The Cider Market in France

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.

The following market study focuses on cider, a fermented beverage made from apples. The French cider industry generates annual sales of nearly €250 million, producing 80 million hl, of which 15 million hl are exported. Faced with a slight decline in supermarket consumption (- 2.5% in volume and value over 2024), and a market in full decline (- 27% in volume since 2013), the industry's key playersunicid* are determined to revive demand, particularly among young urbanites in their thirties and "bon vivants", by capitalizing on cider's strengths: low alcohol content, naturalness (low-treatment orchards, no added sugar) and diversification of consumption occasions.

worldwide, cider consumption remains largely European (52% in 2024), despite rapid development in new markets. In France, the breakdown of segments shows that 50% of apple production is destined for cider, with Brittany and Normandy remaining the key regions, while prices have seen inflation of over 12% between 2021 and 2024. In addition, the Google Trends search index reveals marked seasonal peaks in April and December, confirming the importance of targeting key periods to boost promotion.

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.