The dried fruit market - France

The global dried fruit market is characterized by varied production and consumption patterns, the key products being peanuts, almonds, raisins, pistachios, walnuts, dates, cashews and hazelnuts. Over the period 2022-2023, while peanuts topped the production ladder with over 50 million tonnes and saw no growth, almonds saw a significant production decline of 11.8%. Although the overall market produced 56 million tonnes, some segments such as raisins fell by 6%.

The French domestic market declined by 3.1%, reaching 6% in 2022, under the influence of a reduction in teleworking, a rebound in out-of-home consumption and inflation. The main French brands experienced mixed fortunes, with private labels suffering a 4.9% decline, while Color Foods grew by 7.6%. France, renowned for its prunes and walnuts, has private and cooperative initiatives underway to strengthen its position in almonds and pistachios due to consumer preference for health benefits, unprocessed natural foods and local products. French prunes have faced stiff competition from cheaper international sources, leading to a demand for PGI designation to add value.

In contrast to the increase in production and quality of nuts such as walnuts, market prices have fallen due to an oversupply in relation to demand. Initiatives such as Compagnie des Amandes are striving to revitalize almond production in France, aiming to plant thousands of hectares and build processing facilities to meet the growing demand for healthy, traceable snacks, while addressing sustainability concerns such as eco-friendly packaging.

The dried fruit market in France has seen significant changes in consumer preferences and habits.

French consumers have become more health- and environment-conscious, which has led to changes in supply and demand dynamics within the dried fruit industry. Health benefits have been one of the main drivers of dried fruit consumption in France. Packed with vitamins, nutrients and essential fats, dried fruits, like nuts and seeds, are increasingly appreciated for their energizing and satiating effects.

What's more, studies have shown a potential link between regular consumption of dried fruit and a reduced risk of certain types of cancer. As a result, the French are incorporating dried fruit into their diet, not only as a source of energy for sporting activities, but also as a preventive measure in the event of health problems. Another aspect influencing the dried fruit market is the growing rejection of ultra-processed foods by French consumers.

Over the last decade, the trend has been to seek ingredient transparency and minimize consumption of processed foods. As natural, unprocessed foods, dried fruit responds to consumers' desire for healthier snack alternatives. This trend has led to a significant increase in sales of dried fruit.

From an environmental point of view, demand for sustainable packaging solutions is growing. with a significant percentage of French consumers keen to reduce the use of plastic, dried fruit companies are responding by investing in environmentally-friendly packaging options such as biodegradable, compostable and recyclable materials. Switching to eco-design not only improves brand image, but also enhances customer relations and employee motivation.

What's more, the French are increasingly keen to consume organic and locally-produced food. Although France imports a considerable quantity of dried fruit, the country specializes in the production of French prunes, around 30% of which are exported. France is also interested in local walnut production, as evidenced by the bumper harvest of 2022, which reached between 45,000 and 55,000 tonnes. However, this surge in production has created a supply that outstrips demand, leading to a fall in market prices.

To capitalize on the local and organic trend, efforts are underway to resurrect other nuts such as pistachios and almonds "Made in France". While pistachio cultivation is a long-term initiative with harvests in a few years' time, almond cultivation has been the subject of a more immediate commitment with an estimated 250 to 350 hectares planted in winter 2020 and plans for continued expansion and investment in processing facilities.

The dried fruit market in France is nuanced, with key players driving the dried fruit market landscape

The dried fruit market is a dynamic space, with several key players distinguishing themselves through their production, innovation and market penetration strategies. These companies lead the way in industry dynamics and shape consumer choices through the diversity of their offerings and their specialization in different market segments.

• Mondial Fruits Secs - As a leading name in the industry, Mondial Fruits Secs maintains a strong position in the dried fruit market. Renowned for offering a range of dried fruits that meet consumer tastes and preferences, this brand continues to be a top choice for those seeking both variety and quality in their dried fruit selections.
• Maître Prunille - Proud of its French roots, Maître Prunille is not only a competitor in the market, but also a specialist in dried plums, particularly the iconic Agen prunes. With a proud heritage and an IGP designation that attests to their quality and authenticity, Maître Prunille maintains a reputable position in the French dried fruit market. This brand is diversifying its reach with sub-brands such as L'instant Pruneau, which offers a range of premium prunes, and Rigopop, which ventures into the realm of popcorn made from French corn.
• Private labels - In terms of market dominance, private labels hold a substantial volume share, reflecting consumers' predilection for cost-effective options without compromising on quality. These brands offer consumers a cost-effective alternative, which is crucial, especially at a time when economic factors influence purchasing habits.
• Color Foods - An innovator at heart, Color Foods has demonstrated its ability to meet consumer demands for sustainable development. By introducing environmentally-friendly packaging and an assortment of sub-brands that meet different consumer needs, such as Les FADAS de fruits secs for organic snacks and SUN for raw and processed dried fruit, they are paving the way for environmentally-friendly, health-oriented food consumption.
• Daco Bello - As a major player, Daco Bello has established its presence in the dried fruit market by offering a range of natural, nutritious dried fruit options that resonate well with the health-conscious consumer segment.
• Sun-Maid - Best known for its raisins, California-based Sun-Maid Growers has long been a household name, not only in the U.S., but around the world. Its classic offerings and commitment to natural, sun-dried fruit without artificial additives have won it a loyal consumer base and set high standards in the industry.

Informations

• Nombre de pages : 30 pages
• Format : Version digitale et PDF
• Dernière mise à jour : 09/11/2023

Sommaire et extraits

Liste des graphiques

• Les fruits les plus consommés par les Français avec le nombre d'importation
• Evolution du chiffre d'affaire du marché des fruits secs
• Top 5 des parts de marché en volume (production)
• Les tendances alimentaires des Français
• Part de marché en volume des principaux intervenants du marché des fruits secs
• Parts de la production mondiale de pruneaux sur 5 ans
• Cours expédition des noix
• Avantages de l'écoconception
• Indice des prix à la consommation : Fruits secs et fruits à coque
• Part de marché en valeur des catégories de fruits secs
• Evolution de la consommation par habitant des principaux fruits secs en France
• Les produits préférés des acheteurs en vrac
• Avantages d'acheter des produits en vrac
• Une alimentation plus responsable : ce que les Français disent
• Evolution de la consommation bio en France selon le circuit de distribution
• Evolution de la consommation de sucre (sucre de bouche (en morceaux ou en poudre) + sucre incorporé aux produits sucrés) des Français
• Proportion du sucre consommé
• Canaux de distribution industrie du Vrac