According to a recent study conducted by TNS Sofres Food, 44% of French consumers choose organic products where possible. This is 5% higher than two years ago and 7% higher than in 2012. The French organic agency, L’Agence Bio published data this week which revealed that the organic market is now worth a significant €5.8billion, which is an increase of almost 15% on last year’s figures.
The agency is confident that the organic food market will continue to grow in the future. Florent Guhl, director of L’Agence Bio stated, “89% of French consumers have consumed organic products at least once in 2015 and of these, 93% expect to increase their use of organic products in the coming year.” Food companies are also favouring organic produce. In terms of beef, the organic range now accounts for 15% of total minced meat volumes sold by Charal.
Retailers are also taking full advantage of this trend. According to Kantar Media data published by Le Figaro, French retailers have spent €61.5 million in the first six months of this year on organic brand promotions. This is 50% more than last year. The increased investments from major retailers such as Carrefour and Leclerc have been worthwhile with organic agriculture now accounting for 7% of sales across food products.
In terms of specific organic retail outlets, the Casino group is in number one position with 140 organic stores in France under the Naturalia banner, followed by Carrefour who opened 6 organic stores since 2013 carrying some 5000 references and with plans to open 4 more by the end of this year. Finally, Auchan has recently entered the organic market and is set to open their second organic store in Paris next week.
At present, French organic farming is experiencing unprecedented growth. In this context, French minister for agriculture Stéphane Le Foll, met Mr. Guhl recently and requested that he initiate a work programme to involve all stakeholders on developments in the organic sector. This programme will launched at the organic industries annual meeting on 14 November in Paris.
For more information, please contact orla.burke@bordbia.ie
Source: Bord Bia – France Sees Continued Growth in Organic Sector
