The anis-based spirituous market in France

Anise, native to the eastern Mediterranean basin, is a plant used for therapeutic and culinary purposes, as well as in the composition of certain spirits.

Aniseed-flavored spirits are alcoholic aperitifs obtained by flavoring ethyl alcohol of agricultural origin with natural extracts of anise, fennel, licorice and other aromatic plants. This is known as a "compound spirit" (derived from plant substances).

There are almost a dozen different aniseed-flavored spirits, all influenced by local traditions and customs. These include pastis, absinthe, ouzo, arak, sambuca, anisette and chinchón.

For the French market, we will concentrate on three types of aniseed-flavored spirits: pastis,absinthe andanisette. These are the aniseed-flavored spirits with the highest consumption and production figures in France. Of these, pastis remains the most dominant on the market.

In 2023, the worldwide spirits market was estimated at nearly $145 billion, and should reach $193 billion in 2027, with an annual growth rate of 5.9%. According toISPOS, France accounts for around 5 billion euros. With aniseed-flavored spirits, we'll be looking at a specific segment of this global spirits market.

In France, aniseed-flavored spirits remain a very specific segment of the spirits market, albeit one deeply rooted in national culture, particularly in the south. These consumers are mainly senior citizens living in the south of France. However, a younger population is beginning to show a clear interest.

So, after a period of stagnation, the aniseed-flavored market is beginning to show signs of growth, stimulated by new players and products entering the market.

The aniseed-flavored spirits market is concentrated around two main types of player:

Large international groups specializing in spirits (such as Pernod-Ricard).

Specialized local distilleries

Alongside these specialized players, there is a growing number of smaller players, such as micro-distilleries, which focus on authenticity, local production and organic farming in order to stand out from the crowd. They help to reduce market concentration by making the market more dynamic and bringing in innovative products.

Overall, the French spirits market, and consequently that of aniseed-flavored spirits, has faced significant challenges in recent years, due in particular to the growing preoccupation of consumers and governments with the need to develop new products.the French spirits market, and consequently the aniseed market, has faced significant challenges in recent years, due in particular to the growing concern of consumers and governments for public health, and has also been considerably impacted by the global pandemic in terms of export volume.

However, aniseed-flavoured spirits can draw on a number of growth drivers, such as the premiumization of the market, correlated with higher prices, and consumers' desire for product authenticity. In addition, the trend towards mixology and cocktails is enabling aniseed spirits to reach a wider public and renew their image, particularly among young people.

Current trends aimed at boosting the market include the return of absinthe, long banned in France and other countries around the world.