The kosher food market - France

The global kosher food market has seen an average annual growth rate (AAGR) of 3.7%, while the French market represents a stable niche, accounting for around 10% of the European sector. Despite this, the Jewish community, which represents only 1% of the French population and is estimated to number between 340,000 and 700,000 people, remains the main consumer base for kosher foods. However, other consumer segments, such as people with dietary restrictions such as lactose intolerance, also contribute to demand. Notably, certified kosher meat attracts non-Jews because of its perceived quality, traceability and strict compliance with standards.

On the supply side, specialty stores are the main distributors, unlike supermarkets, which focus less on kosher products. The market is witnessing a diversification of products, with some tending towards organic offerings, although regulations, such as the CJEU ruling, limit the application of the European organic label to meat from ritual slaughter without stunning. Prices for kosher products remain significantly higher, due to rigorous production and certification costs.

As far as regulations are concerned, the ritual slaughter of kosher meats is subject to exemptions that reconcile religious practices with public health and animal welfare concerns, and strict controls are implemented to ensure compliance. In terms of trends from 2020 onwards, there is a growing awareness of the health risks associated with ritual slaughter, and underlying trends such as the growing popularity of organic food, the desire to consume less meat and increased interest in local sourcing have been noted.

The specifics of kosher meat production remain a small fraction of the meat industry as a whole, with kosher slaughter accounting for only a tiny percentage of ritual slaughter.

Analysis of kosher food market dynamics and consumption patterns in France

The French kosher food market presents a unique range of consumer dynamics rooted in religious practices, dietary restrictions and a growing appeal for quality assurance. Interestingly, in recent years, the population feeling connected to Judaism has grown significantly - by a quarter in just five years - pointing to a growing market segment.

Despite its niche characteristics, the kosher food market does not cater exclusively to the Jewish community. A significant segment of Muslim consumers, representing around 20% of market sales, turn to kosher products because they comply with halal requirements. With a Muslim population estimated at between 5.7 million and potentially over 8.4 million, this segment represents a considerable opportunity for market expansion.

Another demand comes from people with specific dietary constraints or preferences. For example, people with lactose intolerance or milk protein allergies find kosher labels particularly trustworthy due to the strict separation of meat and dairy products in kosher food production. This segment also includes vegetarians and vegans, who rely on "Parve" and "V" labels to choose foods that conform to their diet.

In addition, a wider range of customers perceive kosher certification as synonymous with superior quality due to its meticulous production standards. Consumer trends reveal a growing awareness of the health risks associated with certain food production practices, including ritual slaughter, which has necessitated a closer examination of the kosher market offering.

These consumer sensitivities, combined with the general trend towards organic food consumption, reduced meat consumption or meat-free diets, and the increasing popularity of kosher products, have led to a growing awareness of the health risks associated with certain food production practices, including ritual slaughter.these consumer sensitivities, combined with the general trend towards organic food consumption, reduced meat consumption or meat-free diets, and the preference for shorter distribution channels for fresher, more local products, should influence the kosher food market in the long term.

However, the kosher segment faces unique challenges, particularly in terms of pricing. Kosher products tend to be much more expensive - sometimes up to three times - than their non-kosher counterparts. This price differential is due to the costly and meticulous kosher certification process, the smaller market size and the additional rabbinical taxes imposed on kosher businesses, which could hinder market growth for price-sensitive consumers.

With distribution mainly monopolized by specialty stores and kosher butchers, the French market reveals a reluctance on the part of major supermarkets to fully embrace the kosher product offering, in contrast to their approach to halal products. Although certified kosher establishments, such as butchers and restaurants, are widespread, representing double- and triple-digit numbers, major retailers remain cautious.

Key players in the kosher food market

The kosher food market is supported by a wide range of players, from specialist brands to major food industry groups. Each company offers a unique set of offerings to meet the dietary needs and preferences of consumers who comply with kosher dietary laws.

• specialized kosher brands
  
  
  • Yarden and Makabi

These two brands are at the forefront of the kosher food market, offering a wide selection of products that strictly adhere to Jewish dietary rules. Yarden is renowned for its quality kosher products, including meats, poultry and an assortment of grocery items that cater primarily to the dietary requirements of the Jewish community. Makabi, for its part, offers consumers a range of certified kosher foods, guaranteeing compliance with a high kosher standard. Both brands have become synonymous with reliability and authenticity in the kosher food sector, successfully carving out a niche market for themselves.

• Major food industry groups

The major players in the food industry have recognized the niche potential of the kosher market and have set out to meet the needs of this segment. Although detailed sales data for these entities are not disclosed here, their strategic moves indicate an intention to capture a share of the market traditionally dominated by specialized kosher brands.

• • Charal

As a key player in the meat industry, Charal is present in the sector through its meat products. Although not traditionally a kosher brand, this well-established company could seize the opportunity to extend its reach into the kosher market, potentially attracting not only Jews, but also a wider population looking for quality and adherence to the rigorous food preparation standards associated with kosher certification.

• • Carrefour

Representing a major force in the field of large-scale supermarkets and retailers, Carrefour may not focus specifically on kosher foods, but has the capacity to broaden its offering. By potentially including certified kosher products on its shelves, Carrefour could attract a specialized consumer base, tapping into a stable and mature niche market in France and Europe.

• • Leclerc and Auchan

Like Carrefour, these retail giants have the infrastructure and customer base to make a significant impact if they decide to increase their investment in kosher products. With the current market trend towards traceability and quality guaranteed by kosher certification, a stronger kosher offering could be a strategic decision for these major players.

• Certification agencies :
  
  
  • Star K and European Kosher Certification Board: These agencies play a central role in the market, as they are responsible for certifying that products meet the necessary kosher standards.

Inforamtion

• Number of pages : 30 pages
• Format : Digital and PDF versions
• Last update : 01/03/2022

Summary and extracts

List of charts

• Distribution of declared links with religions
• Share of population with special diets, by type
• Share of the population feeling connected to Judaism
• Religion as a dimension of identity
• Degree of religiosity of different religions
• Share of Muslim population
• Share of French Muslims buying halal meat by frequency of purchase
• Size of the global kosher food market
• Breakdown of market sales
• Estimated market size of kosher in France
• Market size of kosher and halal in France