Westfleisch keeps growing
Münster, 11 March, 2025. Westfleisch has grown for the third time in a row in 2024: The Münster-based second-largest Ger- man meat processor increased its turnover by 1.5 percent to 3.4 bn € last year. Earnings before interest and taxes (EBIT) amounted to 19.7 million €.
The company presented these preliminary, as yet unaudited figures at today’s kick-off event of the “Westfleisch Days 2025” in Legden. Until Friday, the company will be informing its approximately 5,100 agricultural members in three other regions in north-western Germany about the past financial year and its plans for the current year.
“Market-driven prices, less bureaucracy”
Dr. Wilhelm Uffelmann, CEO of Westfleisch, expressed his satisfaction. At the same time he made clear that the cost situation requires comprehensive consideration at all levels. “The sharp increases in costs and commodity prices cannot be realized on the market,” explained Uffelmann. Particularly in the area of beef products, it is noticeable that the market has reached prices levels consumers are reluctant to pay.
“It is therefore essential that raw material prices reach a competitive level in line with the market,” emphasized Uffelmann. In addition, the upcoming wage negotiations must be conducted carefully in order to find a viable solution for all parties involved. At the same time, Uffelmann called for a rapid political change of course: “What we need is more planning security for the entire value chain, especially for our agricultural partners”, so his appeal.
Westfleisch itself initiated a comprehensive program of measures three years ago to counter the drastic rise in costs - high wage settlements, toll and CO2 tax increases, rising logis- tics, energy and regulatory costs. “With the help of 'WEfficient', however, we can only partially compensate for the significantly increased costs,” explains CFO Carsten Schruck.
More pig slaughterings, strong added value segment
Westfleisch was able to increase the slaughtering number of pigs including sows by 4.5 percent to 6.9 million in 2024, while he slaughter volume of large livestock, including calves, fell by 5.9 percent to 358,200 animals.
The main growth driver within the Group last year was the sausage division, which is located at the subsidiary Gustoland in Oer-Erkenschwick. Here the Group grew by 17 percent to 63,000 tons. The company now intends to further expand its capacities in the current year.
At 121,000 tons, the convenience and retail packed meat supplier WestfalenLand was able to keep its sales stable at the previous year's level in 2024. The high level was in particular due to the growth in the barbecue business, which is now back at pre-corona levels after a significant increase.
Solid financial position
Meanwhile, the consolidated balance sheet remains solid: Westfleisch was able to increase its equity ratio to 39.5 percent. Members of the cooperative can look forward to a dividend payment of 4.2 percent on deposited capital as well as further bonus and special bonus payments. The company will report on this in more detail at the Annual General Meeting in June 2025.
Sustainable growth, future-oriented investment
Westfleisch has set itself further growth targets in all areas for 2025. Slaughter figures are to increase across all species and husbandry levels, and the processing business is to be further expanded. “We have created a very good basis for this over the past year and a half,” emphasizes Dr. Wilhelm Uffelmann. “Optimized processes, stable structures and a committed team - these are the factors that allow me to look to the future with confidence - so: Let‘s move forward together!” summarizes the CEO.