The charcuterie market - France

The charcuterie market in France, consisting mainly of products such as ham, sausages and pâtés, is a mainstay of the agri-food sector. Recognized for its cultural roots and its essential role in the daily diet, charcuterie is divided into a variety of segments, including traditional and industrial charcuterie, with sub-categories such as culinary aids and festive products. In 2024, this market will retain its dominant position, despite significant changes due to evolving consumer preferences and economic constraints. On a national level, despite a context marked by persistent inflation, sales of French charcuterie continued to grow in value terms, gaining 16% between 2022 and 2023. However, this growth in value masks a fall in production volumes, from 668 thousand tonnes in 2022 to 653.7 thousand in 2023. This "illusion of growth" reflects a sharp rise in average prices, as illustrated by the price of whole dry cuts, which passed the €15/kg mark in 2024, compared with €13.42/kg in 2022. This discrepancy underlines the impact of household trade-offs in the face of increased pressure on their purchasing power. The competitive landscape is dominated by long-established players such as Fleury Michon and Herta, who continue to capitalize on classic ranges while adapting to new trends. These companies are increasingly challenged by private labels and new entrants in the organic and nitrite-free segments, which are particularly popular with customers who pay close attention to product composition. In fact, by 2024, 25% of consumers say they prefer products based on their composition, reflecting a growing quest for naturalness and health. At the same time, product origin, a key criterion for 28% of buyers, reinforces the importance of traceability and transparency in the sector. Finally, structuring trends such as the return to home-made products, theappeal of snacking and the emergence of halal charcuterie are having a lasting impact on the market. While delicatessen products are holding up well in the face of a general decline in consumption (-1.5% in volume by 2024), the halal segment is experiencing a marked boom, driven by growing demand and improved accessibility in supermarkets. These developments testify to the ability of manufacturers to adapt to new consumer expectations, while opening up new prospects for innovation in a market that combines tradition and modernity.