The market for food flavourings - France

The global food flavorings market, valued at $16.4 billion in 2020, is expected to grow at an annual rate of 4.8% to 2025, reaching a market value of $20.7 billion. This growth is being accelerated by increasing demand for processed foods and by various innovations in the food industry, with Asia being the biggest consumer and South America expected to see the strongest growth.

The industry, marked by a preference for natural flavors due to health and environmental considerations, is seeing the French market make a significant contribution, having increased by 56% in value. Major players, such as Swiss companies Givaudan and Firmenich, and French companies Mane and Robertet, dominate the market, with Givaudan holding the largest share at 19.5%.

France has a trade surplus in this sector, exporting 411 million euros and importing 280 million euros worth of flavors, underlining its competitiveness on the world stage. Despite the slowdown caused by the pandemic, the sector remains resilient, with a trend towards market consolidation, with the main players investing heavily in research and development (R&D) to innovate and capture consumer interest.

Trends in the French food flavorings market: naturalness in demand against a backdrop of sustained growth

The French food flavorings market is enjoying a period of sustained expansion, with consumer preferences shifting strongly towards the appeal of natural ingredients. The national market has grown significantly in value terms, despite a brief slowdown in 2020 due to the global pandemic.

Demand for natural flavors is a driving force in France, inspired by consumer interest in healthier, more environmentally-friendly options. This national trend has contributed to strong market growth, as evidenced by the sector's remarkable increase in sales - at an average of around 6.5% per year.

France has also become a net exporter of food flavorings, with exports outstripping imports by a factor of 1.5, consolidating its status as Europe's leading flavorings trader. Flavor manufacturers, including Givaudan and Firmenich in Switzerland and Mane and Robertet in France, spearhead the market. Mane, in particular, dominates the French sector with a share of around 13%. The market structure is characterized by a mix of small, family-run businesses, which account for around 90% of the industry and reflect a heritage rooted in the rich heritage of the Grasse region.

In the food industry, the beverage and savory segments are the main consumers of flavors. In addition, the growing movement within the food industry to move away from artificial flavours is testament to consumers' ethical awareness of the quality of the ingredients contained in their food. Clean label initiatives are gaining ground, encouraging manufacturers to turn to natural flavors that offer both taste and wholesomeness, particularly to enhance the appeal of vegetarian and other health-conscious food products.

Innovation is vital within the industry, as evidenced by the major companies' substantial R&D expenditure, which represents around 8% of their sales. This investment in innovation is essential to creating new tastes and maintaining a competitive edge, hence the trend towards market consolidation in order to gain scale and optimize R&D expenditure.

Overall, trends in the French food flavorings market point to robust growth fueled by growing demand for natural flavors, a positive trade balance

The global food flavorings market is a fascinating field characterized by a handful of heavyweights whose influence spans continents, cultures and cuisines. In a sector where innovation and the ability to captivate consumers' ever-changing taste preferences are essential, these titans stand out for their commitment to flavor excellence and their aggressive research, development and expansion strategies.

Here's a look at the major market players who define the contours of this savory landscape.

• Givaudan - The Swiss virtuoso of scents and flavors Givaudan, a Swiss giant, is the global market leader in flavors. The company has carved out an enviable position for itself thanks to relentless innovation, a vast portfolio of flavors and a global presence that enables it to respond with great precision to the needs of a wide range of consumers. With roots dating back to the 18th century, Givaudan's rich heritage in the industry is matched only by its contemporary prowess in creating flavors that resonate in markets around the world.
• Firmenich - The aroma innovation powerhouse Firmenich, another Swiss competitor, commands respect in the industry as a company deeply devoted to the art and science of scent and taste. It is one of the largest private companies in its field, and prides itself on its pioneering spirit and commitment to sustainable development. Firmenich's repertoire of flavors reflects its deep understanding of the complex interplay between the senses and the transformations shaping the modern food landscape.
• International Flavors & Fragrances (IFF) - America's aroma architect From the USA, International Flavors & Fragrances, known as IFF, is a titan in the world of scent and taste. Not content with a formidable portfolio of flavors, IFF made a strategic decision to acquire Frutarom, enabling it to significantly strengthen its market share and aggressively expand into new, untapped markets. IFF's strength lies in its global perspective and its ability to innovate aromatic solutions that strike a chord with consumers of different cultures and tastes.
• Symrise - The German artisan of flavors and fragrances Symrise is a leading German supplier of fragrances, flavors and nutritional ingredients. Thanks to its sensory expertise and in-depth market knowledge, the company has established itself as a reliable partner for food and beverage manufacturers seeking to give their products distinctive, appealing flavors.

Inforamtion

• Number of pages : 30 pages
• Format : Digital and PDF versions
• Last update : 02/02/2022

Summary and extracts

List of charts

• Size of the food flavorings market
• Evolution du chiffre d'affaires de l'arômatique alimentaire
• Evolution du commerce extérieur d'arômes alimentaires
• Répartition des exportations d'arômes alimentaires
• Répartition des importations d'arômes alimentaires
• Breakdown of Givaudan sales by customer segment
• Evolution du chiffre d'affaires de l'agroalimentaire
• Poids des secteurs clients dans l'industrie agroalimentaire
• Evolution des secteurs clients de l'industrie agroalimentaire
• Indice des prix, Autres produits alimentaires
• Distribution of turnover among major players