German confectionery manufacturers increase exports first half year 2011

While domestic market sales continued to stagnate, German confectionery manufacturers succeeded in achieving growth of 4.5% in exports during the first half of 2011 up to 812,000 tonnes worth € 2.55 bn – an increase of 8.2% in value. Shipments to third countries rose 6.2% up to 129,000 tonnes in volume and grew 15.7% in value. Exports account for 45% of German confectionery industry revenue, making Germany a top global exporter.

The most important markets abroad are France, the UK, the Netherlands, Austria, Italy and Poland. A breakdown of individual categories reveals chocolate bars and tablets (over 120,000 tonnes) and fine pastries (100,000 tonnes) accounted for the lion’s share of exports, followed by fruit gums and sweets (40,000 tonnes each), chocolates (20,000 tonnes) and marzipan and nougat (12,000 tonnes).

Shortages on the European sugar market are a cause of grave concern in the confectionery sector. Stockpiles from early 2011 production are covering current demand. Not until the end of the year will it become clear how shortages are impacting on German confectionery export capabilities, says the Association of the German Confectionery Industry BDSI.