The cider market - France

Since 2020, the French cider market has exhibited various trends, with a significant impact on production, consumption, and international trade. Despite an overall decline in alcohol consumption, and cider specifically being a relatively small fraction of alcohol sales, the market has seen a push towards premiumization, diversification, and organic products.

France maintains a strong export surplus in cider, with exports being four times higher than imports, although the coverage rate slightly decreased in 2020 to 450%. The United States remains the top export destination for French cider, accounting for 52% of exports. The organic cider segment has been cannibalizing the traditional market, indicated by a 3.1% growth. As of 2020, cider apple production reached a 10-year low, aligning with the harvested surface area's decline. 

Major players like Agrial Group and Celliers Associés have contributed significantly to the market, while smaller companies and superstores also play considerable roles. Regulations, including Protected Geographical Indication (PGI), and EU guidelines for labeling continue to influence the French cider industry.

The Evolving Landscape of Cider Consumption in France

The French market has witnessed a notable shift in cider consumption patterns over recent years. Despite the long-standing tradition of cider drinking in the country, overall alcohol consumption has shown a steady decline. Within this broader trend, cider consumption follows a similar trajectory, with a stark reduction from approximately 0.41 liters per capita to about 0.15 liters per capita. Interestingly, cider sales indicate particular preferences among French consumers. The raw cider category is the clear leader, followed by sweet cider.

However, the market for cider is not only faced with changing tastes but is also subject to the rhythms of annual festivities. Search trends for cider reach their zenith around the Christmas period, highlighting the drink's role in seasonal celebrations such as Epiphany, Chandeleur, and Mardi Gras. In terms of demographics, the older generation, those aged 65 and above, exhibit a strong loyalty to cider compared to younger age groups. There has been a marked decline in its consumption across all age categories, with the 35-49 year bracket accounting for a substantial portion of this downturn. One sector that bucks the trend of decline is organic cider.

There was a modest growth in the organic cider market, recording an increase of around 3.1% to reach a value between 8 and 9 million euros. Notably, this upward swing is concurrent with a decrease in traditional cider consumption. The demand for organic products has seen a remarkable rise across all alcoholic beverage segments, with organic ciders, beers, and other alcohols climbing by around 20 million euros in value within just two years. Cider's share within the organic sector is particularly significant, accounting for the largest proportion of organic alcoholic beverage sales at about 6.6%. By comparison, the figure for all alcoholic beverages that are organic stands at a mere 0.5%. This affinity for organic varieties is reflected in the broader organic food market as well, where alcoholic beverages contribute to nearly 11% of total organic sales.

In summary, while the French market for cider is experiencing an overall decrease in consumption consistent with the overall trend in alcohol use, there are noteworthy segments that show resilience or growth.

French Cider Market: The Key Stakeholders Driving Innovation and Growth

In the vibrant and evolving landscape of the French cider market, a handful of companies emerge as significant contributors, each playing a pivotal role in shaping the industry and responding to dynamic consumer demands.

• Agrial Group stands out as a substantial player with a multifaceted business model that transcends the cider division. Their diversified approach places them at a strategic vantage point, harnessing a wide-reaching influence over the market while providing a robust product portfolio to consumers.
  
  
• Joining the league of major companies, Celliers Associés commands attention as a critical force in the cider industry. Their focus on product quality and market presence illustrates a seasoned expertise in catering to the discerning tastes of cider aficionados, paving the way for new trends and standards within the realm of fermented fruit beverages.
  
  
• On the contrasting end of the spectrum, smaller yet equally important entities such as Les Celliers de l'Odet and Cidrerie de la Brique represent the artisanal spirit and regional heritage that are intrinsic to the cider craft. With a nod to tradition and an eye on modern preferences, these companies embody the timeless allure of cider production merged with contemporary flavor narratives.
  
  
• Superstores like Auchan and Carrefour are instrumental in bringing cider to the masses, leveraging their expansive distribution networks and consumer reach. Their role in the availability and promotion of cider products cannot be overstated, as they serve as the essential link between producers and the end-user market.

Collectively, these players, from conglomerates to local cider mills and retail giants, form the backbone of the French cider market. Their combined efforts and individual strengths contribute to a diverse and dynamic industry, one that continues to innovate and expand, offering a rich array of choices to a population with an ever-evolving palate for fruit-based alcoholic beverages.

Informations

• Nombre de pages : 30 pages
• Format : Version digitale et PDF
• Dernière mise à jour : 06/11/2021

Sommaire et extraits

Liste des graphiques

• Evolution de l'indice de prix du cidre
• Établissements et effectifs dans le secteur du cidre
• Répartition des entreprises de la production de cidre par tranche d'effectif
• Evolution du marché du cidre
• Segmentation par région du marché mondial du cidre
• Les principaux canaux de distribution
• Concentration de l'activité cidrière par entreprise
• Valeur de la production des boissons fermentées
• Balance commerciale du cidre
• Exportations de cidre
• Importations de cidre
• Quantité d'alcool mis en vente
• Parts de marché par type d'alcool
• Répartition des ventes de cidres en volume en GMS par catégorie
• Contributions aux gains / pertes en %
• Nombre de recherches pour le terme "cidre"
• Production de pommes de cidre
• Superficie de la récolte de pommes de cidre
• Valeur des ventes de cidre bio
• Parts de marchés des boissons bio
• Evolution des ventes de cidres, bières et autres boissons alcoolisées (hors vins) bios en valeur
• Répartition des ventes de produits bios par catégorie (tous circuits confondus)