The caviar market - France

The global caviar market has faced numerous challenges and developments starting from 2020. Despite the COVID-19 pandemic hampering sales through restaurants, which traditionally account for two-thirds of caviar producers' turnover, the industry has shown resilience. With the closure of restaurants during lockdown periods, producers accumulated large stocks which they sought to offload through alternative avenues such as GSA (Large Food Retail), and e-commerce platforms like Click & Collect.

The caviar industry is characterized by major R&D efforts to improve sturgeon breeding and caviar quality. Such endeavors signal a recovery trajectory and potential for market growth, despite the disruptions caused by the pandemic.

Market Trends and Demand Analysis in the French Caviar Industry

In recent years, France has emerged as a major player in the global caviar market, ranking as the third-largest producer worldwide, with production figures undergoing a substantial increase. Despite being a significant producer, the French market experiences a curious contradiction in caviar consumption; although the nation stands among the top caviar consumers globally, with an annual intake of around 50 tonnes, a large majority of the population—estimated at 80%—has never tasted caviar.

Caviar in France is primarily considered a luxury product, not essential to traditional French culinary experiences, but rather perceived as "the little extra luxury" for celebratory contexts. The industry is notably affected by seasonality, with a staggering 70% of annual turnover occurring in December alone, synchronizing with the Christmas and New Year festivities. The French market also exhibits a remarkable interest in caviar during this period based on search trends, but this does not translate to regular consumption throughout the year, as the product is mainly acquired for special occasions.

An intriguing aspect of the French caviar market is its pricing perceptions. While many locals estimate a caviar tin to cost around €78, lower-end options are available, averaging about €1 per gram, and certain brands offer caviar at prices below €20 per 25 grams—suggesting that caviar is now more accessible than in the past. However, this has not penetrated widely into consumer habits, as only 10-20% of the population consider it a desirable luxury treat for the holiday season.

Despite the challenges of public perception and consumption habits, France has succeeded in positioning itself as a net exporter of caviar, showcasing a healthy trade surplus that rose by 25%. The French caviar industry is supported by top consumer countries like Japan and Germany, which together account for more than a third of the French caviar export market.

The Covid-19 pandemic negatively impacted the caviar market, particularly due to the reliance on restaurants and catering services, which represent two-thirds of caviar trade channels. With the restrictions on dining establishments, caviar producers have been pushed to find alternative markets and have focused on direct consumer channels and downsizing to smaller, more affordable quantities to stimulate sales. 

The Pillars of French Caviar: An Overview of Key Market Players

France's caviar industry is comprised of a variety of players that contribute significantly to its prestige and economic influence. The following section provides an exploration of the prominent companies that orchestrate the symphony of French caviar production and distribution.

• Aquitaine Producers 
  
  
  • Caviar House Group: Known for its Plum Caviar brand, this entity has established itself firmly in the market with a strong commitment to quality and a reputation that spans decades.
    
    
  • Kaviar Group: With brands like Sturia, Akitania, and Siberia, Kaviar Group has diversified its portfolio to cater to a broad range of tastes and preferences, ensuring that they have something for every type of caviar aficionado.
    
    
  • The Sturgeon Farm: Home to Perlita Caviar, this farm is praised for its sustainable farming practices and dedication to producing caviar that rivals the traditional delicacies of the wild.
    
    
  • Caviar de France: Offering brands such as Diva and Ebene, Caviar de France prides itself on bringing a touch of elegance and luxury to the tables of caviar enthusiasts.
    
    
•  Sologne Producer
  
  
  • Sologne Caviar: As the sole caviar producer in the verdant region of Sologne, this company is known for its environmental stewardship and high-quality caviar production that respects the natural growth cycles of the sturgeon.
    
    
• Restaurants and Delicatessens
  
  
  • The Nordic House: Beyond a purveyor of fine caviar, The Nordic House is a boutique establishment that brings a culinary experience to its customers, marrying tradition with modern gastronomy.
    
    
  • Petrossian: A name synonymous with luxury, Petrossian has built a legacy as one of the oldest and most prestigious caviar houses in the world. It stands as a bastion of culinary excellence and time-honored tradition.
    
    
• Consumer Products
  
  
  • Labeyrie: While vastly diversified in its offerings, Labeyrie has managed to carve out a place for itself in the realm of accessible luxury, providing premium caviar within the reach of mainstream consumers.
    
    
• Large-scale Distribution
  
  
  • Carrefour: A multinational retailer, Carrefour ensures that deluxe products like caviar find their way into the homes of the masses, reflecting a democratization of this once exclusively aristocratic delicacy.
    
    
  • Intermarché

Informations

• Nombre de pages : 30 pages
• Format : Version digitale et PDF
• Dernière mise à jour : 08/11/2021

Sommaire et extraits

Liste des graphiques

• Principaux pays producteurs de caviar
• Production de caviar au niveau mondial
• Les différents prix en fonction du type de caviar
• Répartition géographique de la production de caviar
• Répartition de la distribution de la production de caviar
• Production de caviar
• Quel élément est indispensable au repas de Noël, selon vous ?
• Quel serait pour vous " le petit luxe" en plus pour cette année ?
• Avez-vous déjà goûté au caviar ?
• À quelle fréquence achetez-vous du caviar ?
• Prévoyez-vous de consommer du caviar à l'occasion des fêtes ?
• Répartition du chiffre d'affaires de la filière caviar
• Intérêt pour la recherche "Caviar"
• Exportations, importations et taux de couverture sur le marché du caviar
• Destination des exportations de caviar
• Origine des importations de caviar
• Évolution du chiffre d'affaires des restaurants et services de restauration mobile