The market for organic products in France in 2016
Current trends
In 2016, the value of the market for organic products in France or from organic farming was estimated at €7,147 billion:
- €6.736 billion, corresponds to household consumption (+21.7 % as compared to 2015).
- 411 million euros of purchases of organic products in France are served in out-of-home catering, of which: 229 million euros in mass catering (+5 % compared to 2015) and 182 million euros in commercial catering (+10 % compared to 2015).
Moreover, in 2016, trends in the market for organic products in France showed a change in consumption habits.
Some of the main trends of the market for organic products in France of that year are:
- Increasing demand: French consumers were increasingly interested in organic products, driven by concerns about health, food quality and the environmental impact of conventional farming.
- Product diversification: The variety of organic products available on the market expanded. In addition to fruits and vegetables, consumers started to buy more organic dairy products, meats, cereals and bakery products.
- Preference for local: Many consumers showed a preference for local organic products, valuing freshness and support for farmers in the region.
- Increase in online shopping: Shopping for organic products through online platforms started to gain popularity, facilitating access to a wider variety of products.
- Sustainability awareness: Consumers became more informed about the benefits of organic farming and sustainability, which influenced their purchasing decisions.
- Market segmentation: There was a growth in interest in specific organic products, such as gluten-free or vegan products, reflecting a greater diversity in dietary preferences.
These trends reflect a cultural shift towards a healthier and more sustainable lifestyle in France.
Other considerations for the market for organic products in France:
- 71% of organic products consumed in France come from France.
- Among the imported products 15% come from EU countries and the other part from the rest of the world.
- 43% of imports are exotic products (bananas, cocoa, coffee, etc.) or purely Mediterranean products (olives, citrus fruits, etc.), where France does not produce or has a low production of these products.
The breakdown of sales in the market for organic products in France, by distribution channel, is as follows:
Distribution channels used
Since 2011, organic sales growth in supermarkets has been relatively weaker than in other distribution channels. In 2016, the importance of the development of sales of fruit and vegetables and grocery products in this circuit helped to maintain market share at almost 45% compared to specialised organic distribution (37%), direct sales from producer to consumer (13%) and from artisans or traders (5%).
Specialised organic distribution in France remains the most dynamic circuit of the market for organic products in France, with a growth rate of almost 24% thanks to the opening of new shops, but also due to the increase in the average basket.
Direct sales experienced slightly slower growth (+15%) due to unfavourable weather conditions for production in 2016 and strong demand for long marketing channels.
Consumption trend in the market for organic products in France in 2016
In 2016, consumption in the market for organic products in France experienced remarkable growth. The French showed a growing interest in organic food, driven by an increased awareness of health, environment and product quality.
It is estimated that the market for organic products in France reached approximately 7.5 billion euros in sales, which represents a significant increase compared to previous years. The most consumed products included fruit and vegetables, dairy, and bakery products. In addition, supermarkets and specialised shops started to offer a wider range of organic products, making them more easily accessible to consumers.
This increase in consumption also reflected a broader trend in Europe towards sustainability and organic farming.
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