Denmark’s record food exports

Danish food exports rose to an unprecedented level last year and ended at around DKK 190 billion, which made 2022 a record year.

"It is obviously positive that the Danish food cluster is doing so well. This also benefits the Danes, as it boosts both the economy and prosperity in general. As a business, we’re delighted to be able to contribute to Danish society at a time when rising costs are putting pressure on all corners of the country," says the Director of the Danish Agriculture & Food Council, Flemming Nør-Pedersen.

Germany, Sweden, UK and Poland among Denmark's biggest growth markets in 2022
Exports increased last year in 16 out of 17 product categories. The most significant was the export of dairy products, which grew by 30 per cent. This is primarily due to limited global milk production, which has sent the prices of dairy products soaring.

Among the countries that have experienced significant exports from the Danish food cluster from January–October 2022 are Germany, Sweden and the UK, with increases of 23%, 18% and 21%, respectively, measured in export earnings and compared to the same period in 2021.

However, it is not just rising prices that underpin the record. The volume of exported goods has also increased, which is indicative of a competitive industry.

Growth in pig meat exports too
Total Danish exports of pig meat in tonnage including live animals saw a minor fall of 3% between January and October 2022 compared to the same period in 2021. Germany, Sweden, the UK and Poland were among Denmark's largest growth markets in 2022.

Within pig meat, total exports to Poland reached 286,069 tonnes, an increase of 19.4% between January and October 2022 compared to the same period in 2021.

Pig meat exports to Germany between January and October 2022 totalled 345,560 tonnes, which corresponds to a rise of 6% from 2021.

At 23,123 tonnes, exports to Sweden over the same period saw an increase of 15% compared to 2021. Pig meat exports to the UK totalled 125,321 tonnes for the period, which is largely unchanged from the same period in 2021, i.e. a slight rise of 0.7%.

Wind in our sails despite the energy crisis
"Despite a turbulent year with soaring energy and raw material prices, etc., Denmark managed to maintain momentum and even increase sales on global markets for most product groups – which is an example of the robust food cluster we have at our disposal. We are part of an industry that manages to stand firm against headwinds and adapt to global market conditions," says Martin Brauer, Chief Economist at the Danish Agriculture & Food Council.

However, we haven't necessarily hit the peak yet. Despite a record year, it is likely that exports will reach the same level in 2023.

"The current crises will follow us into 2023, which makes it difficult to predict developments in the global market. However, the food sector is not so easily affected by market conditions, and therefore the demand for food will probably end up at roughly the same level this year, regardless of how the surrounding market develops," says Martin Brauer.