The Austrian food market remains a strategic gateway into Central Europe and a valuable destination for food exporters. This article updates our previous overview—based on the older piece “Austria – food imports: current tendencies and tips for exporters” —by analysing how the food import picture in Austria evolved through 2024 and into 2025, highlighting key trends, market drivers and practical pointers for exporters aiming to succeed in this market.

1. Macro-Context: trade flows & food import magnitude

According to Statistics Austria, total goods imports into Austria in 2024 fell by 6.8% to €188.99 billion, while exports dropped by 4.8% to €191.18 billion. A trade surplus of €2.19 billion was recorded—the first surplus in 16 years. 
Focusing on food imports: the share of food in merchandise imports was about 8.16% in 2023 and climbed modestly in recent years. 
In 2024 Austria’s food-imports group (food + beverages & tobacco) increased in absolute value — food imports rose by 10.3% to ~€15.24 billion, beverages & tobacco by 8.8%. 

These data suggest that while overall imports declined in 2024, the food sector maintained growth — signalling resilience and a differentiation of food from more cyclical goods-import categories.

2. Key Trends in Food Imports (2024-2025)

a) Rising volumes/value in food imports despite broader slump
As noted, the food import segment grew in 2024 even though imports overall were down. This signals stronger appetite for imported food-products, likely driven by consumption patterns, inflation and variety demands.

b) Organic and health-oriented imports under strain
Interestingly, the volume of organic agri-food imports into Austria fell sharply in 2024: -26% (maize, apples, grapes) according to an EU analytical brief. This suggests that while “health” and “organic” remain buzz-words, price pressures or supply chain constraints may be dampening growth in these sub-segments.

c) Self‐sufficiency and sourcing gaps
Austria retains relatively high self-sufficiency for many animal-origin foods (e.g., meat, dairy) but lags heavily for certain plant-based categories: only ~33% for fruit, ~55% for vegetables, and under 1% for rice, per latest figures. This structural gap opens opportunities for imported fruits, vegetables, rice and niche plant-foods.

d) Exporter competition and import origin diversification
While data on food-importer identity is less detailed, one source notes that between January–June 2024, Austrian food imports rose ~13.2% whereas exports rose ~7.2%—implying stronger growth appetite for imports.  Exporters targeting Austria must therefore view it as an import-market first rather than just an export destination for Austrian origin goods.

e) Inflation, cost pressures and supply-chain disruption
Global supply chain issues, energy cost spikes and inflationary pressures in Europe affect food importers. The fact that overall imports fell but food imports rose signals that food is dis-intermediated from broader machinery/vehicle cycles — but cost pressures still bite. Exporters must therefore anticipate tighter margins, potential duties, logistic bottlenecks and compliance demands.

f) Outlook into 2025
As of 2025 data: Austria’s agricultural foreign-trade deficit exceeded one billion euros in H1 2025. This suggests import volumes (or value) in agri-food may continue rising, or at least that Austrian production/export strength is weakening in relative terms. Exporters should interpret this as continued opportunity, but also increased scrutiny of quality, safety and regulatory compliance.

3. What Types of Food Imports Are Growing / Under Pressure

Based on available data and market intelligence:

• Growing segments: Fresh fruits/vegetables for which domestic production is low (tomatoes, peppers, certain exotic fruits), rice and oilseeds/vegetable oils (since self-sufficiency is low). Also processed foods/snacks that tap into shifting consumer preferences.

• Under-pressure segments: Organic imports saw a sharp volume decline in 2024. Commodities with strong domestic supply (certain cereals, dairy) face less import growth. Also, supply-chain sensitive categories (frozen fish, palm oil) show broader declines in the EU context. 

• Premium / niche products: With Austrian consumers willing to pay for “premium”, “local origin” and “sustainable” credentials, niche imported foods (ethnic foods, plant-based alternatives, speciality snacks) are interesting, especially if aligned with value chain story.

4. Practical Tips for Exporters Targeting Austria

Building on the above trends and earlier advice, here are tangible tips:

1. Understand the self-sufficiency gaps – Focus your export pitches on products Austria cannot easily produce: e.g., exotic fruit, vegetables out‐of‐season, rice/oilseeds. Leverage this gap in your value proposition.

2. Compliance & certification count – Austrian importers and consumers are sensitised to food-safety, sustainability and traceability. Ensure your product meets EU import regulations (labelling, pesticide residues, etc).

3. Position for quality / premium rather than commodity – Given price pressures and supply chain costs, mere low-cost offers may not win. Emphasise unique selling points: flavour, origin, organic (but note the dip in organic volumes), sustainability.

4. Be aware of logistic & cost pressures – Rising transport, energy and input costs affect the whole market. Make sure your pricing strategy absorbs or passes on these pressures, and your delivery commitments are robust.

5. Engage importers early & localise – Work with Austrian importers/distributors who understand domestic channels (retail, HoReCa). Adapt your packaging / labelling to German language and Austrian market expectations (size, shelf life, product format).

6. Monitor currency, inflation & consumer demand – Austrian consumers are facing higher price levels; importers may seek more value‐for‐money. Tailor your offer accordingly (smaller portions, promotions, clear value).

7. Be ready for market changes – Given the decline in organic import volumes, if you are exporting organic products, ensure you can justify cost premium or consider non-organic variants. Stay alert for regulatory or trade policy changes (EU food-safety, supply chain transparency).

8. Use Austria as a regional springboard – Because Austria is central in Europe and has cross‐border retail links (to Germany, Czech Republic, Slovakia, etc), successful placement in Austria may offer leverage for neighbouring markets.

5. Summary & Outlook

In short: Austria remains an attractive market for food exporters. The fact that food imports rose even while overall goods imports fell signals structural demand. However, the landscape is changing: organic growth has slowed, cost pressures are high, and domestic self-sufficiency steers sourcing needs.

For 2025 and beyond, exporters should prioritise products that fill domestic production gaps, differentiate on quality and story, and partner with Austrian importers who understand the local market. Keep an eye on inflation, regulatory change and evolving consumer tastes (e.g., plant-based, health, sustainability). Austria may not be the highest-volume market in Europe—but it offers stability, premium consumers and a gateway into the wider region. For a complete list of food importers from Austria, with complete contact details, you can access the BestFoodImporters platform.