The professional kitchen equipment market - France

The professional kitchen equipment market covers a wide range of products, from cooking systems and refrigeration equipment to preparation and washing equipment. This sector is closely linked to demand from commercial and institutional catering, as well as other sectors such as hotels, the food trade and healthcare establishments. In France, this market has been growing since 2019, with around 22% of sales generated by exports. It is dominated by international groups such as Ali Group, Rational and Illinois Tool Work, but French SMEs stand out thanks to their positions in specific segments. The sector is evolving under the influence of several trends. Among these, decarbonization is becoming a major competitive lever, with initiatives such as the development of energy-efficient equipment or the adoption of technologies to reduce CO₂ emissions in professional kitchens. For example, some companies are innovating with intelligent cooking systems or energy-efficient fryers, responding to the growing demand for sustainable equipment in commercial catering. The boom in reconditioned equipment, driven by companies like Vesto, is redefining market business models by offering more affordable alternatives to new equipment. Worldwide, the professional kitchen equipment market is forecast to grow at an average annual rate of 4.8%, driven mainly by North America, particularly the United States, and Asia-Pacific. The market is also marked by structural transformations, such as the rise of e-commerce, with Metro' s offensive via its marketplace launched in September 2023, and the growing adoption of long-term rental solutions for professional equipment. These dynamics, combined with the sector's strong dependence on out-of-home catering, point to a mixed future.