The shrimp market - France

The global shrimp market has experienced significant growth, with total shrimp production up 65% to 10,402 thousand tonnes, where aquaculture accounts for 65% of this total. The French shrimp market is in line with these global trends, having increased by 21%. However, domestic production in France cannot meet demand, so the country mainly imports shrimp, particularly the Penaeus Vannamei species, from American and Asian countries. The French market is concentrated among a few key players, and only a few companies control a substantial share of processed shrimps.

Demand in France has also peaked, particularly in the self-service seafood section of supermarkets, where sales have risen from €312 million in 2019 to €389 million in 2021, showing a preference for convenience and ready-to-cook products. The market is regulated with regard to issues such as fish stock preservation, size, labeling and origin, with minimum size requirements such as 5 cm for pink shrimp to protect against overfishing. Despite challenges such as the need to improve traceability and responsible farming practices, the shrimp market continues to thrive, propelled by consumer demand for this versatile seafood product.

Market trends and consumption

The French shrimp market has grown steadily in recent years. This increase, from 560 million euros to 677 million euros, illustrates the growing appetite of French consumers for shrimps. Despite significant market growth, French shrimp production remains limited, at just over a thousand tonnes a year, which pales into insignificance when compared with the massive imports of around 150,000 tonnes. These imports are crucial, as the preferred variety, Penaeus Vannmei, requires the warm waters of Southeast Asia and America for cultivation.

A notable trend on the French market is the strong demand for bouquet shrimp, despite the mismatch between supply and demand, with only 350 tons marketed out of a demand of 800 tons per year. Cooked shrimps, a preferred choice in France, recorded sales worth 525 million euros in 2020, a figure almost 13 times higher than sales of their raw counterparts. Clearly, convenience and ease of preparation are behind the popularity of cooked shrimps. This choice translates not only into substantial revenues, but also into the types of shrimp sold, a majority of which belong to the Penaeus Vannamei species.

Distribution channels play an important role in shrimp sales in France. Supermarkets and hypermarkets are major players, contributing 65-80% of shrimp sales, depending on product processing. The prices consumers face for shrimp vary considerably from one channel to another. For example, a kilogram of cooked chilled shrimp costs an average of 18.8 euros in supermarkets, while a kilogram of frozen shrimp in freezer centers costs an average of 32.2 euros. This price differentiation is influenced by factors such as the import price, which is an important component of the final retail price, as well as handling and distribution costs.

Regulatory aspects also have an impact on the shrimp market, as European regulations aim to preserve fish stocks by enforcing rules on labeling, product origin and minimum catch sizes. Compliance with these regulations is essential to sustain the sector and ensure consumer confidence. Labels such as organic and ASC underline a consumer preference for sustainably sourced shrimp, even if these segments still represent only a fraction of the market, along with conventional shrimp.

Key players in the French shrimp market: a landscape of domination and diversification

As demand for shrimp in France continues to grow, a closer look at the market reveals a few dominant entities that play a key role in satisfying the country's appetite for this delicacy. Among the multitude of players, some stand out for their significant role at different stages of the shrimp supply chain - from processing to retail distribution.

• FranceAgriMer is a notable national player, deeply involved in the French agriculture and seafood sectors. As an organization, it provides valuable information and conducts research that helps inform industry trends and regulatory practices.
• Crusta'c has established itself as a major player. Specializing in shrimp cookers, it is part of a concentrated industry where a minimal number of companies process a large proportion of the shrimp passing through the market.
• Pescanova stands out as a key global player with strong ambitions in the shrimp sector. Recognized worldwide, its participation in the French market underlines the growing interconnection of global seafood networks.
• Picard represents a leading force in the frozen food industry, extending its reach into the shrimp market with its range of frozen seafood products adapted to the French palate.
• Carrefour France is a well-known name in the retail sector and acts as a major distributor of shrimp, drawing on its extensive supermarket network to meet French consumer demand.
• Capitaine Houat and Delpierre are leading fisheries that contribute to the supply of domestic and imported shrimp varieties. Their expertise in sustainable fishing practices and product quality adds a level of confidence and reliability for consumers.
• Aker Biomarine, while not a direct player in shrimp production or distribution, is associated with the seafood industry because of its involvement in sustainable biotechnology practices, which could have implications for future developments in aquaculture, including shrimp farming.
• Crustafrais' position in this market should not be underestimated, as, like other specialist companies, it plays a specific role in the trade and distribution of shrimp products.

The overall positioning of these players varies, from those focusing on the production and supply of raw shrimp to entities primarily involved in value-added processes such as cooking, packaging and distribution of ready-to-eat products.

Inforamtion

• Number of pages : 30 pages
• Format : Digital and PDF versions
• Last update : 01/02/2022

Summary and extracts

List of charts

• Trends in the size of the shrimp market
• Trends in shrimp fishing and production
• Share of global shrimp production
• Main shrimp-producing countries (aquaculture)
• Main shrimp-producing countries (fishing)
• Market size trends
• Main shrimp imports and exports
• Trends in shrimp and prawn consumption
• Penetration rate by product type
• French shrimp production trend
• Distribution of chilled cooked shrimp by value
• Breakdown of seafood - frozen food outlets
• Breakdown of seafood purchasing locations - fresh produce
• Breakdown of seafood purchasing locations - chilled delicatessen products
• Breakdown of seafood purchasing locations - canned goods
• Breakdown of shrimp prices per kg by processing method and distribution channel
• Breakdown of supermarket cooked shrimp prices
• Sales of shrimps in the LS seafood department