The olive oil market - France

The world olive oil market remains concentrated in the Mediterranean region, with Spain the main producer, accounting for over 40% of global output. Consumption has shown a long-term upward trend, with significant growth over the last three decades, although the pace has slowed since the late 2000s. France plays primarily a consumer rather than a producer role, importing 95% of its olive oil and posting a trade deficit with imports valued at 419.8 million euros against exports worth 40.9 million euros in 2022. French consumers prefer high-quality products, extra virgin olive oil being the most popular. The organic olive oil segment is growing rapidly, particularly in France, where 36% of olive groves will be certified organic by 2021. COVID-19 has had a significant impact on the industry, with producers concerned about the long-term effects on the market.

Market share by value in France reveals a preference for brands like Puget, but private labels hold a combined majority with 41% of the market by 2023.

The French olive oil market: a consumer-dominated landscape against a backdrop of growing import dependency and a trend towards organic farming

In the French olive oil market, consumer preference clearly drives market trends. France, which is primarily a market of olive oil consumers rather than producers, has seen consumption multiply significantly in the space of two decades. Although domestic production represents only a small proportion of national consumption, French consumers have embraced olive oil not only as a staple food, but also as a luxury, quality product.

Interestingly, the French market is driven not only by the volume of consumption, but also by the nature of that consumption. Extra virgin olive oil, revered for its quality and health benefits, is the favorite of French consumers. Based on sales figures, the French olive oil market is valued at several hundred million euros, representing a significant share of the overall oil market in terms of value. It is therefore a robust market with high economic stakes for the various players.

Despite the significant share of imports, France retains a preference for authenticity and Mediterranean roots when it comes to olive oil, placing great importance on the taste, aroma and health benefits associated with its consumption. The market has grown steadily over the last few decades, despite some fluctuations. The preference for olive oil is also reflected geographically and demographically, with rural communities showing higher consumption than sparsely populated towns.the preference for olive oil is also evident geographically and demographically, with rural communities showing higher consumption than densely populated towns, and higher income brackets representing a considerable segment of consumers. One- and two-person households are the largest consumer group, and in the space of a year, the average household purchased several liters of olive oil.

Organic olive oil has made impressive inroads into the market, reflecting a wider global trend. France, in particular, has been at the forefront of this development, holding a substantial share of Europe's organically grown olive groves. This move towards organic production has been facilitated by EU subsidies, suggesting a promising avenue for market differentiation and segmentation in the French olive oil landscape. Despite these preferences and changes, the French olive oil market has not been immune to external shocks.

The Covid-19 pandemic caused great concern among olive oil producers, with strong apprehensions as to the long-term consequences on the market, following a period of strong growth. consequences on the market, after a year marked by heavy revenue losses and operational activities hampered by containment.

Key players shaping the French olive oil landscape

The French olive oil market is made up of a large number of companies, ranging from multinational food giants to specialized premium producers, each bringing unique flavors and business practices to the table. Here's a look at some of the big names dominating the conversation around olive oil in France.

Diversified food groups lead the market

• Lesieur and Bunge lead the pack. These companies have a broad portfolio of food products, and their olive oil brands benefit from their extensive distribution networks and economies of scale.
• Unilever, known for its wide range of consumer goods, makes a significant contribution to the olive oil market thanks to its well-established supply chains.
• Deoleo, the world's leading olive oil specialist, is committed to tradition and innovation.
• Avril is firmly rooted in the European agri-food landscape, and is constantly expanding its field of action.
• Mediaco also contributes to the olive oil scene by focusing on both production and distribution.
• Olive and olive oil specialists
• Puget, a brand with a rich history that resonates with the French consumer's love of tradition and quality.
• Carapelli has stood the test of time, offering a range of olive oils that echo the taste and purity sought by customers. Tramier completes this group, offering a blend of experience and artisan know-how in olive oil production.

The essence of top-quality production

• Oliviers & Co and Moulin de Margier, which champion the concept of exclusivity and luxury in olive oil. These brands delight in producing top-of-the-range products for a clientele that appreciates the subtleties of a terroir taste and the story behind each bottle. Castelas Mill, like its counterparts, emphasizes the value of high-quality, locally-sourced olives, creating oils as rich in character as they are in flavor.

Each player, from giants to artisan mills, has carved out its own niche in the French market, contributing to a complex and fascinating olive oil landscape that continues to evolve in line with consumer preferences and market dynamics. Together, these brands form the backbone of an industry as diverse as the varieties of olives they press.

Inforamtion

• Number of pages : 30 pages
• Format : Digital and PDF versions
• Last update : 20/11/2023

Summary and extracts

List of charts

• Main olive oil producing countries (forecast)
• Estimated olive oil consumption
• Olive oil consumption
• Olive oil imports and exports
• Main destinations for olive oil exports
• Annual consumption of olive oil
• Main olive oil suppliers
• Number of households buying olive oil in France
• Evolution of national olive oil production in France
• Distribution of regional production in France
• Volumes of olive oil sold by mills by marketing channel
• Olive oil price trends
• Extra virgin olive oil prices
• Trend in average olive oil prices in traditional, e-commerce and hard discount supermarkets
• Growth in certified or in-conversion areas worldwide
• Growth in organic olive oil acreage
• Countries with the highest share of biological surface area
• Poll: "On a scale of 0 to 10, how concerned are you about the long-term effects of the coronavirus?"
• Olive oil market share by value