Frozen food sales in Germany continued their steady ascent in 2025, underscoring the category’s resilience even as consumers grapple with economic uncertainty.
According to annual data released by the German Frozen Food Institute, total sales volume rose by 2.5% to 4.238 million metric tons, up from 4.137 million tons a year earlier, marking another record for the sector.
Per capita consumption also reached a new high, climbing to 51.6 kilograms from 50.8 kilograms in 2024, while household consumption increased to 103.8 kilograms, reflecting a continued shift toward at-home eating. The figures point to the growing role of frozen products as a staple in everyday diets, as well as their importance in supporting both private households and foodservice operators.
“In 2025, the frozen food market was able to hold its own again despite the continued tense economic and consumption situation,” said Sabine Eichner, managing director of the German Frozen Food Institute. “However, there are clear changes in consumption among consumers: the trend is towards greater consumption at home. This development tends to favour sales in the food trade and home services and slows down the upward trend in catering sales. Overall, the importance of frozen fresh food in Germany continues to increase, as an important support for everyday private nutrition as well as in overcoming the major challenges in gastronomy and communal catering.”
Sales in the food retail and home delivery segment rose by 2.7% to 2.07 million tons, outpacing the broader market. Growth was led by ready-to-eat meals, which advanced 2.9%, and breakfast and dessert items, which climbed 4.9%. By contrast, products intended for home cooking expanded more modestly at 1.8%. Within that category, frozen vegetables declined slightly, while fish, potato products and meat posted gains, with poultry driving growth in the meat segment as consumers sought affordable sources of protein.
Convenience continued to shape purchasing patterns. Ready meals within the “Fix & Fertig” category rose by 4.7%, and frozen baked goods rebounded with a 3.9% increase after a weaker performance in 2024, led by strong demand for bread and rolls. Frozen fruit emerged as the fastest-growing segment, surging 12.0% over the year. Plant-based alternatives, however, remained flat, signaling a slowdown in a category that had previously attracted significant consumer interest.
The out-of-home segment also expanded, though at a slightly slower pace. Sales rose 2.3% to 2.168 million tons, accounting for 51.2% of total market volume, a marginal decline in share from the previous year. Within this channel, ready-to-eat products led growth, increasing 9.0%, with snacks surging 14.7%. Frozen pizza sales rose 6.9%, while plant-based alternatives advanced 5.5%.
Not all categories fared as well. Products intended for cooking in foodservice settings declined by 0.6%, weighed down by falling demand for meat, seafood and fish dishes. Some subcategories bucked the trend, however, including fish fingers, which jumped 17.0%, along with poultry and game, which also recorded solid gains.
In the breakfast and dessert segment, growth remained modest at 1.6%, with baked goods—the largest subcategory—rising 1.7%. Together, the data suggest a market that continues to expand, but with shifting dynamics as consumers prioritize value, convenience and flexibility in an uncertain economic environment.
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