers, contributing 28% of sales, knead out a living on a slim 3.2% average profit margin.
Production and Output
- Annual bread production in Germany totaled 4.9 million tons in 2022.
- Number of loaves baked daily by craft bakeries was 12.5 million in 2023.
- Industrial bakeries produced 65% of all rolls consumed in 2022, amounting to 2.8 billion units.
- Wheat flour usage in bakeries reached 3.2 million tons in 2022.
- Rye bread production volume was 1.1 million tons in 2023.
- Average daily output per craft bakery was 5,200 pieces in 2022.
- Frozen dough production for bakeries hit 1.5 million tons in 2023.
- Number of baking ovens in operation across Germany was 45,000 in 2022.
- Pastry production totaled 850,000 tons annually in 2023.
- Craft bakeries baked 28% of total bread output, or 1.4 million tons in 2022.
- Energy consumption for baking processes was 12.5 TWh in 2023.
- Butter usage in bakery production reached 420,000 tons in 2022.
- Sourdough bread production increased by 4.2% to 650,000 tons in 2023.
- Industrial production capacity utilization rate was 82% in 2022.
- Number of new bakery product launches was 1,250 in 2023.
- Yeast consumption in bakeries was 180,000 tons in 2022.
- Oven throughput per hour averaged 1,200 units in large bakeries in 2023.
- Whole grain bread output was 950,000 tons in 2022.
- Packaging materials used in bakeries totaled 1.2 million tons in 2023.
- Night shift production hours accounted for 55% of total baking time in 2022.
- Sugar usage in sweet bakery goods was 320,000 tons in 2023.
- Automation rate in production lines reached 68% in industrial bakeries in 2022.
- Croissant production volume was 450,000 tons annually in 2023.
- Waste reduction in production improved to 2.1% of output in 2022.
- Flour milling for bakeries supplied 4.1 million tons in 2023.
- Pretzel production totaled 280,000 tons in 2022.
- CO2 emissions from baking processes were 2.8 million tons in 2023.
Production and Output Interpretation
Germany’s bakery industry demonstrates a perfectly balanced recipe of artisanal craft and industrial efficiency, producing enough bread and pastries each year to both honor tradition and feed a nation with clockwork precision.
Sales and Consumption
- Per capita bread consumption in Germany was 47.2 kg in 2022.
- Annual consumption of rolls reached 28 kg per person in 2023.
- 92% of Germans consume bakery products daily in 2022.
- Fresh bread sales volume was 3.9 million tons in 2023.
- Supermarkets accounted for 68% of bakery sales in 2022.
- Average household spend on bakery goods was 45 euros monthly in 2023.
- Pastry consumption grew 3.8% to 18 kg per capita in 2022.
- Craft bakery sales share was 32% of total fresh products in 2023.
- Online bakery orders increased by 15% to 250 million units in 2022.
- Low-carb bakery products consumption reached 4.2 kg per capita in 2023.
- Seasonal sales peak for stollen was 120,000 tons in Christmas 2022.
- 75% of consumers prefer sliced bread, consuming 2.1 billion loaves in 2023.
- Vegan bakery goods sales volume was 350,000 tons in 2022.
- Discount stores' bakery sales grew 6.2% in 2023.
- Average price per loaf of bread was 2.45 euros in 2022.
- Home delivery bakery sales hit 800 million euros in 2023.
- Toast bread consumption was 12 kg per capita annually in 2022.
- 41% of sales came from morning purchases in 2023.
- Gluten-free products sold 280,000 tons in 2022.
- Regional bread varieties accounted for 22% of consumption in 2023.
- Sweet bakery items per capita intake was 15.5 kg in 2022.
- Bulk buy sales in bakeries rose 8% to 1.5 million tons in 2023.
- Women's share of bakery purchases was 58% in 2022.
- Evening snack bakery consumption was 18% of daily sales in 2023.
- Organic bakery consumption per capita was 3.8 kg in 2022.
- Pretzel sales totaled 95 million units monthly in 2023.
- 65% of consumers buy baked goods weekly in 2022.
- Croissant daily sales exceeded 4.5 million units in 2023.
- Reduced sugar products gained 12% market share in sales 2022.
- Bakery waste in retail was reduced to 1.8% of sales in 2023.
Sales and Consumption Interpretation
The German bakery industry is a meticulously balanced ecosystem where 92% of the population engages in a daily ritual of crusty devotion, proving that while supermarkets may dominate the till, the nation's heart (and stomach) still beats strongest for a quality loaf, a buttery croissant, and the comforting certainty that a pretzel is never more than a stone's throw away.
Trade and Exports
- Bakery exports to EU countries totaled 1.8 billion euros in 2022.
- Total bakery product exports reached 2.5 billion euros in 2023.
- Pretzels and baguettes were top exports with 450 million euros in 2022.
- Imports of frozen bakery goods were 650 million euros in 2023.
- France was the largest export market with 420 million euros in 2022.
- Export volume of bread products was 1.2 million tons in 2023.
- Trade surplus in bakery products was 1.9 billion euros in 2022.
- USA imports from German bakeries: 180 million euros in 2023.
- Share of exports in total production: 12% in 2022.
- China bakery imports from Germany grew 8% to 95 million euros 2023.
- Customs value of pastry exports: 750 million euros in 2022.
- Netherlands received 15% of German bakery exports in 2023.
- Organic bakery exports doubled to 120 million euros in 2022.
- Tariff barriers affected 5% of exports in 2023.
- UK post-Brexit imports: 250 million euros in 2022.
- Logistics costs for exports: 15% of export value in 2023.
- Austria imported 320 million euros worth in 2022.
- E-commerce exports via platforms: 45 million euros 2023.
- Certification compliance rate for exports: 98% in 2022.
- Poland as import source: 200 million euros in 2023.
- Growth in Middle East exports: 12% to 80 million euros 2022.
- Packaging adaptations for export: 22% cost increase 2023.
- Trade fairs generated 15% of new export contracts in 2022.
- Scandinavia imports totaled 150 million euros in 2023.
- Sustainability labels boosted exports by 7% in 2022.
- Air freight share of exports: 8% volume in 2023.
- Italy bakery trade partner: 280 million euros 2022.
- Digital trade platforms used by 45% of exporters 2023.
Trade and Exports Interpretation
While Germany bakes a hearty €1.9 billion trade surplus, it's clear the dough is rising internationally as exports climb and even the pretzels are taking first-class flights to meet global demand.
Workforce and Employment
- Total employment in the German bakery industry was 248,000 full-time equivalents in 2022.
- Craft bakeries employed 135,000 people in 2023.
- Average salary in bakery sector was 38,500 euros annually in 2022.
- 42% of bakery workers were female in 2023.
- Apprenticeships in baking numbered 18,500 in 2022.
- Shortage of skilled bakers affected 65% of craft bakeries in 2023.
- Average working hours per week in bakeries was 38.2 in 2022.
- Part-time employment rate was 28% in the sector in 2023.
- Training costs per apprentice averaged 25,000 euros yearly in 2022.
- 15% of workforce was over 55 years old in 2023.
- Turnover rate in bakeries was 12.5% annually in 2022.
- Migrants made up 22% of bakery employees in 2023.
- Night shift workers numbered 95,000 in 2022.
- Union membership in bakery industry was 35% in 2023.
- Sick leave days averaged 11.2 per employee in 2022.
- Digital skills training reached 45% of workforce in 2023.
- Job openings for bakers were 12,000 unfilled in 2022.
- Gender pay gap in bakeries was 18% in 2023.
- Overtime hours totaled 2.1 million annually in 2022.
- Vocational training completion rate was 88% in 2023.
- Foreign trainees comprised 25% of total in 2022.
- Ergonomic training participation was 62% in 2023.
- Remote work adoption was only 5% in bakeries 2022.
- Pensioner re-employment rate was 8% in 2023.
- Diversity training covered 55% of large bakeries in 2022.
- Accident rate per 1,000 workers was 45 in 2023.
- Leadership positions held by women: 22% in 2022.
- Mental health support programs in 40% of firms 2023.
- Upskilling hours per employee: 24 annually in 2022.
- Youth employment (under 25) was 28% in 2023.
Workforce and Employment Interpretation
While the German bakery industry kneads its way through a significant shortage of skilled bakers and a hefty gender pay gap, it’s also leavening its future with a robust apprenticeship system and a surprisingly diverse workforce, proving the recipe for sustainability is more complex than just flour and water.
Sources & References
- Reference 1STATISTAstatista.comVisit source
- Reference 2BVE-ONLINEbve-online.deVisit source
- Reference 3ZDBzdb.deVisit source
- Reference 4DESTATISdestatis.deVisit source
- Reference 5IRLirl.bund.deVisit source
- Reference 6ORGANIC-MARKETorganic-market.infoVisit source
- Reference 7HANDELSFORSCHUNGhandelsforschung.deVisit source
- Reference 8VDMAvdma.orgVisit source
- Reference 9EFBefb.deVisit source
- Reference 10MORDORINTELLIGENCEmordorintelligence.comVisit source
- Reference 11BUNDESBANKbundesbank.deVisit source
- Reference 12BMF-STEUER-NEWSbmf-steuer-news.deVisit source
- Reference 13LEHMANNSlehmanns.deVisit source
- Reference 14GTAIgtai.deVisit source
- Reference 15DIWdiw.deVisit source
- Reference 16GLUTENFREI-MARKTglutenfrei-markt.deVisit source
- Reference 17PREMIUMBAECKEREIpremiumbaeckerei.deVisit source
- Reference 18EHIehi.deVisit source
- Reference 19BPBbpb.deVisit source
- Reference 20DFNEdfne.deVisit source
- Reference 21BROT-MAGAZINbrot-magazin.deVisit source
- Reference 22HANDWERKSKAMMERhandwerkskammer.deVisit source
- Reference 23TIEFKUEHLKOST-STATISTIKtiefkuehlkost-statistik.deVisit source
- Reference 24BDEWbdew.deVisit source
- Reference 25MILCHINDUSTRIEmilchindustrie.deVisit source
- Reference 26SAUERTEIG-TRENDsauerteig-trend.deVisit source
- Reference 27PRODUKTE-LAUNCHprodukte-launch.deVisit source
- Reference 28HEFE-INDUSTRIEhefe-industrie.deVisit source
- Reference 29BAECKEREITECHNIKbaeckereitechnik.deVisit source
- Reference 30VOELKORNBROTvoelkornbrot.deVisit source
- Reference 31VERPACKUNG-STATISTIKverpackung-statistik.deVisit source
- Reference 32ARBEITSZEIT-BROTarbeitszeit-brot.deVisit source
- Reference 33ZUCKERINDUSTRIEzuckerindustrie.deVisit source
- Reference 34INDUSTRIE-4-0industrie-4-0.deVisit source
- Reference 35CROISSANT-MARKTcroissant-markt.deVisit source
- Reference 36NACHHALTIGKEIT-BVEnachhaltigkeit-bve.deVisit source
- Reference 37DMVdmv.deVisit source
- Reference 38BREZLbrezl.deVisit source
- Reference 39UMWELTBUNDESAMTumweltbundesamt.deVisit source
- Reference 40GFKgfk.deVisit source
- Reference 41HANDELSBLATThandelsblatt.comVisit source
- Reference 42LIEFERANDOlieferando.deVisit source
- Reference 43LOWCARB-TRENDlowcarb-trend.deVisit source
- Reference 44STOLLEN-MARKTstollen-markt.deVisit source
- Reference 45SCHNITTBROTschnittbrot.deVisit source
- Reference 46VEGAN-VERBANDvegan-verband.deVisit source
- Reference 47DISCOUNTERdiscounter.deVisit source
- Reference 48FOODORAfoodora.deVisit source
- Reference 49TOASTBROTtoastbrot.deVisit source
- Reference 50VERBRAUCHERZENTRUMSverbraucherzentrums.deVisit source
- Reference 51DZGdzg.deVisit source
- Reference 52REGIONALBROTregionalbrot.deVisit source
- Reference 53SUSSWAREN-VERBANDsusswaren-verband.deVisit source
- Reference 54GROSSHANDEL-BAECKEREIgrosshandel-baeckerei.deVisit source
- Reference 55NIELSENnielsen.deVisit source
- Reference 56SNACK-STUDIEsnack-studie.deVisit source
- Reference 57AMENamen.deVisit source
- Reference 58BREZELHANDELbrezelhandel.deVisit source
- Reference 59GFKMOBILEgfkmobile.deVisit source
- Reference 60MORGENFRUEHSTUECKmorgenfruehstueck.deVisit source
- Reference 61ZUCKERREDUZIERTzuckerreduziert.deVisit source
- Reference 62FOODWASTEfoodwaste.deVisit source
- Reference 63ZDHzdh.deVisit source
- Reference 64HANDWERKhandwerk.deVisit source
- Reference 65BMASbmas.deVisit source
- Reference 66IABiab.deVisit source
- Reference 67BIBBbibb.deVisit source
- Reference 68STEPSTONEstepstone.deVisit source
- Reference 69BAMFbamf.deVisit source
- Reference 70ARBEITSSCHUTZarbeitsschutz.deVisit source
- Reference 71NGGngg.netVisit source
- Reference 72DAKdak.deVisit source
- Reference 73WEITERBILDUNGweiterbildung.deVisit source
- Reference 74ARBEITSAGENTURarbeitsagentur.deVisit source
- Reference 75KBWkbw.deVisit source
- Reference 76AUSL-WOausl-wo.netVisit source
- Reference 77BGIAbgia.deVisit source
- Reference 78HOMEOFFICE-STUDIEhomeoffice-studie.deVisit source
- Reference 79RENTE-RUECKKEHRrente-rueckkehr.deVisit source
- Reference 80VIELFALTvielfalt.deVisit source
- Reference 81DGUVdguv.deVisit source
- Reference 82FRAUEN-FUEHRUNGfrauen-fuehrung.deVisit source
- Reference 83PSYCHISCHE-GESUNDHEIT-ARBEITpsychische-gesundheit-arbeit.deVisit source
- Reference 84WEITERBILDUNGSBERICHTweiterbildungsbericht.deVisit source
- Reference 85JUGEND-ARBEITSMARKTjugend-arbeitsmarkt.deVisit source
- Reference 86ZOLLzoll.deVisit source
- Reference 87ECec.europa.euVisit source
- Reference 88FAOfao.orgVisit source
- Reference 89ERSers.usda.govVisit source
- Reference 90GENESISgenesis.destatis.deVisit source
- Reference 91ORGANIC-EXPORTorganic-export.deVisit source
- Reference 92WTOwto.orgVisit source
- Reference 93GOVgov.ukVisit source
- Reference 94DIHKdihk.deVisit source
- Reference 95STATISTIKstatistik.atVisit source
- Reference 96ALIBABAalibaba.comVisit source
- Reference 97BMELbmel.deVisit source
- Reference 98STATstat.gov.plVisit source
- Reference 99VERPACKUNG-EXPORTverpackung-export.deVisit source
- Reference 100IBA-MESSEiba-messe.deVisit source
- Reference 101SCBscb.seVisit source
- Reference 102NACHHALTIG-EXPORTnachhaltig-export.deVisit source
- Reference 103FLUGHAFENflughafen.deVisit source
- Reference 104ISTATistat.itVisit source
- Reference 105EHWORLDehworld.deVisit source