Germany pork output record-high in 2009

The German national statistic agency (Destatis) has reported that in 2009, more than 7.7 million tonnes of meat have been produced, up 2.5% against 2008.

Pork takes the largest share, with 67.9%, while poultry meat ended second, with 16.6% and beef became third with 15.2%.

The ever-growing slaughter figures for pigs reached a new top last year, with approximately 56 million pigs being slaughtered. The country processed 1.5 million hogs more than in 2008, which is a rise of 2.7%.

Pigs hailing from abroad took a 9.2% share of these slaughterings. The increase in slaughterings of animals from abroad slowed down though; 2009 saw a 0.8% growth in comparison to 11% in 2008.

The quantity of pork produced reached a new high of 5.3 million tonnes. This was 158,000 tonnes or 3.1% more than in 2008.