The soup market - France

As of 2020 and beyond, the European industrial soup market, inclusive of France, has been experiencing a downward trend in production and demand. While the European soup production stood at $2.6 billion with an average negative CAGR of -1.3%, the French market was hit harder, with a CAGR of -7.59%. France represents approximately 15% of the European production, yet its domestic consumption significantly declined to around $385 million in size, with a coverage rate of 85% indicating more imports than exports within recent years.

Major players like Continental Foods and Unilever dominate the market through brands like Liebig and Royco. Demand shifts towards classic, natural, and organic soups have become noticeable, with Knorr leading the organic segment and brands like La Potagère focusing on wellness positioning. 

Declining Appetite for Industrial Soups Amidst Health and Seasonality Factors

The once hearty soup market in France has seen a simmering down, with a noticeable dip in demand for industrial soups marking recent years. In an era where between 15 and 20 million French indulged in the liquid comfort of soups, the spoonfuls have reduced to just over 16 million. This decline corresponds to a negative Compound Annual Growth Rate (CAGR) of approximately -5.16%, pointing towards a cooling interest in these convenient, ready-made meals.

A significant contributor to this downtrend is the evolving palate of the newer generations, who are straying away from soups, considering them less of a 'real meal'. Their waning interest aligns with a broader shift in dietary trends, emphasizing the naturalness of foods and raising suspicions over the additives and preservatives in off-the-shelf soup products. This change has led to a noticeable shift from instant and dehydrated soups towards fresher variants, perceived as the closest to homemade goodness, indicating a pivot towards quality over convenience. Interestingly, while the demand for hot, comforting soups wanes with warmer winters, the market finds relief in the rising popularity of cold soups like gazpacho during the summertime.

However, this segment displays a marked seasonality, peaking between spring and summer, offering a short-lived respite to manufacturers. In tandem with these demand dynamics, the industrial soup market also braces itself against regulatory winds, with new laws such as the "food law"  aimed at fairer price constructions based on production costs and a balancing of power within the food sector. Amidst raised eyebrows over glutamate and other flavor enhancers used to amplify taste, and a concerted focus on salt content, the soup industry is stirred to adapt to healthier and more balanced offerings to align with consumer expectations.

The market structure reveals a broth dominated by big-name players like Continental Foods and Unilever, stirring the pot with well-established brands such as Liebig, Royco, Knorr, and Maggi. Yet as the playfield becomes increasingly competitive, with more than 24 new companies emerging, a renewed appetite for "classic" recipes is influencing the market. In light of these shifting tastes and regulations, the French industrial soup market finds itself in a state of flux. The sustenance once provided by these quick fixes in a bowl is slowly giving way to.

Key Players Steering the Dynamics of the French Soup Market Landscape

As we delve into the vibrant landscape of the French soup industry, it is evident that the market is shaped by the presence of major international and specialized domestic players, each leaving its unique mark.

• Continental Food France takes center stage with its commanding presence, harnessing the strength of its formidable duo, Liebig and Royco. Liebig has captured consumers' attention with its extensive range of canned and packaged soups, leading the market with traditional and premium selections. Meanwhile, Royco continues to reign supreme in the instant soup sector, providing quick, tasty solutions for consumers on the go.
  
  
• Another global titan that has established a robust footing in the realm of soup production is Unilever France SA. With their iconic brand Knorr, they cater to a variety of consumer preferences, including those inclined towards organic and environment-friendly products. Knorr's attentiveness to the evolving trends in environmental consciousness and sustainability has led them to package more of their offerings in recyclable glass bottles.
  
  
• PepsiCo France may be more commonly associated with beverages, but this giant has smoothly transitioned into the world of soup manufacturing, bringing its marketing prowess and extensive distribution network into play to secure a slice of the soup market.
  
  
• Special mention must be made of dedicated soup aficionados like La Potagère, a brand that stands out for its steadfast commitment to naturalness and wellness. By emphasizing the purity and authenticity of their soups, they've garnered a significant share of the market, tapping into the consumer's growing desire for wholesome and nutritious meals.
  
  
• Soup'Idéale represents the niche, craft segment of the market, underscoring the importance of locality and sustainability. Their strategy focuses on minimizing food wastage by collaborating with local producers, and their eco-friendly packaging aligns with the global shift towards sustainable consumption.
  
  
• Lastly, retail heavyweights like Carrefour SA and Picard Surgelés SA cannot be overlooked, as they extend their own private-label products into the fray. With their expansive retail presence and consumer trust, they are well-positioned to cater to the ready-to-eat soup segment, offering convenience and variety to the French table. The synergy between these key players—global brands, dedicated artisans, and retail giants—paints a picture of a market rich in diversity, customer orientation, and innovation, all united by the love of a hearty, comforting bowl of soup.

Inforamtion

• Number of pages : 30 pages
• Format : Digital and PDF versions
• Last update : 07/09/2023

Summary and extracts

List of charts

• Ventes des soupes par types
• Evolution de l'indice de prix des soupes
• [Copy] Value of soup production
• [Copy] Breakdown of sales by country
• [Copy] [Copy] Breakdown of sales by country
• [Copy] Making soups
• [Copy] Value of soup production
• [Copy] Foreign trade in soup manufacturing
• [Copy] Main countries of origin of imports
• Principaux pays fournisseurs de soupes
• [Copy] Number of soup consumers
• Consommation de soupe par types de consommateurs
• Sondage : "Comment percevez-vous la consommation de soupes ?"
• [Copy] Market shares of the main soup brands
• Part de marché des différentes marques de soupe
• Evolution des parts de marché des marques de soupe
• Consumption of Alvalle Gazpacho
• Part du bio dans le marché des soupes
• Les marques de soupes préférées des français
• Comparaison du niveau d'appréciation de 4 marques de soupe en fonction de la catégorie d'âge
• Comparaison du niveau d'appréciation de 2 marques de soupes en fonction de la région des répondants
• Comparaison du niveau d'appréciation de 3 marques de soupes en fonction de la catégorie socio-professionnelle des répondants
• Number of companies producing soups