Agriculture, agrifood and food

The French farm animal feed market is stable, estimated at over 13 billion euros. The global farm animal feed market is estimated at $432 billion in 2022, and is expected to grow at an average annual rate of 4.2%. The market is made up of cereal-based feeds, proteins and food waste, complemented by various feed additives. Demand is stable, despite the decline in livestock numbers from around 35 to 40 million head in 2018 to 35 to 40 million in 2023. Cattle (60-65%), poultry (14-16%) and pigs (around 13-15%) are the main feed consumers. The French feed market is down by almost 8% compared to peak production levels. brittany, with a workforce of 2,500 and a number of companies approaching 70, is the sector's main production region. Feed is either produced on the farm for on-farm consumption , shipped in bulk , or sold retail . A growing trend is the incorporation of insect-based feeds Over 80% of lysine supplies come from China. Players in the livestock feed sector Metabolic Explorer, a

The French baby food market is valued at around 1.2 billion euros, Global growth in the infant milk market is driven by strong demand from China, where parents place great trust in foreign brands. The global market is highly concentrated, dominated by giants such as Danone and Nestlé, which together account for 80% of the market. The market is divided into two segments: infant milks, valued at 980 million euros, and diversification foods such as compotes, purées and yogurts, which account for 220 million euros. Confidence in brands remains an essential factor in consumer choice, particularly after the salmonella scandal at Lactalis and the contaminated milk scandal in China. The number of births, at around 730,000, is falling The organic baby food market is growing by 30% a year, and represents over 15% of the market. Distribution channels for baby food are mainly supermarkets and hypermarkets, which account for 90% of infant milk sales. Pharmacies account for a smaller share. French i

The peanut import and market in France is worth around €55 million. Peanuts, which are legumes rather than true nuts, are mainly produced in China and India, these two countries accounting for more than half of world production. World peanut and peanut oil production is on a stable trend. French peanut consumption has increased significantly. Peanut-based products, such as peanut oil and peanut butter, are gaining in popularity. The peanut market is confronted with the growth of peanut allergies and the growing consumer awareness of healthy diets and the trend towards organic products. Peanuts remain a favorite snack for aperitifs. Exploring the evolving appetite for peanuts in France Native to South America, peanuts are not true nuts, but belong to the dried fruit and nut family. They are eaten in many forms: raw, in oil or butter, roasted or salted. Peanut consumption in France has doubled in recent years. France relies heavily on countries such as Argentina, the United States and th

Often regarded (and used) as a vegetable, the avocado is nevertheless a fruit containing a stone and developing from the flower of the avocado tree. Among fruits and vegetables, it has one of the highest energy contents: it is particularly rich in fibre, fats and vitamins (B9, B6, C and E).

The global bottled water market has been experiencing steady growth, with particular momentum in Asia. By 2019, bottled water sales reached approximately 289 billion liters, with a projection to increase to 371 billion liters by 2024, expanding at a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 5.12% from the previous rate of 5.9% from 2014 to 2019. Belgium's market reflects this trend with rising per capita consumption, reaching €54 per capita in 2018, indicating a 35% increase from €40 in 2012. Despite the volume and per capita growth, company revenues have not proportionally increased, suggesting potential margin decreases or other factors impacting revenue recognition. The industry is facing significant environmental pressures, leading to increased use of recycled PET (rPET) in bottling, with large players like Evian aiming for 100% rPET by 2025. Flavored water is proliferating rapidly, growing at a CAGR of 28% between 2014 and 2019, expected to surpass 50 million liters by 2024. Belgium's

In France, despite the maturity of the market, sales of bottled water grew by 3.5%, reaching 2.5 billion euros in 2023. The global bottled water market is growing at an annual rate of 7%, and is estimated to be worth $349 billion. French drinking habits show a strong preference for still water. The market is growing at an annual rate of around 1.5%. A noticeable shift towards healthier choices is propelling the expansion of the flavored water segment, which is growing strongly by around 14% to 15% and is tending to replace sugary sodas. Innovations are appearing to make bottles more environmentally friendly, such as 100% recycled PET. France has a strong trade surplus in bottled water. The coverage rate is between 145% and 150%. Tap water is 300 times less expensive and the leading competitor to bottled water. The main bottled water brands on the French market Danone Eau: Evian, Volvic brands. Nestlé Waters France: Perrier and Vittel brands. Neptune (Groupe Alma) : Cristaline brand, ma

Beef consumption in France is estimated at between 1.2 and 1.5 million tonnes per year The global beef market is expected to reach 1160 billion dollars by 2025, with an annual growth rate of 7%. The world cattle herd stands at around 1 billion head. The United States remains the world's leading beef producer, with an output of 13 million tonnes. Trends in the French cattle market France has the largest cattle herd in the European Union. The French beef market is experiencing difficulties due to the steady decline in beef consumption, particularly among young consumers, and the impact of ethical concerns. Despite this, France remains Europe's leading cattle-producing country, with 17 to 18 million head of cattle, and between 3 and 4 million dairy cows. Consumption of prepared meat dishes is on the rise. The market is also challenged by changing consumer attitudes to animal welfare and environmental concerns. Organic livestock meat production is a field in which France has taken the lead

French equine market estimated at 11 billion euros Since 2020, the French equine market has shown signs of stabilization after a period of decline that saw a 30% drop in the number of breeders and a 25% drop in foal births. The industry generated sales of 11.2 billion euros, with horseracing accounting for 87% of total financial flows. The United States was the leading producer of thoroughbred racehorses, while France ranked 6th with 5,500 thoroughbreds. The sports and leisure sector experienced a peak in demand, followed by a decline and then stabilization. The number of licensees in France fell by 11%. Draft horses and horsemeat make a less significant contribution to the industry. The number of horses in France remained relatively stable at 1.09 million. Despite the fall in the number of breeders, the number of breeding farms has increased. Artificial insemination is the predominant breeding method, with a wide variation in methods depending on the breed. The market is structured by

The French delicatessen market is valued at between 8 and 9 billion euros. The French market has seen a perceptible shift in consumer habits, with a penchant for quality, organic and label products. Demand for delicatessen products is growing steadily. It has a seasonal character, with peaks during the festive season. The number of delicatessen stores is estimated at between 4,500 and 5,000 French spending on food is rising only slightly, but consumers are opting for quality. On average, French households spend around 112 euros a week on food, with meat and fruit each accounting for a quarter of the food budget. Almost half of French consumers prefer products made in France. Nearly a quarter of them prefer regional products. Demand for delicatessen products such as foie gras and smoked fish is down in volume, but up in value, in a market where quality is more important than quantity. Some players in the sector L'Epicerie Fine Italienne, Le Comptoir Gourmet, Pourdebon and La Belle Vie,

The French horticultural and nursery market is estimated at €1.8 billion. The global market for horticulture, flowers and ornamental plants is worth over $60 billion, and is expected to grow by 6.3% a year. In Europe, the horticultural market is growing at an annual rate of 8%. The Netherlands leads European production with 31% of the value, while France ranks fifth with 10%. Horticultural demand in France The French horticultural market reveals a preference for local and regional sales, with private individuals accounting for 60% of customers including direct sales. 73% of French households buy at least one plant a year. The number of horticulturalists fell by over 50% between 2013 and 2022. Employment in the sector has also fallen by around 31%. People over 65 account for almost 44% of total horticultural expenditure. Seasonality plays a key role in horticultural purchases, with consumer activity accelerating in spring, April and May, and then in October, often associated with cultur

The French olive oil market and consumption is in the region of €570 million. The world olive oil market remains concentrated in the Mediterranean region. Spain is the main producer, with over 40% of world production. Worldwide consumption exceeds 3 million tonnes. France imports 95% of its olive oil consumption and has a trade deficit. French consumers prefer high-quality products, extra-virgin olive oil being the most popular. Some brands, such as Puget, are highly reputed, but private labels will hold 41% of the market by 2023. In France, consumption has been growing strongly and steadily for two decades. The preference for olive oil is greater in rural than in urban areas, with higher income brackets representing the main consumer segment. In France, 36% of olive groves are certified organic. France has a significant share of Europe's organically grown olive groves. Key players in the French olive oil market Lesieur and Puget (Groupe Avril) leading brands Avril is firmly rooted in

The French coconut oil market is estimated at between €25 and €35 million. The global coconut oil market has grown considerably, with coconut oil being the 8ᵉ most produced vegetable oil in the world. Demand for coconut oil is strong due to its versatility in applications for cooking, pharmaceuticals, and cosmetics. While Europe is one of the main consumers, the majority of production takes place in Asia-Pacific countries. Indonesia, the Philippines and India dominate both production and export markets. In 2020, the Philippines was the main exporter to France, accounting for 55% of imports. Organic coconut oil accounts for 70% of the total coconut oil market. Coconut oil prices fluctuate widely. There is no specific regulatory framework within the European Union. Growing consumer interest in healthier oils Recognized for its potential health benefits, such as reducing bad cholesterol levels, coconut oil has gained in popularity. Coconut oil is used in cooking, food supplements, beauty

The French market consumes over 400,000 tonnes of palm oil a year. Since 2020, the global palm oil market has been experiencing a slowdown, due in particular to falling production in major producers such as Malaysia and Indonesia, which together account for over 80% of global production. Despite the controversies surrounding its environmental and health impact, palm oil remains the most widely consumed vegetable oil in the world, with over 3 billion consumers. The industry aims to improve its sustainability image through RSPO certification, but only 19% of palm oil is certified. The European Union has taken steps to phase out palm oil from biofuels by 2030 through the RED II directive, which aims to exclude palm oil from renewable energy targets. This affects the French market, which uses 75% of its palm oil imports for biofuel production. Europe is the world's second largest importer, consuming over 6.5 million tonnes. Evaluated palm oil is the world's cheapest vegetable oil. The main

The sunflower oil market has grown significantly over the past 5 years, and now stands at around 350 million euros. France is Europe's leading sunflower oil producer, devoting between 650,000 and 750,000 hectares to this crop. Annual consumption of sunflower oil is stable at between 420,000 and 430,000 tonnes. Rapeseed oil consumption is more dynamic, at around 1.5 to 1.6 million tonnes. Prices for sunflower oil in France range from €2.5 to €12 per liter, depending on quality and brand. The organic sector is expanding, accounting for around 6% of household food expenditure. The area planted with organic sunflowers has increased by almost 50% in just a few years. The cosmetics industry also plays a role in the demand for sunflower oil. Thanks to its high linoleic acid and vitamin E content, sunflower oil is a sought-after ingredient in a wide range of products, from skin care oils to therapeutic preparations. The sunflower oil market was particularly affected by the COVID-19 pandemic, w

The French herbal tea market is valued at over 270 million euros The global herbal tea market is valued at $4 billion. The French market has grown by 25% in value over the last decade. Growth is further fuelled by rising household consumption of non-alcoholic beverages, including infusions, which reached over 15 billion euros in 2020. Organic products are a growth driver in the herbal tea and infusions market, accounting for over half of sales. The French market is showing strong interest in detox drinks, with infusions ranking third in this category. The number of infusion consumers has risen from 45 to 50 million. Supermarkets dominate the distribution channels, accounting for 85% of infusion sales in France. The market is also witnessing an increase in artisanal and niche offerings catering to this new demand, with herbalists. Key market players driving the infusions and herbal teas landscape Unilever used to dominate the herbal tea market with well-known brands such as Lipton and E

This study analyses the French egg market across its full scope: shell eggs for human consumption, egg products for the food industry and foodservice, distribution channels, foreign trade and the main operators. It distinguishes the dynamics of the supermarket aisle, household purchases and professional outlets, in order to shed light on a market that is both widely present in everyday consumption and strongly structured by upstream farming, packing and processing. The study tracks demand growth, with 237 eggs consumed per capita in 2025 including shell eggs and egg products, compared with 227 in 2024. It also shows the rise of the supermarket channel, at 2,19 billion euros over the twelve months ending at the end of June 2026, and the increase in household spending, from 1,425 billion euros in 2022 to 1,815 billion euros in 2025. At the same time, it examines the transformation of supply: 77 % of French laying hens were raised cage-free at the end of 2025, but this conversion is weigh

This study analyses the market for beer sold in France, from major international brands to independent breweries, including alcohol-free beers and flagging shandies where statistics group them with beer. It follows the value chain, from brewing to sales in shops and in cafés, hotels and restaurants. After the 2022 peak, releases for consumption fell to 23,48 million hectolitres in 2024, while large-scale retail sales reached 4,9 billion euros over the twelve months to 14 June 2026. The study describes buyers, their ages, their spending and the decline in the share of buying households, then consumption occasions, preferred styles, brand awareness and the growing place of alcohol-free beer. It examines sales channels, bottle and can formats, deliveries to cafés and restaurants and the reuse of containers. Finally, it presents the network of around 2 500 breweries, salaried employment and its regional concentration, consolidation and investment strategies, the weight of imports from Belg

The French bakery, viennoiserie and patisserie (BVP) market is estimated at over 10 billion euros. A significant trend within the industry is growing consumer interest in healthier food options, prompting companies to incorporate healthy ingredients such as seeds, cereals and ancient grains into their products. The sector faces challenges such as soaring raw material prices, especially for butter and flour. The market is characterized by a strong presence of companies of French origin, including Bridor, Délifrance, Harry's and Brioche Pasquier. Consumption patterns indicate a slight decline in bread consumption, from 130 grams per day in 2010 to 105 grams in 2021. Supermarkets are the main distribution channel, accounting for 47% of BVP manufacturers' sales, with bread making up 52% of BVP sales. Out-of-home catering accounts for 14% of the market. Bread remains the most popular product, accounting for almost 70% of demand, followed by hamburger buns (around 22%). Frozen products accou

French consumption of carrots is around 800,000 tonnes French carrot production exceeds 500,000 tons, ranking 5th in Europe. Production has risen from around 30 to 40 tonnes per hectare in 2011 to almost 40 tonnes per hectare Organic carrots have gained in popularity in France, accounting for 13% of all farms. China accounts for 45% of global carrot production. Europe produces around 9 million tonnes Carrot market players Vilmorin&Cie: Market leader in seeds Planete Végetal: France's leading independent carrot producer Belgium exports surprisingly more than half its carrot production France is Europe's fifth-largest carrot producer China accounts for 45% of global carrot production Uzbekistan: Major carrot producer United States.

The French cherry market is valued at between 210 and 250 million euros. The world market for fresh cherries is estimated at $5.2 billion . The main producing countries are Turkey, Iran and Spain. Most production is consumed locally. Imports into France, notably from Turkey and Spain, total around 6,700 tonnes. French production is carried out by a large number of small producers and cooperatives, mainly in south-eastern France. The majority of French cherries are sold fresh (55%), the rest being processed for various uses. Distribution is mainly via supermarkets (32%) and markets (31%). Demand trends on the French cherry market The French cherry market encompasses demand for a wide range of cherry varieties, from the famous Bigarreau and Burlat to Morello and Amarelle. Cherries are considered the third favorite fruit of the French population. Consumption is around 2.4 kg per household. One third of consumption is consumed in its natural state, while the remainder is used as raw materi

This study analyses the sweets market in France, i.e. sugar confectionery excluding chocolate: gummies and sour sweets, lollipops, caramels and chewy sweets, liquorice, marshmallows, dragées, chewing gum and regional specialities. It measures the market using large-scale retail panels, public production and trade statistics and company accounts, and explains why these measures cannot be added together. In 2024, large retail stores sold 1 371 million euros' worth of sweets excluding chewing gum; in 2025, they sold 122 254 tonnes, of which 48,6 % under the Haribo brand. The study traces growth driven by prices during the 2022-2023 sugar price surge, with almost stable volumes, followed by the decline in value in 2025. It describes household purchasing, the growing weight of Halloween (15 % of the year's sales in 2025), the evolution of recipes in response to health concerns, French production and the trade deficit. It examines competition between Haribo, Carambar & Co, which came under F

The French jam market is estimated at around 400 million euros. The broader spread market, which includes honey, spreads and jam, is worth around 800 million euros. Premium jams account for 29% of the market by value and 19% by volume. Organic jam has reached a market share of 12% in value and 8% in volume. French consumers prefer local, artisanal products. 35% of them make jam at home. Jam prices are influenced by the cost of raw materials, such as fruit and sugar, which fluctuate widely Two key trends are at the heart of the market's evolution: the reduction in the sugar content of jams, and the rise of organic products. 70% of French households buy jam around seven times a year, representing an annual consumption of 3 to 4 kilograms per household. Children eat jam around four times a week, mainly at snack time, while people over 50 enjoy sweet snacks throughout the day. Sweet snacks account for over 60% of afternoon snacks and 77% of evening snacks. The number of jam consumers fell

The French canning market is estimated at 4.5 billion euros. The global canned food market is expected to grow at a CAGR of 3.44% from 2022 to 2028. France remains a stable market and a major producer in Europe, with 99.7% of households buying around 50 kg of canned products a year. The industry is moving towards high-end and organic products. The high recycling rate for metal packaging in France is over 87%. The market faces challenges such as volume erosion for private labels and an ageing customer base. Sales volumes are contracting (down by around 3-5% for canned vegetables in 2023), but the market is showing an increase in value. Vegetables account for 60% of canned food consumption, ready-made meals for 10% and fish for 10%. In terms of value, vegetables and fish account for 75% of market sales. Production costs for canned fish and fish products have risen sharply. A similar trend can be observed in the fruit and vegetable canning segment. The main players in the French canned fo

The French shrimp market is worth around 700 million euros. The global shrimp market has experienced significant growth, with total shrimp production increasing by 65% to 10,402 thousand tonnes, with aquaculture accounting for 65% of this total. The French shrimp market is part of this global trend, with an increase of 21%. French domestic production is insufficient to meet demand, and the country imports shrimp, particularly the Penaeus Vannamei species, from American and Asian countries. The French market is concentrated among a few key players, and only a few companies control a substantial share of processed shrimp. Self-service sales of seafood products in supermarkets exceed 400 million euros. Market trends and consumption French shrimp production remains limited, at just over 1,000 tonnes per year, which is insignificant compared to the massive imports of around 150,000 tonnes. These imports are crucial, as the preferred variety, Penaeus Vannmei, needs the warm waters of Southea

La France is the producer in Europe and the tenth worldwide, and with nearly 4 million tonnes. The milling sector has adapted to demand for specialized products such as organic, gluten-free and artisan breads. During the COVID-19 pandemic, flour sales soared (+135%). The number of mills fell from 381 to 316 in 2022. Large producers capture over 65% of market sales. Production in the organic flour segment rose from 87,000 tonnes to 155,000 tonnes in 2022. It represents a 24% share of total flour expenditure. Fluctuating wheat prices, which peaked at €437 per tonne in May 2022, then fell to €216 per tonne in December 2023, pose challenges for the profession. Regulations have evolved with the abolition of the flour tax introduced in 1962. Major players such as Francine (Vivescia) dominate certain segments, such as the one-kilogram flour market. Flour market trends in France The French milling sector, at the heart of the flour industry, is facing a trade imbalance, with imports outstrippin

The French food retail market is worth around 180 billion euros. The global food retail market, estimated at $11,324.4 billion in 2021, is expected to grow at a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 3% between 2022 and 2030. Dominated by US companies, led by Walmart, the market is led by three major US retailers, while the German Schwarz Group, which includes Lidl, ranks fourth worldwide. In France, the food retail market is dominated by five key players: E.Leclerc, Carrefour, Les Mousquetaires, Système U and Auchan, which together will have a market share of almost 60% by 2023. Recent years have also seen an increase in the market share of discounters such as Lidl and Aldi. Rapid transformation of the French food retail market In France, supermarkets are mostly visited on a weekly basis. Around 20% of French consumers who shop in chain stores buy own-brand products. The high inflation rate of 5.2% in 2022, before a slight drop in 2023, has influenced the behavior of French shoppers, a

Yeast production in France is valued at around 165 million euros. The global yeast market is estimated at 9 billion and is growing at a rate of 9%. Yeast production is expected to reach 2,200 kilotons. The market structure in France is highly concentrated, with one major player, the Lesaffre group. Demand for yeast is diversified, due to its various applications in the bakery, ready meals, alcoholic beverages, nutritional supplements and biotechnology sectors. Europe has a global market share of around 32%. Yeasts are part of the fermentation process, influencing the taste, smell and texture of a wide range of products. There are several forms of yeast on the market, including fresh, dry and instant varieties. Their applications cover bakery products, food flavor enhancement, health and wellness supplements, alcoholic beverage production and biotechnology. France is one of the world's leading yeast manufacturers. Fresh and active yeasts represent an estimated value of between 60 and 70

In France, the carbonated soft drinks market is worth over 2.6 billion euros. Tonics and lemonades account for around 260 million euros. Lemonades alone represent a market of around 90 million euros. French supermarket sales of tonics, limes and lemonades fell by 1.2% in value and 4.8% in volume. Sales of organic BRSAs rose by +16.4% to around 300 million euros. Healthier, more natural refreshment In France, the lemonade market reflects a broader trend of consumer awareness and preference for healthier, natural and organic products. Demand for locally-produced, artisanal lemonades is high, The French have reduced their sugar consumption over the years. 41% of French people say they want to limit their sugar intake. Sugar consumption has fallen from around 35 kilograms per capita to between 25 and 30 kilograms per capita. The organic market is flourishing in France, reaching values of between 9 and 10 billion euros. Major beverage companies such as Coca-Cola and Pepsi Co are catering to

The French mustard market is estimated at between 1.5 and 1.7 billion euros. The French domestic mustard market faced challenges in 2022 due to a severe drought in Canada, which supplies 80% of France's mustard seeds, and geopolitical tensions in Ukraine, the world's 4th largest producer. French mustard seed production reached 6,000 tonnes in 2022, with a target of 15,000 tonnes for 2023. French imports of prepared mustard have risen significantly, from 9.8 million euros in 2017 to 29.9 million euros in 2022. Organic and locally sourced mustards are becoming more important to consumers. Mustard has a significant share of the condiment and seasoning manufacturing market, estimated at around 44.6%. Mayonnaises have seen an increase of around 4-5% in volume consumption, while mustard has seen declines of over 10%. There is growing interest in natural and organic products. Major brands such as Amora and Maille enjoy great popularity, with approval ratings of over 70% among consumers. Musta

Demand for hazelnuts in France: The French market is worth around 33,000 tonnes. Direct consumption in the form of snacks accounts for 10% of the total, and indirect consumption, particularly in spreads, for 90%. The global hazelnut market is worth around $2.8 billion, with production exceeding 1.1 million tonnes. Turkey dominates world production at 67.2%. But production for the Turkish market is sensitive to the vagaries of nature, as demonstrated by the significant drop in Turkish hazelnut production following frost episodes. Europe is the world's largest consumer of hazelnuts. Despite a leading market position, French production managed by Unicoque faces challenges and is striving to develop with an organic segment showing 19% growth in spread consumption by 2020. The organic trend is influencing the market and pushing producers towards more sustainable practices. Hazelnuts occupy a prominent place in French gastronomy, largely thanks to their use in popular spreads such as Nutella

Permaculture is an innovative agroecological system that aims to replace the current production system with a more sustainable alternative, centred on small-scale farming values, natural methods and soil regeneration. In urban or rural settings, these small-scale organic market gardening projects can take several forms: