The organic fruits and vegetables market in France

Organic" fruit and vegetables come fromorganic farming, which is a system of agricultural management and food production that combines the best environmental practices with a high level of biodiversity. It aims to preserve natural resources and applies high standards of animal welfare. In addition, this production method uses mainly natural substances and products, and prohibits the use of synthetic chemicals such as pesticides, herbicides, artificial fertilizers or growth hormones. Organic fruit and vegetables are the largest and most dynamic segment of the global organic food market (which also includes beverages, cookies, meats and other condiments).the organic fruit and vegetable market includes producers, processors, wholesalers, retailers, cooperatives, specialty store franchises, independent stores and supermarkets.

The global market is dominated by the United States, which has over 39% of the world market share[FiBL], but France is not to be outdone, as the national market ranks in 3ᵉ position, just behind Germany.

The French market is extremely dynamic, with the number of its producers and acreage devoted to organic farming steadily increasing. However, new consumers, whose purchasing power continues to decline, are becoming increasingly rare, and the context is extremely difficult for specialist stores, which sell only organic products. Indeed, after more than a decade of proliferation of this type of store, 2022 was the first year to see a reduction in their numbers nationwide.

One of the market trends is the emphasis on the absence of intermediaries. Consumers want direct access to products, and some startups are enjoying great success by offering a direct link between producers and end consumers. Home-delivered organic baskets thus appear to represent a strong growth potential for the market.