The oyster market - France

The oyster market is part of the larger seafood industry, with France as a dominant player, accounting for approximately 85% of the European Union's oyster production, with a volume of 118,900 tons as of 2018. However, the industry is facing challenges due to environmental concerns such as global warming, which threatens the traditional seasons crucial for oyster farming, and potential plastic contamination, impacting consumer demand. Despite these factors, the industry has been innovating with products like triploid and flavored oysters aiming to capture new markets. While the restaurant industry remains the primary buyer of oysters at 89%, the average household expenditure on oysters has seen fluctuations, with a noted decrease in the average price per kilogram to €7.3 in 2018. Regulatory efforts have been updated, including new rules for sustainable aquaculture and sanitation protocols. French exports of oysters were valued at over €107.9 million in 2019, showcasing a strong foreign demand, with Italy and China being prominent markets. The domestic market continues to be significant, with a high potential for growth given the moderate household penetration rate for oyster consumption..The French Oyster Market: Seasonal Demand and Ecological Challenges In France, the oyster market is characterized by a pronounced seasonality with a notable concentration of consumer demand in the last quarter of the year, especially around the festive December season. This surge in demand often results in substantial end-of-year pressures on supply and acute price fluctuations, sometimes reaching spikes of up to roughly 20 to 30 percent. Despite the ability to source oysters year-round, Google Trends data from the past five years highlights a cyclical peak in interest coinciding with Christmas and New Year festivities. Observations from panel surveys starting in 2018 indicate a slight decline in household penetration rates for fresh oysters, with a drop from about 19 percent in 2016 to roughly 18 percent by 2018. Speculations draw a connection between this decrease and the socio-economic climate, possibly correlating with the "yellow vest" movement. Economic conditions significantly sway the demand for oysters, viewed as luxury rather than staple goods. For instance, by the end of 2018, certain regions reported up to approximately 30 percent of oysters unsold due to the then prevalent economic and social contexts. Additionally, ecological concerns, including reports of seafood contamination from increasingly polluted seawaters and consequently ingested microplastics by consumers, might influence future demand. The French oyster market leans heavily on local production. The approximately 4,000 oyster farming enterprises, predominantly oriented towards the national market, sustain over 20,000 jobs. Regionally, distinctions in oyster varieties and farming techniques source from areas like Normandy, Brittany, Vendée, Charente-Maritime, Aquitaine, and the Mediterranean, each with its unique flavor profiles and textures. The majority of oyster farming clusters along the French west coast. Regarding market distribution, oysters remain largely geared towards the restaurant industry. Despite a significant customer potential and an average household oyster consumption frequency of about three times per year, the expensive nature of oysters limits a broader penetration within the population. Nevertheless, the array of purchase points, including direct sales, supermarkets, and restaurants, provides consumers with varied access to these molluscs throughout the year. The average price of fresh oysters appears to follow a declining trend, with a drop to about 7.3 euros per kilogram by 2018. Nonetheless, oyster prices show substantial variety based on type, season, and demand-supply dynamics. Home consumption purchases in 2018 positioned oysters behind mussels.### Key Players Shaping the Global Oyster Market Landscape The oyster market is a fascinating arena where tradition meets innovation and where small-scale producers play a significant role alongside more prominent companies that have managed to carve out a name for themselves on the international stage. Each of these players contributes uniquely to the market dynamics, offering a range of oysters that cater to the varying tastes and preferences of consumers around the world. The companies involved range from those specializing in the cultivation of premium breeds to those that have perfected mass production techniques. Let’s delve into the key market players that are setting trends and providing the world with its oyster fix. #### France Naissain – The Spat Specialist At the forefront of spat production, France Naissain stands out as one of the leading companies that specialize in the cultivation and supply of oyster seeds. They play a crucial role in the oyster life cycle, providing the foundation upon which oyster farms can flourish. #### Ermel – The Bearded Ermelow Trailblazer Another unique member of the oyster market, Ermel, has built its reputation on producing the Bearded Ermelow, a variety that has found favor among oyster connoisseurs for its exceptional quality and taste. #### Novostrea Bretagne – A Name Synonymous with Breton Excellence Novostrea Bretagne is keeping the tradition of Breton oysters alive. Renowned for their meticulous cultivation techniques, the company continues to supply the market with some of the finest oysters that the Brittany region is famous for. #### Marinove – Cultivation Innovation Always at the cutting edge, Marinove is recognized for its innovative practices in oyster cultivation. The company is known to push boundaries and introduce new methods that can better adapt to changing environmental conditions. #### Hanvec – Brittany’s Boutique Oyster Producer Another provider from Brittany, Hanvec offers a boutique touch to the oyster farming process, focusing on quality over quantity and ensuring that each oyster meets the highest standards of taste and texture. #### Satmar – The Mass Production Maestro Satmar represents the more industrial side of the oyster market. This company has mastered the art of mass-producing oysters while maintaining a level of quality that keeps them competitive on an international scale. #### Les Huîtres de Tatihou – Farm to Table Finesse The oyster gardens of Tatihou, operated by Les Huîtres de Tatihou, are famed for making fresh, high-quality oysters accessible to consumers. Their

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• Number of pages : 30 pages
• Format : Digital and PDF versions
• Last update : 01/09/2023

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Summary and extracts

List of charts

• Recherches en utilisant le mot-clé "Huître" sur Google.fr
• Taux de pénétration des huîtres fraîches
• Principaux acheteurs de coquillages
• Prix moyen des huîtres fraîches
• Valeur de la dépense moyenne d'un ménage pour des huîtres fraîches
• Répartition de la production européenne d'huîtres
• Quantités vendues à la consommation
• Valeur des ventes
• Commerce extérieur d'Huître
• Top 4 des pays de destination des exportations
• Top 4 des pays d'origine des importations

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