In 2025, Germany produced approximately 72,800 tonnes of gingerbread (Lebkuchen). According to data released by the Federal Statistical Office (Destatis) on Tuesday, this figure represents the lowest level in the past seven years and marks a ten percent drop compared to the previous year, when the production stood at slightly over 81,000 tonnes. To ensure the goods are available for retailers on time, gingerbread manufacturers intensify production as early as the third quarter of the year; in 2025 alone, more than one-third (36 percent) of the total production occurred between July and September.
Germany remains a popular source for gingerbread internationally. In 2025, the country exported nearly 20,000 tonnes of the festive sweet. The majority of these exports went to other European countries, with Austria being the largest buyer at 4,200 tonnes, followed by Poland (3,700 tonnes) and France (2,100 tonnes). These three neighboring countries received about half (50 percent) of Germany’s gingerbread exports. Outside of Europe, German gingerbread was primarily shipped to the United States (1,100 tonnes), as well as Australia (400 tonnes) and Brazil (300 tonnes).
The second half of the year is particularly significant for gingerbread exports, accounting for 89 percent of all shipments in 2025. August and September were the strongest export months. During these two months, nearly half (49 percent) of the total exports were carried out, representing 24 percent and 25 percent of the overall quantity, respectively.
Conversely, Germany imported a significant amount of gingerbread in 2025, totaling slightly over 10,000 tonnes. The predominant import source was Poland, which accounted for 53 percent of the total (5,300 tonnes). Additionally, Italy and Ukraine contributed eleven percent each to the national imports (1,100 tonnes apiece).
