The briefing examines how the business services industry is performing globally and in the largest countries in terms of business services output. The report also provides data for production, market size, imports, exports, industry costs, industry profitability and number of companies.

Consumer Lifestyles provides valuable insights into the key attitudes and current perspectives of consumers, and how these influence their purchasing and consumption behaviours. It quantifies consumer behaviours, preferences and motivations, aligning them with broader trends.

In 2024, total soft drinks packaging retail volumes decreased slightly due to a combination of environmental regulations and changing consumer behaviour. Governments around the world, particularly in Europe, implemented stricter policies on single-use plastics and packaging waste, pushing beverage companies to reduce their materials usage. Initiatives like deposit return schemes and the EU Green Deal encouraged both manufacturers and consumers to shift towards more sustainable practices. At the

In 2024, total hot drinks packaging retail volumes declined in Germany. A factor contributing to the decline was the falling popularity of single-serve sachets and instant drinks, traditionally packaged in flexible plastic or paper. As consumers shifted towards premium formats like coffee pods, bean-to-cup machines, or loose-leaf teas, demand for small, disposable packaging fell. Retailers and independent brands also pushed refillable and bulk-buy options, further reducing the need for single-us

Total volume sales of fresh food in Germany registered a slight increase in 2024, following flat growth in 2023. Only eggs posted above a mid-single-digit increase in total volume sales at the end of the review period, with most other categories recording slight-to-moderate increases. Meanwhile, fish and seafood and meat saw declines in total volume sales in 2024. The development of and volume growth trajectories of fresh food were informed by evolving consumer preferences, health and wellness a

In 2024, eggs in Germany witnessed fast retail volume growth and a strong increase in foodservice volume sales. While foodservice volume sales remained below the pre-COVID-19 level, due to the slump in demand in 2020, retail volume sales increments ensured total volume sales exceeded the 2019 pre-pandemic level. The strong performance of eggs at the end of the review period owed much to eggs’ affordability and versatility. Amid residual economic pressures, eggs have become reliable and budget-fr

Total volume sales of fish and seafood in Germany decreased in 2024. This was largely due to the decline in demand in the dominant category, fish, despite an increase in total volume sales of crustaceans. In general, fish prices and consumption fluctuated amidst levels of fishing. The most popular fish remained salmon, pollack and herring, followed by tuna, trout and cod. The general trend in the food industry in terms of the reduced consumption of animal products was a clear contributor to the

Nuts in Germany registered moderate total volume sales growth in 2024, improving on the very marginal increment posted in 2023. In Germany, nuts are usually perceived as a healthy and appetising snack, but they became increasingly expensive following a hike in unit prices in 2023, amidst strong inflationary pressure. This impacted consumers’ food choices and how they spent their money. Since nuts are often considered a treat, higher prices meant that some consumers, especially those on lower inc

Compared with 2023, pulses in Germany registered faster growth in total volume sales in 2024, supported by the growing popularity of vegan, vegetarian and flexitarian diets in Germany. Beans, peas and “other” pulses showed similar market sizes and saw positive volume growth in the retail and foodservice channels. Overall, foodservice witnessed faster volume growth than retail at the end of the review period. The foodservice channel continued to recover from the slump caused by COVID-19 limitatio

Starchy roots in Germany remained highly synonymous with potatoes, which overwhelmingly dominated total volume sales at the end of the review period. Germany is regarded as a “potatoes-and-meats” country. However, when it comes to fresh potatoes, per capita volume sales are relatively low in Western Europe, since a lot of the potato-based products consumed in Germany fall outside fresh food coverage or categories.

Total volume sales of fruits in Germany increased slightly in 2024, after flat growth in 2023. Lower, if still significant, inflation helped to see a rebound in demand. Foodservice continued to recover to move back into line with the 2019 pre-COVID-19 pandemic level. Meanwhile, retail volume sales rebounded to post slight growth, following a modest decline in 2023. However, the consumption of fruits remained relatively low in Germany at the end of the review period. The typical German diet is no

Total volume sales of meat in Germany continued to decline in 2024, albeit at a slower rate than in previous years of the review period. This was because foodservice volume sales continued to recover from the Coronavirus (COVID-19) slump, albeit remaining below 2019 pre-pandemic level. Meanwhile, the retail trend of less meat consumption as a whole continued, consistent with the general shifts to more vegetarian, vegan and flexitarian diets in Germany.

In 2024, total volume sales of vegetables in Germany rose modestly, albeit faster than the marginal increase recorded in 2023. The foodservice trend proved robust, with strong, if slower, volume sales growth amidst the ongoing return to pre-COVID-19 eating out patterns. Meanwhile, retail volume sales increased only slightly, albeit following a marginal drop in 2023. The retail demand for fresh vegetables was undermined by a shift away from cooking at home as more consumers looked for convenience

Total volume sales of sugar and sweeteners in Germany continued to grow in 2024, albeit slightly as the category moved close to the 2019 pre-COVID-19 pandemic level by the end of the review period. Germany had the second-highest total volume sales of sugar and sweeteners in Western Europe in 2024, behind Turkey, which is known for high-sugar content sweets. While lower in the rankings in per capita terms, sugar and sweeteners are highly popular in Germany. Baked goods like pastries and cakes wit

Dog food in Germany is continuing to experience a clear shift towards premiumisation, driven by the ongoing humanisation of pets supporting sales of the largest value category, dog treats and mixers (also predicted to be the most dynamic performer during the year) and growing interest in health and wellness. Local consumers increasingly view their dogs as family members, with many applying the same nutritional standards and health concerns to their pets as they do to themselves. This shift is fu

Pet products in Germany continues to record value growth across the category. This performance is being supported by the pet humanisation trend that is encouraging local pet owners to invest more in pet healthcare, such as pet dietary supplements, particularly for dogs and cats with health problems such as joint complaints or urinary tract disorders. Sales of cat litter remain strong, with clumping sand litter still the most popular format. Sustainable alternatives such as biodegradable litter a

Pet care in Germany is undergoing a significant transformation, driven by shifting societal values, increasing pet ownership, and evolving consumer expectations. What was once an industry focused on basic needs has expanded into a lifestyle-led space where pets are treated as fully integrated family members. This emotional connection between people and their pets is at the heart of the industry’s growth, pushing demand for premium, personalised, and ethically produced products and services. Urba

Cat food in Germany continues to benefit from a growing feline population, in contrast to stagnation evident in the local dog population. This growth is especially evident in urban areas, where cats are often the preferred pet due to space constraints and lifestyle compatibility. As an increasing number of households, especially single-person or ageing ones, adopt cats, there is increasing demand for cat food, especially in terms of more diverse offerings.

Despite a weak performance by other pet food in Germany comprising bird food, fish food, and small mammal/reptile food the category is evolving under the influences of pet humanisation and a growing focus on pet health and wellness. While cats and dogs remain the most popular pets, smaller animals such as rabbits and guinea pigs, along with ornamental birds, are increasingly favoured, especially among younger and middle-aged single households who value low-maintenance companionship and cost-effe

Digital commerce in Germany continued to expand in 2024, buoyed by stabilising macroeconomic conditions, increasing consumer confidence, and rapid technological innovation. As inflation moderated and household purchasing power gradually improved, digital shoppers embraced online platforms not only for their convenience and efficiency but increasingly for the promise of immersive, personalised experiences. Generative AI and advanced data analytics emerged as key drivers of growth, with businesses

Gardening in Germany recorded moderate value growth in 2024 after a decline in 2023, mainly sustained by the performance of the largest category; horticulture. This is being driven by urbanisation, sustainability concerns, and a growing preference for functional green spaces. Local consumers are integrating edible landscaping into their gardens, incorporating fruit trees, herbs, and pollinator-friendly plants to enhance both biodiversity and food production. The increasing focus on organic garde

In 2024, home furnishings in Germany experienced a significant decline in value sales, primarily due to a combination of economic and geopolitical challenges. The weak economy, combined with low consumer confidence, contributed to reduced spending across various home furnishings. In addition, the volatile geopolitical situation in Europe and elsewhere created a sense of insecurity, further dampening consumer willingness to invest in non-essential items. Tight regulations, high costs, and elevate

Homewares in Germany experienced declining value sales in 2024, in a similar trend to other home and garden categories. To remain competitive and attractive to consumers, manufacturers focused on prioritising the use of eco-friendly materials in their products, increasingly embracing eco-conscious and sustainable practices in 2024. Brands and retailers have been actively communicating their commitment to sustainability through various strategies, reflecting a broader shift towards eco-friendly c

Value sales of home and garden in Germany continued to decline in 2024, as the industry was impacted by economic uncertainty, high interest rates, and weak consumer confidence. In particular, home furnishings recorded sharp declines, particularly in high-cost furniture, as consumers delayed purchases. However, home textiles and lighting proved more resilient due to sustained demand for sustainable products such as those certified by Grüner Knopf and OEKO-TEX.