The cooking class market - France

The market for cookery courses in France has seen substantial growth, influenced by strong national interest in culinary activities and increased demand from tourists keen to discover French cuisine. The average price of a cooking class in France was estimated at 22 euros per hour in 2020, with regional variations such as Paris, where the average price is 29 euros per hour.

The market structure is competitive and fragmented, with a mix of local players and major players such as Atelier des Sens and the Ritz Paris, which have invested heavily in the expansion and renovation of kitchen facilities. The move towards online platforms has become more significant, with digital cooking courses gaining ground, posing a competitive threat to traditional in-person courses. High-end cooking courses are more expensive, depending on the chef's reputation, and range from €90 to €3,500 for specialized courses.

Players in the high-end segment such as Alain Ducasse generated sales of €2.06 million, while providers of standard courses such as L'atelier des chefs achieved sales of €11.22 million. Despite the challenges posed by free online alternatives, the sector's potential growth is underpinned by the French population's positive attitude towards cooking and the cyclical nature of interest, which peaks around Christmas and wanes during the summer months.

##Cooking classes in France: market and trends

In France, the passion for cooking is obvious, and a large proportion of the population is devoted to and appreciative of this culinary art. Studies show that the French have a positive view of cooking, with between 65% and 70% of those questioned expressing a penchant for the activity. This enthusiasm goes beyond mere personal interest, as cooking is also seen as an important social bond, likely to improve family relations. The desire to improve culinary skills has translated into a strong demand for cooking classes, with 15-20% of the French population expressing an interest in this type of course. Participants are primarily interested in being able to reproduce recipes at home, underlining a trend whereby individuals, particularly young cooks, are seeking simplicity and self-sufficiency in their cooking endeavours.

Interest in cooking classes shows seasonal variations, with a peak around Christmas - probably due to gift-buying - and a decline during the traditional vacation months, such as July and August. Television has played a key role in this market trend, with popular cooking shows such as"Masterchef" and"Top Chef" fuelling people's fascination with gastronomy and inspiring viewers to take up cooking themselves. These shows not only entertain, they also educate the masses, contributing to the growing demand for cooking classes.

With the growth of digital platforms, the market is also witnessing changes in the distribution of cooking classes. Online platforms such as YouTube are an abundant source of free culinary content, creating competition for traditional cooking workshops. Nevertheless, the market remains strong, with estimates putting the sector at around 27 million euros. The domestic market offers enormous potential, with participation in cooking classes having risen considerably over the years, from around 5,000 participants to between 6.5 million and 20 million interested parties.

Overall, the French market for cookery courses is strong, underpinned by a culture that celebrates culinary expertise and pleasure. With trends moving towards both traditional and digital demands, the market is ripe for suppliers who can effectively harness these preferences, offering experiences that cater to modern lifestyle choices while preserving the essence of community and family ties through food.

Key players shaping the French cooking class landscape

The French cooking course market features an eclectic mix of traditional and innovative players who are shaping the culinary education scene with their diverse offerings. From reputable institutions to digital disruptors, here's a look at the major players making waves in this tasty sector.

• Alain Ducasse Education - As a globally recognized name in the culinary world, Alain Ducasse stands out for its prestigious cooking courses that not only educate but immerse students in the art of French cuisine. His courses range from beginner to professional level and often feature renowned chefs, guaranteeing an enriching learning experience.
• L'atelier des Chefs - Considered one of the benchmarks in culinary training, L'atelier des Chefs offers a wide range of courses adapted to different levels of culinary expertise and interest. Their accessible format includes short 30-minute sessions and longer workshops, making culinary education accessible to a wide audience.
• L'atelier des Sens - Another great name, L'atelier des Sens, offers interesting and informative cooking workshops. The workshop has carved out a niche for itself by combining a hands-on culinary experience with a friendly atmosphere, which not only promotes learning but also social interaction through food.
• The Ritz Escoffier School - Housed in the luxurious Ritz Paris, the Ritz Escoffier School represents the pinnacle of culinary education, attracting those who wish to learn in opulent surroundings. Investment in state-of-the-art kitchens demonstrates the school's commitment to offering an unrivalled culinary teaching experience.
• Le Cordon Bleu - An international leader in culinary education, Le Cordon Bleu has extended its reach by establishing schools in several countries, including France. It offers comprehensive training programs for those wishing to pursue a professional culinary career.
• Cooking with Class (À La Bonne Cocotte) -Proposing experiences in picturesque locations such as Provence, Cooking with Class offers an escape for those who want to combine a vacation with learning regional culinary techniques and recipes.
• The French Kitchen - Located in Gascony, The French Kitchen is another player that combines culinary education with the allure of the French countryside. Their programs often span several days, offering immersion in local culture and cuisine.

These key players in the French cooking course market reflect the diverse demand for culinary education, blending traditional know-how with modern, practical and sometimes even luxurious teaching methods. They underline France's reputation as a world center for gastronomy and culinary arts training.

Informations

• Nombre de pages : 30 pages
• Format : Version digitale et PDF
• Dernière mise à jour : 28/09/2022

Sommaire et extraits

Liste des graphiques

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• Avec qui et comment les français partagent-t-ils leur repas ?
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• Intérêt pour la recherche "Cours de cuisine"
• Estimation de la part du tourisme dans la baisse générale de consommation par mois de confinement, par poste
• Evolution de l'intérêt pour la recherche Google "cuisine"
• Evolution de la croissance des achats en volume des produits de base
• Décomposition de l'audience par âge
• Décomposition de l'audience par sexe
• Décomposition de l'audience par sexe et âge
• Décomposition de l'audience selon le niveau de revenu
• Décomposition de l'audience par niveau de formation
• Décomposition de l'audience selon la taille du ménage