The carrot market - France

Since 2020, the global carrot market has experienced several noteworthy trends, with China representing 45% of world production. Despite the disruption of trade caused by the COVID-19 pandemic, which affected consumer behavior and led to decreased visits to retail outlets, the market showed resilience. In Europe, the carrot market remained stable between 2011 and 2021 with an annual production near 8.6 million tonnes, though Ukraine's output was impacted in 2022 due to the war.

France's carrot production increased to 530,000 tonnes, ranked 5th in Europe, with an overproduction situation driving prices down sharply in some regions. Organic carrots gained popularity in France, holding 13% of all farms, with a household consuming 0.93 kg of organic carrots yearly. In terms of imports and exports, France relied on imports to meet its consumption, importing 157,000 tons and exporting 58,000 tons. The majority of these activities took place with European countries, and notably, Belgium and Spain were France's main trading partners. Overall carrot prices have fluctuated, with significant increases in particular years due to challenging growing conditions or supply chain issues, as seen in the 73% price hike from 2017 to 2018. In 2020 and 2021, a slight decline in fruit and vegetable consumption followed an uptick during the pandemic. Moving into 2023, the carrot market continues to evolve, with consumer demand for organic options seemingly advancing the sector's growth..

Navigating the Tides of the Carrot Market in France

The carrot market has observed nuanced shifts and transformations in France, indicative of a diverse agricultural landscape and the consumer habits that sculpt it. Within the global arena, France stands prominently, contributing significantly to the European carrot production while harboring a rich domestic market. In terms of yield, advancements in agricultural practices have pushed production from roughly between 30 and 40 tonnes per hectare in 2011 to closer to 40 tonnes per hectare in the latest years. Despite an overall contraction in cultivated area by about 9%, the output has impressively risen, showcasing heightened efficiency. France, in particular, does not pale in comparison to this global uptrend, with a marked increase in carrot production, notably by about 34% in 2021 compared to the previous year.

French soils are nurturing above-average yields, superior to the wider European average yet trailing behind the remarkable production levels of the Netherlands. Interestingly, the landscape of trade has been a mixed bag for France. The nation has seen its carrot market's trade balance plummet into deficit; in 2021, it produced between 700 and 800 million carrots, falling short of the nearly 800,000 tonnes consumed domestically.

Consumption habits within France reveal a palpable seasonality, with demand for carrots hitting its zenith from October to June, followed by a discernible decline through the summer months. This phenomenon mirrors the supply curve, as different carrot types — early, storage, and seasonal — punctuate the calendar year with their unique harvest periods. Prices, an ever-pivotal aspect, vary dramatically based on carrot variety and selling platform. For instance, conventional orange carrots and colored varieties like purple and yellow command different price points, with the average price on MonMarché.fr standing at €1.99/kg for the former and €2.99/kg for the latter in 2023. There's no denying the shifting consumer landscape, often defined by generational consumption. Households led by people in their sixties and seventies are the stalwarts of carrot consumption, whereas younger demographics display comparatively restrained appetites.

Key Players in the Carrot Industry Landscape

In the competitive arena of the carrot industry, certain players stand out for their significant market presence and influential roles in shaping the sector. From producers to exporters, these entities collectively create an intricate network that drives the global carrot market forward.

• Vilmorin&Cie: As a market leader in the seed industry, Vilmorin&Cie stands tall with its consistent annual growth. Their specialization in the agriculture sector, particularly in the development and distribution of vegetable seeds, positions them to significantly impact carrot production worldwide. The company's steady growth since 2019, highlighted by an expected sales increase of +7.5% between 2021 and 2022, illuminates their strong foothold and the confidence they inspire in their market.
• Belgium Carrot Exporters: Despite being a minor player in terms of carrot production, Belgium punches above its weight class in the export ring. The country astonishingly exports over half of its carrot produce, primarily to neighboring nations such as France and the Netherlands. This remarkable trade performance underscores Belgium's strategic positioning in the carrot export sector, ensuring their relevance in the European carrot market.
• French Carrot Producers: France holds its own as the fifth-largest carrot producer in Europe, with regions like Aquitaine, Normandy, and Brittany leading national production. The French market is characterized by an emphasis on specialty carrots, such as sand carrots, known for their prolonged shelf life and adaptability to the sandy soils prevalent along the Atlantic coast. The French carrot producers' commitment to quality and regional cultivation techniques has ensured their survival and competitiveness despite challenges such as supply-demand imbalances and fluctuations in pricing.
• China: The titanic contributor to the global carrot output, China astounds with 45% of the world's carrot production rooted in its grounds. Moreover, the nation also partakes in the international carrot trade, exporting a fraction of its enormous harvest to its Asian neighbors. China's vast production scale and involvement in exports make it an indispensable force in the global carrot industry.
• Uzbekistan: Holding the title of the second-largest carrot-producing country, Uzbekistan solidifies Asia's lead in the carrot production race. Although their export numbers are less remarkable compared to their overall production, their contribution plays a crucial role in the continent's market dynamics.
• United States: With a notable carrot production portfolio, the United States is not just a significant producer but also an active exporter, establishing itself as a vital player in both the domestic and global carrot markets.

Inforamtion

• Number of pages : 30 pages
• Format : Digital and PDF versions
• Last update : 09/03/2023

Summary and extracts

List of charts

• Global carrot production: volume produced and area harvested
• European carrot production: volume produced and area harvested
• Breakdown of fresh carrot production by country
• Breakdown of carrot exports from China
• Breakdown of carrot exports from Belgium
• French carrot production: volume produced and area harvested
• Evolution of the balance of trade of the carrot market
• Breakdown of countries importing carrots into France
• Distribution of carrot exports from France
• Evolution of the Google index for the term "Carrot
• Average annual consumption of fruit and vegetables per household
• Average annual consumption of fruit and vegetables by household type
• Change in fruit and vegetable consumption between 2020 and 2021
• Share of organic farming in consumption of various vegetables
• Sales of organic vegetables
• Average price of carrots over the last ten years
• Average price of carrots over the last year
• Breakdown of vegetables in the canned and frozen vegetable processing industry
• Types of canned vegetables produced
• Breakdown of frozen vegetables produced
• Market share by distribution channel
• Breakdown of purchasing locations for convenience goods and fruit and vegetables