Hypermarkets and supermarkets France - statistics & facts
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Since the opening of the first supermarket in 1958, the popularity and performance of French supermarkets and hypermarkets have not declined. At least three supermarket chains share a significant market share in France, the favorite among consumers being E. Leclerc. The national success of French hypermarkets and supermarkets has also been exported abroad, making it common to come across Carrefour or Auchan stores when visiting Asia and Latin America.
Even though organic products have increased in demand and popularity, they are still not accessible to every consumer, deeming them to be too expensive, even among daily organic food consumers.
Cheese, a staple of French culture and cuisine, has also been affected by the current situation: since 2020, the price per kilo of cheese has doubled. Served traditionally after the main dish and before dessert, it is generally consumed daily or several times a week. Even though during the pandemic, the population opted to buy local products to support the economy, supermarkets, and hypermarkets are still the preferred places to buy cheese and its varieties. Despite the current circumstances, cheese is still the highest expense of purchases in dairy products in France.
The rise of the organic market
Organic products have become increasingly popular since the turn of the century. French households have doubled their consumption of these products in the last five years. Organic fruits, vegetables, and dairy products are the most commonly purchased, mainly in hypermarkets and supermarkets. The reason for the increasing demand for organic products can be attributed to the positive perception of organic food: they are generally friendly with the environment and are healthier than their counterparts.Even though organic products have increased in demand and popularity, they are still not accessible to every consumer, deeming them to be too expensive, even among daily organic food consumers.
Higher food prices
Although hypermarkets and supermarkets are known for their particularly low prices; inflation, labor costs, and the Russian invasion of Ukraine generated an increase in food prices. The situation has directly impacted people’s lives and is currently one of the greatest worries among consumers, who are therefore trying to save on food costs by reducing at-home food waste and purchasing store brands.Cheese, a staple of French culture and cuisine, has also been affected by the current situation: since 2020, the price per kilo of cheese has doubled. Served traditionally after the main dish and before dessert, it is generally consumed daily or several times a week. Even though during the pandemic, the population opted to buy local products to support the economy, supermarkets, and hypermarkets are still the preferred places to buy cheese and its varieties. Despite the current circumstances, cheese is still the highest expense of purchases in dairy products in France.
