The Danish pig sector is once again showing an upward trend. According to the Danish Agriculture & Food Council, the sector produced 30.8 million pigs in 2024 – an increase of around 1.1 million pigs compared to the previous year. In 2024, producers also exported 16.4 million piglets, around 1.3 million more than in the prior year. Exports of finishers and sows remained stable. Danish companies slaughtered 14.3 million pigs in 2024, 200,000 fewer animals compared to the previous year. As in other countries, the number of pig farms in Denmark is falling. According to Statistics Denmark, there were just under 2,000 pig farms compared to just under 3,000 farms in 2020.

Outlook for 2025: Pig production to increase

Following a year of stagnating productivity in Danish pig production, Danish pig production is once again showing an upward trend. Experts also expect productivity to increase this year. This, together with a greater breeding population identified in the most recent livestock census, is expected to lead to a rise of 3.8 per cent in Danish pig production (slaughtering and exports) in 2025 – a rise of almost 1.2 million pigs compared to last year. Currently exports of weaned piglets are expected to rise by around 750,000 animals in 2025, while slaughtering is expected to rise by more than 400,000 pigs.

Record results in the export sector              

News is also positive as regards exports from the Danish food industry and related sectors. Last year, the sector exported food, animal feed, seeds and agricultural machinery to the value of EUR 27.2 billion – a record result. However, exports to Germany fell by 3.6 per cent to the equivalent of EUR 4.3 billion. Germany, however, remains the most important export market. On the other hand, exports to Sweden, Norway and the UK increased.

You can see the updated statistics for the Danish pig production here