The cooperative company that is the fifth largest processor in Germany and Europe saw its volume output rise by 1.7 per cent to 900,000 tonnes – a record high for the company.

Over the year Westfleisch produced approximately 10 per cent of the red meat manufactured in Germany in total.

Despite the record high output, the last year was a year of consolidation for the farmers’ cooperative.

C0mpany’s added value sector was extended in the deboning, self-service packaging of fresh meat and sausage production sectors.

A total of 7.8 million animals were slaughtered last year. Compared to the previous year, the percentage of pigs (excluding sows) increased by 1.1 per cent to 7.3 million head.

The demand for veal and the slaughter numbers rose by 6.3 per cent to 60,000 head in 2013.

“More than ever before, retail customers and consumers are demanding that the origin of their food should be traceable,” said Dr Helfried Giesen, spokesman of the Westfleisch eG Board.

“In 2013 Westfleisch included a commitment to sustainable production and proof of origin from the farm on its company logo: "From Farmers. Directly."

Westfleisch increased exports to the European Union by 7.7 per cent to 300,000 tonnes.

In the last year Westfleisch exported 41.3 per cent of its meat production. Despite seeing temporary bans on exports to Russia and China. The Chinese market has now reopened.

Last year the livestock sector saw sales rise by 10.7 per cent and turnover by 10.3 per cent with 2.3 million piglets sold to Germany and abroad, mainly to Central and Eastern Europe.