According to the Agence Bio, the organic food market in France has increased by 20%, reaching €7 billion in 2016. Whilst in 2003 half of the population had never eaten organic food, today seven out of ten consume organic produce at least once a month. 15% of the French population consumed organic produce on a daily basis in 2016 compared to 10% the previous year.
Health is the first reason for the increase in organic consumption which consumers choose for it’s nutritional quality, better taste and satisfaction in contributing to environmental protection. Consumers trust the organic specifications, controls, absence of GMO’s, artificial products and colouring and the well-being of animals. Organic vegetables are the number one product, followed by dairy products and eggs, delicatessen products and meat.
Organic acreage has increased by 16% in a year, reaching 1.54 million hectares. There has also been a 12% increase in the number of organic farms (now over 32,300). Occitania is the leading organic region, ahead of Auvergne and Nouvelle Aquitaine. The 9.5% conversion rate is found in companies, with importers and exporters and with large retailers. Sales have increased more in specialised stores than in chains, but both are equally important.
