Summary

Since 2020, the French cider market has exhibited various trends, with a significant impact on production, consumption, and international trade. Despite an overall decline in alcohol consumption, and cider specifically being a relatively small fraction of alcohol sales, the market has seen a push towards premiumization, diversification, and organic products.

France maintains a strong export surplus in cider, with exports being four times higher than imports, although the coverage rate slightly decreased in 2020 to 450%. The United States remains the top export destination for French cider, accounting for 52% of exports. The organic cider segment has been cannibalizing the traditional market, indicated by a 3.1% growth. As of 2020, cider apple production reached a 10-year low, aligning with the harvested surface area's decline. 

Major players like Agrial Group and Celliers Associés have contributed significantly to the market, while smaller companies and superstores also play considerable roles. Regulations, including Protected Geographical Indication (PGI), and EU guidelines for labeling continue to influence the French cider industry.

The Evolving Landscape of Cider Consumption in France

The French market has witnessed a notable shift in cider consumption patterns over recent years. Despite the long-standing tradition of cider drinking in the country, overall alcohol consumption has shown a steady decline. Within this broader trend, cider consumption follows a similar trajectory, with a stark reduction from approximately 0.41 liters per capita to about 0.15 liters per capita. Interestingly, cider sales indicate particular preferences among French consumers. The raw cider category is the clear leader, followed by sweet cider.

However, the market for cider is not only faced with changing tastes but is also subject to the rhythms of annual festivities. Search trends for cider reach their zenith around the Christmas period, highlighting the drink's role in seasonal celebrations such as Epiphany, Chandeleur, and Mardi Gras. In terms of demographics, the older generation, those aged 65 and above, exhibit a strong loyalty to cider compared to younger age groups. There has been a marked decline in its consumption across all age categories, with the 35-49 year bracket accounting for a substantial portion of this downturn. One sector that bucks the trend of decline is organic cider.

There was a modest growth in the organic cider market, recording an increase of around 3.1% to reach a value between 8 and 9 million euros. Notably, this upward swing is concurrent with a decrease in traditional cider consumption. The demand for organic products has seen a remarkable rise across all alcoholic beverage segments, with organic ciders, beers, and other alcohols climbing by around 20 million euros in value within just two years. Cider's share within the organic sector is particularly significant, accounting for the largest proportion of organic alcoholic beverage sales at about 6.6%. By comparison, the figure for all alcoholic beverages that are organic stands at a mere 0.5%. This affinity for organic varieties is reflected in the broader organic food market as well, where alcoholic beverages contribute to nearly 11% of total organic sales.

In summary, while the French market for cider is experiencing an overall decrease in consumption consistent with the overall trend in alcohol use, there are noteworthy segments that show resilience or growth.

French Cider Market: The Key Stakeholders Driving Innovation and Growth

In the vibrant and evolving landscape of the French cider market, a handful of companies emerge as significant contributors, each playing a pivotal role in shaping the industry and responding to dynamic consumer demands.

  • Agrial Group stands out as a substantial player with a multifaceted business model that transcends the cider division. Their diversified approach places them at a strategic vantage point, harnessing a wide-reaching influence over the market while providing a robust product portfolio to consumers.

  • Joining the league of major companies, Celliers Associés commands attention as a critical force in the cider industry. Their focus on product quality and market presence illustrates a seasoned expertise in catering to the discerning tastes of cider aficionados, paving the way for new trends and standards within the realm of fermented fruit beverages.

  • On the contrasting end of the spectrum, smaller yet equally important entities such as Les Celliers de l'Odet and Cidrerie de la Brique represent the artisanal spirit and regional heritage that are intrinsic to the cider craft. With a nod to tradition and an eye on modern preferences, these companies embody the timeless allure of cider production merged with contemporary flavor narratives.

  • Superstores like Auchan and Carrefour are instrumental in bringing cider to the masses, leveraging their expansive distribution networks and consumer reach. Their role in the availability and promotion of cider products cannot be overstated, as they serve as the essential link between producers and the end-user market.

Collectively, these players, from conglomerates to local cider mills and retail giants, form the backbone of the French cider market. Their combined efforts and individual strengths contribute to a diverse and dynamic industry, one that continues to innovate and expand, offering a rich array of choices to a population with an ever-evolving palate for fruit-based alcoholic beverages.

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  • Number of pages : 30 pages
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  • Last update : 06/11/2021
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Summary and extracts

1 Market summary

1.1 Definition and scope of study

Cider is an alcoholic fruit wine with an alcohol content of between 2% and 8%. It is made by fermenting apple juice, an ancient technique. The principle is simple: the longer the yeasts are left to ferment, the more the sugar contained in the pressed apple is transformed into alcohol.

In a context of constant product internationalization, it's important to note the different definitions of this term in different places. In the United States, Canada and the United Kingdom, a beverage called cider is not necessarily made primarily from apples, whereas in France, cider must contain apples. In 2021, the global market was worth 5 billion US dollars.

There are three main types of cider:

  • sweet cider
  • brut cider
  • demi-sec cider

The difference between these ciders lies mainly in their sugar and alcohol content. Other types of cider can also be distinguished: sweet and fruity, fresh and tart, balanced, structured, dry and full-bodied.

Today, cider is the most widely consumed fruit wine in France. On average, 90 million liters are sold every year, 86% of them in France. It comes in a variety of packaging forms, including glass and plastic bottles, as well as cans and other types of packaging. In France, organic cider is on the rise.

The aim of this study is to analyze the French cider market, providing an overview of revenues, consumption and trends, market players, and supply and demand drivers.

List of charts

  • Evolution of the cider price index
  • Establishments and workforce in the cider sector
  • Breakdown of cider production companies by number of employees
  • Cider market trends
  • Regional segmentation of the global cider market
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Latest news

Agrial food group to merge with Natura'Prods to create Agrial Natura'Prods. - 22/01/2023
  • Merger between Agrial and Natura'Pro
  • Agrial owns some sixty brands (including Florette, Danao and Soignon)
  • Sales of 6.2 billion euros by 2021, 12,000 farmer members and 22,100 employees, including 13,000 in France
  • Established in 11 countries
  • Natura'pro is an agricultural cooperative based in the Drôme provençale region of France
  • 320 employees and 5,400 farmer-members for sales of 84 million euros
Agri-food: Agrial continues to grow after merger with Natura'Pro - 01/06/2023
  • Agrial: first place among French cooperatives
  • Merger with Natura'Pro, agricultural cooperative in the Rhône Valley
  • Agrial: sales of over 7 billion euros by 2022
  • Natura'Pro: sales of 84 million euros in 2022
  • Agrial: 14 agri-food sites in the Alpes Sud-Est region
  • Natura'Pro has stores for agricultural professionals and the general public (under the Gamm Vert banner)
  • Agrial sales doubled in ten years
Planasa-Priméale collaboration on asparagus - 26/01/2021

  • Cooperation agreement between Priméale and Planasa France for the 2021-2023 seasons
  • Planasa France grows 170 ha of different varieties of asparagus, mainly Darzilla
  • Production target for white asparagus: 700 tons
  • Brands under which asparagus will be marketed: Domaine Saint Jacques and Priméale

Companies quoted in this study

This study contains a complete overview of the companies in the market, with the latest figures and news for each company. :

Celliers Associés : Val de Rance
Les Celliers de l’Odet
Cidrerie de la Brique
Agrial Coopérative Primeal
Bayeux Cidrerie
La chouette Cidre
Maison Sassy
Kerisac (Agrilal)
South cider
Calyce cidre
Domaine du Quesnay
Daufresne

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