France
Country
France
Continent
Western Europe
Market Performance
According to Agence Bio, the French organic market - the 2nd largest n the EU, grew by EUR 1.3B (17%) in 2016 to reach EUR 8.3B by 2017.
During the 1st half on 2017 , organic food and drink value grew by 21.7% to EUR 6.7B. Milk and produce product growth slowed due to difficult climatic conditions in 2016-17, however, both meat & egg (+14%) and wine (+15%) saw good growth.
Approx 50% of organic sales are sold through independent stores, including exclusively organic chains, such as Biocoop, Naturalia and La Vie Claire. There is also a well supported, government backed action plan for organic - 'Ambition Bio 2022', a program to increase land are by 15% and organic in public procurement by 20% . Funding progressively increased from 4 to 8 million euros per year and they are extending the organic tax credit, which will be also increased from 2,500 to 3,500 Euros.
The French market remains reliant on imports , with 31% of organic product imported.
Consumer Preferences & Channels
The 1st half on 2017 saw growth of 18% in larger format retail and stands at EUR+272M. Growth in fruit and veg => +20% , grocery grew by +24% and drinks +33%. In the same period, independent an specialist retails grew by +12% EUR +150M.
In 2015 almost 9 out of 10 French are consuming organic products and 75% buy one organic item a month. Organic consumption is anchored in French people’s habits. 76% of organic produce consumed is made in France.
Top-selling products in 2015 were dry grocery products- canned fruit and vegetables, and oils (21.2 % of the organic market, EUR 848M), milk, dairy products and eggs (20.5 %, EUR 822 million), and fruit and vegetables (16.5 %, EUR 661M).
Legislative Considerations
Come under the control of EU regulation. Any food product sold as 'organic' falls under the EU regulations 834/2007 and 889/2008. This means that the product must have been produced to these regulations and inspected and certified by a registered EU certification body. Currently non-foods (e.g textiles and health & beauty products) are not covered by the scope of this regulation.
Events
Agence BIO's 12th international seminar on organic farming will take place at Espace du Centenaire (Maison de la RATP, 189 rue de Bercy, Paris, métro Gare de Lyon) on Tuesday, 28th February 2017. An opportunity to discuss the state of organic markets, the motivations of consumers and the means of communication in different countries. Find out more
Natexpo - 22nd/24th October - Paris. NATEXPO is the trade show for organic and eco-friendly products and dietary supplements and is France’s most compelling oragnic an natuarl B to B event. Find out more.
Distributors
Emma's Corner - www.emmas-corner.fr
Nature & Expression - www.nature-expression.com
Alterfoods - www.alterfood.fr
Sources & Links to Further Info
Key gov. trade agency- http://www.agencebio.org/
National Union of organic enterprises – http://www.synabio.com/
Retailers:
National Federation of Farming - www.fnab.org