The food box market - France

The global food box market has seen substantial growth, with an estimated value of $15.21 billion in 2021 and projected to grow at a CAGR of 17.4% from 2022 to 2030.

In France, in the latest years there were 320 different boxes and 900,000 monthly box subscribers, leading to significant market expansion compared to 600,000 in 2017, representing a 50% growth in subscriptions. The French market for food boxes is valued at around 44 million euros annually, with women constituting three-quarters of the customer base and a strong presence in the 25-34 age demographic. The sector surged during the COVID-19 pandemic, accelerated by increased health consciousness and the convenience of home-cooked meals.

Among the key players, HelloFresh saw a 66% increase in annual sales, while Rutabago reported 12,000 subscribers by 2022. However, retention remains a challenge, with a majority of consumers subscribing for less than 6 months. The market also experienced M&A activity, such as Carrefour's acquisition of QuiToque and venture capital interest. Despite fierce competition, the market remains dynamic with a diverse pricing structure ranging roughly from €20 to €80 per month, varying according to the subscription plans and the type of food box.

French Food Box Market Insights: A Study of Consumer Preferences and Trends

In recent years, the French food box market has seen a considerable surge, with the number of bouquet subscriptions soaring by 50% from 2017 to 2020. This rise indicates a growing interest among the French populace in the concept of food parcels, reflecting a trend that originated with beauty boxes in the United States during 2010. The French market, now estimated at around 250 million euros annually, comprises a plethora of options including beauty, lifestyle, children's items, pet products, wine, and food products. Food boxes specifically account for roughly 17.7% of this market, demonstrating a strong appetite for convenience, the discovery of new culinary delights, and healthier eating options. The average monthly price for a subscription box hovering around 23 euros, shows the market’s potential for both variety and affordability.

The French market has witnessed an explosive growth of service providers, climbing to 320 different box offerings. The market dynamics underscore a strong inclination towards novelty, convenience, and quality in food-related products. Trends indicate a predominant subscription base comprising of women and the younger demographic, particularly those within the age bracket of 25 to 34 years. The urban populace, especially inhabitants of the Ile-de-France region, make up over a third of subscribers, driven by a busy lifestyle and the allure of easy access to quality seasonal produce.

Furthermore, specific times of the year such as the start of a new year and post-summer vacations are observed to incite peaks in sales, aligning with health-related New Year resolutions and the return to routine after holidays. A discernible cyclicality characterizes the purchase behavior in the food box market, with a spike in sales at the beginning and end of the year. Gift cards also play a vital role as about 16% of subscriptions are initiated using them. However, despite this boom, the retention of subscribers poses a challenge, as a majority only retain their subscriptions for less than six months.

The marketplace for food boxes in France is highly diversified, catering to a range of culinary preferences from organic, vegetarian, and vegan options to those emphasizing quality and local produce. Market leaders exemplified by Rutabago with its organic and largely vegetarian offerings, and QuiToque, renowned for easy recipes centered around seasonal veggies and locally sourced meat, have seen notable sales growth, with Rutabago reaching an estimated 4 million euros and QuiToque about 44.2 million euros in sales.

Prominent Contenders in the Food Box Arena: An Exploration of Leading Brands

The landscape of the food box market is as rich and varied as the culinary delights it delivers to doorsteps around the world. In a bustling sector replete with innovation and competition, several key players have made significant strides, carving out niches and amassing dedicated followings through their unique offerings. These companies have become the torchbearers of the industry, demonstrating remarkable prowess in catering to the evolving tastes and needs of modern consumers.

• HelloFresh has emerged as a titan in the meal kit segment, providing customers with the joy of cooking without the hassle of meal planning or grocery shopping. Its expansive menu and easy-to-follow recipes empower the home chef to explore new cuisines and flavors, making it a popular choice among culinary enthusiasts.
• Rutabago is a trailblazer for those with a penchant for organic and vegetarian lifestyles. The startup's commitment to delivering boxes brimming with 100% organic and predominantly vegetarian or vegan recipes has earned them a loyal customer base and the attention of industry peers.
• Les Commis allows for the convenience of curated meals with a focus on seasonal and responsible sourcing. Their acquisition of Rutabago demonstrates their commitment to leading the charge in the recipe basket niche, combining culinary creativity with eco-consciousness.
• Kitchen Daily and Cheef cater to those who seek the ultimate convenience of pre-cooked meals that can be enjoyed with minimal preparation. With offerings that promise efficiency without compromising on quality, these companies have found favor with time-starved individuals craving home-cooked taste.
• Gourmibox, Degusta Box, and La Boîte du Fromager, for connoisseurs and those with a penchant for discovery, pledge a sensory tour through their curated selections. These boxes provide an opportunity to unearth hidden gems in the world of food and beverages, infusing the element of surprise and delight into the routine of daily eating.
• Comme J'aime, a unique player, taps into the health-conscious segment by offering tailored slimming programs, illustrating the food box market's ability to cater to specific dietary goals and preferences.
• They, along with others like Qilibri and Dietbon, showcase the market's versatility and its response to the rising demands for healthier lifestyle options. In the food box domain, these companies represent not merely brands but experiences that resonate with the dynamic and multifaceted needs of contemporary consumers. From culinary adventurers to organic food advocates, from time-strapped diners to

Inforamtion

• Number of pages : 30 pages
• Format : Digital and PDF versions
• Last update : 10/02/2023

Summary and extracts

List of charts

• World market for home-delivered boxed meals
• Breakdown of the home-delivered meals-on-wheels market
• French box market by category
• Profile of box subscribers, by age group
• Profile of box subscribers by gender
• Profile of box subscribers by region
• Interest in "hellofresh" search
• Interest in "QuiToque" search
• Gift cards as a percentage of box sales
• Interest in searching for "box alimentaires" on Google
• Average subscription duration on the box market
• Rutabago sales
• QuiToque sales
• Boxes by number of subscribers
• Breakdown of cubicles by number of employees
• Fundraising in the boxed food market
• Platforms used by box brands
• Monthly visitors to websites in the slimming boxes market