The beer market - France

Since 2020, the global beer market has fluctuated due to the COVID-19 pandemic, which saw production fall by over 6.28%. In 2021, production began to recover, with global output reaching 1.89 billion hectolitres. Despite challenges such as rising production costs, due in part to higher energy prices, the market experienced growth. In France, beer sales rose by 11.8% in 2021, reaching 4.43 billion euros, and the sector remained dynamic with revenues of 4.7 billion euros in 2022.French beer consumption has remained stable, dropping slightly from 39 to 33 liters per person per year.

The French market reflects a global trend, with a few big players like Heineken and Carlsberg dominating alongside a multitude of independent local breweries that have contributed to a doubling of direct jobs in the industry between 2015 and 2022. Non-alcoholic beers are also a fast-growing segment.

Excise duties and labeling regulations continue to shape the industry, with France a major importer, sourcing mainly from Belgium, the Netherlands and the UK, although it is a significant producer.

A shift towards hops and conviviality

The French market has witnessed a notable shift in alcohol consumption, gradually moving away from traditional table wines towards the charming effervescence of beers. Over the past few decades, the appeal of beer has strengthened, with the household beer consumption index rising beyond all expectations, more than doubling from the benchmark to exceed an index of 250 by 2020. It's hard to ignore this burgeoning affinity, a testament to brilliant marketing and evolving consumer tastes.

Beer enjoys a privileged position among the French population, perceived by the majority as a drink that embodies conviviality - appreciated by some 95% for its social entertainment qualities. Its wide range of flavours appeals to the tastes of almost 94% of consumers, and its appeal does not diminish with age, with 92% of consumers of all generations appreciating it in the same way. 

Against this backdrop, the French have a pronounced taste for different brands of beer, with Leffe being the most admired brand, garnering the affection of over 57.8% of consumers surveyed. Brands such as Carlsberg, though less endearing by comparison, still managed to carve out a special place for themselves, with almost 35.9% of consumers expressing their attachment to this brand. It's worth noting that, with the exception of the Desperados brand, which enjoys an even split between the sexes, other beer labels tend to lean towards the preference of a specific gender.

From a broader perspective, overall alcohol consumption in the country has followed a downward trajectory, declining by around 18% in volume per individual. This decline is the sign of a societal shift towards more responsible drinking patterns, encouraged by health prevention campaigns. However, in a contradictory fashion, specific beer consumption per person has risen modestly, showing that, in the alcohol segment, beer is capturing a growing share of the market. The juxtaposition of preferences is striking when comparing beer with other alcoholic beverages such as wine or champagne. More than 51% of the population prefer beer, confirming its position as a beverage, but also as an everyday consumer product.

The French beer market is rich in history and flavor, and features a wide range of players whose products range from classic lagers to innovative craft products.

at the very epicenter of this dynamic market are several key companies that have established themselves not only as market leaders, but also as integral elements of French beer culture. These titans of the industry include Heineken NV, Kronenbourg SAS (a subsidiary of Carlsberg A/S), AB InBev NV, Brasserie Meteor, and Difcom La Cave des Pères SA. Each of these entities brings its own style, brand and strategic approach to the French beer landscape, ensuring a diverse and competitive environment.

• Heineken NV is not only a popular Dutch export, but also a major force in the French beer market. With a portfolio of dominant brands such as Heineken itself, Desperados and Affligem, the company has established itself as a leading competitor. Its triple leadership in production, distribution and retailing gives it a formidable presence, not least through its control of France Boissons, a powerful distribution network serving thousands of foodservice customers.
• Kronenbourg SAS, under the aegis of Denmark's Carlsberg, is the largest beer producer on French soil, with production figures that speak volumes about its impact. The Obernai brewery is a testament to its production capacity, with millions of hectolitres produced every year. Kronenbourg beers strike a balance between tradition and trend, with its flagship 1664 brand representing the elegance of French brewing, and other brands dominating different segments, including the alcohol-free beer category.
• Belgium's AB InBev NV, the world leader in the sector, plays a slightly different game, relying on the strength of fully imported beers such as Leffe and Hoegaarden, even though it has no brewery in France. Nevertheless, the presence of these beloved brands ensures AB InBev a significant share of the market, resonating with customers who appreciate tradition and international renown.
• Brasserie Meteor, a proud family brewery, embodies French brewing heritage through its independence and long tradition. The brewery blends the art of regional craftsmanship with an innovative spirit, offering beers that cater both to local tastes and to those seeking a true French brewing experience.
• Difcom La Cave des Pères SA specializes in importing and distributing a variety of beers, offering French consumers a global selection.

Informations

• Nombre de pages : 30 pages
• Format : Version digitale et PDF
• Dernière mise à jour : 20/11/2023

Sommaire et extraits

Liste des graphiques

• Taille du marché mondial de la bière sur la base d'un TCAC de 4,67%
• Evolution de la production mondiale de bière
• Parts de marché des entreprises du secteur
• Evolution des ventes de bières en volume
• Les ventes de bière en France parmi les autres boissons alcoolisées (GMS seulement)
• Evolution des exportations et importations de bières
• Principaux pays-clients (exportations en valeur)
• Principaux pays fournisseurs (importations en valeur)
• Emplois générés par le marché de la bière : 61237 emplois
• Valeur ajoutée générée par la bière (3,89 Mds €)
• Nombre d'emplois direct de l'industrie brassicole en France
• Evolution du chiffre d'affaires des fabricants de bière en France
• Evolution de la production de bière en France
• Valeur des ventes de bière consommées dans les débits et hors débits
• Répartition des ventes de bières en 2022 par débouché en France
• Répartition des ventes de bières en GMS
• Poids des leaders français de la bière
• Parts des entreprises brassicoles, France, (%)
• Valeur des ventes au détail de bière par catégorie
• Indice des prix à la production de la bière
• Evolution de l'IPC depuis 2000, base 100 en 2015
• Revenus des droits d'accise dans le secteur de la bière
• Evolution de la consommation individuelle de boissons alcoolisées
• Consommation individuelle de boissons alcoolisées en France, par produit
• Evolution de l'indice de la consommation de bière par les ménages
• Plutôt bière ou vin ?
• Les marques de bière préférées des Français
• Comparaison du niveau d'appréciation des marques de bière en fonction du genre
• Comparaison du niveau d'appréciation de 5 marques de bière en fonction de l'âge des répondants