Eloïse Trenda
Research Expert covering global food topics with a focus on the French and Spanish markets.
Food trends in France - statistics & facts
French consumers are increasingly turning to products that they hope are more respectful of the environment, their health, and the conditions of production. In this context, fair trade products have experienced strong growth in recent years. Indeed, in 2022, French people consumed almost 50 percent more fair-trade products than five years before, with purchases totaling 2.08 billion euros.
Likewise, eating organic and eating local are two trends that have been growing consistently over the past decades. In just two decades, the organic market turnover was multiplied by eleven, and consumer enthusiasm for more natural products shows no sign of abating. Furthermore, French consumers are not only turning away from processed or ultra-processed products, but also choosing to purchase their food closer to home (local shops, farm drives, or directly from producers).
In keeping with environmental concerns, the market for meat substitutes has exploded to answer French consumers’ growing needs. Indeed, an increasing number of people are reducing their meat intake, opting for a flexitarian, vegetarian, or vegan diet.
Similar to health, religions, such as Islam, can also influence the market. Indeed, the halal food sector is another highly dynamic segment in the country, recording an increase of over 250 million euros in a little over a decade.
Which foods are halal (lawful) or haram (forbidden) is specified by Islamic regulations from rules found in the Quran. This set of rules is followed by Muslim people with varying degrees of strictness. For instance, well over half of French Muslim people say they are careful to systematically buy halal food.
In keeping with environmental concerns, the market for meat substitutes has exploded to answer French consumers’ growing needs. Indeed, an increasing number of people are reducing their meat intake, opting for a flexitarian, vegetarian, or vegan diet.
Dietary plans: a path between health and religion
On the other hand, the food market is also influenced by dietary requirements. An example is the steady rise in awareness of gluten intolerance, a group of proteins commonly found in cereal grains and their by-products. Consequently, this has led to a surge in the popularity of gluten-free food products and a corresponding increase in the size of the market in France.Similar to health, religions, such as Islam, can also influence the market. Indeed, the halal food sector is another highly dynamic segment in the country, recording an increase of over 250 million euros in a little over a decade.
Which foods are halal (lawful) or haram (forbidden) is specified by Islamic regulations from rules found in the Quran. This set of rules is followed by Muslim people with varying degrees of strictness. For instance, well over half of French Muslim people say they are careful to systematically buy halal food.
