Annual Report 2017 Retail Foods France
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THIS REPORT CONTAINS ASSESSMENTS OF COMMODITY AND TRADE ISSUES MADE BY USDA STAFF AND NOT NECESSARILY STATEMENTS OF OFFICIAL U.S. GOVERNMENT POLICY Required Report - public distribution Date: 1/19/2018 GAIN Report Number: FR1718 France Retail Foods Annual Report 2017 Approved By: Kate Snipes Prepared By: Laurent J. Journo Report Highlights: More than 70 percent of French household food purchases are made in supermarkets and local smaller discount stores. Different types of retailers have experienced growth and success over the last eighteen months, both local stores and some larger discount stores offering innovative services. France’s retail sector offers a variety of opportunities for U.S. food and food products, provided they conform to EU regulations. The most efficient method for a U.S. supplier to approach the French market is to use a local importer, who knows the EU and French regulations, and labelling and packaging specifications. Post: Paris Author Defined: Average exchange rate used in this report, unless otherwise specified: Calendar Year 2016: U.S. Dollar 1 = 0.90 Euros Jan-Feb. 2017: U.S. Dollar 1 = 0.88 Euros Source: The Federal Bank of New York and/or the International Monetary Fund SECTION I. MARKET SUMMARY France’s retail distribution network is diverse and sophisticated. The food retail sector is generally comprised of six types of establishments: 1) hypermarkets, 2) supermarkets, 3) hard discounters, 4) convenience stores, 5) gourmet centers in department stores, and 6) traditional outlets including neighborhood stores - bakeries and butcheries, 7) gas marts, as well as open air markets and internet sales; see definitions on the next page. In 2016, sales within the first four categories represented 75 percent of the country’s retail food market. Different types of retailers have experienced growth and success over the last eighteen months. In 2016 and 2017 the largest French retailers continued investing in smaller stores in city centers. In addition the large U.S. discount retailer Costco had greater than expected success offering bulk goods in its store outside of Paris and plans expansion. Since 1960, French households have reduced their food expenses. In 2016, food expenditures represented 20 percent of the overall budget, compared to 35 percent in 1960. The household food basket is now primarily composed of processed and ready-to-eat foods and has decreased for meat, fruits and vegetables, bread and alcoholic beverages. The increase of household purchasing power, fluctuation in food prices and changing lifestyles contributed to the changes in food habits. In 2016, the overall retail food sales in France were estimated to $309 billion. Hyper/supermarkets and hard discounters sell about $219 billion; neighborhood stores, including traditional grocers $65 billion; and specialized food stores at (Grand Frais, frozen food stores, Biocoop and open air markets) $25 billion. Generally, hyper/supermarkets remain the most popular stores, but specialized food stores, frozen food stores, and hard discounters have increased their retail sector market share in recent years. Other trends of note are that French consumers are diversifying their purchases through several stores, for example buying some products locally and others from discount stores that may be farther from their residence. Also, consumers are more price sensitive and demanding of high-quality products at their neighborhood stores. Over the last two years, large retailers’ emerging “drive-thru” service is on the rise, representing 5.5 percent of total food sales. Also, large retailers are expanding their private labels offered as well as investing in smaller stores. The exception to this is Costco France that opened a store outside of Paris and has plans to expand with additional stores in Paris and then other major metropolitan areas in France. Major French Imports of Selected Agricultural and Food Products, Total and United States, For Calendar Years 2012-2016 U.S. $ Million 2012 2013 2014 2015 2016 In U.S. $ Million Total USA Total USA Total USA Total USA Total USA Animal (including marine products) Meat and offals 5,756 6.8 5,994 6.8 5,997 9.5 4,800 11.3 4,521 11.2 Fish and Seafood 4,717 257.1 5,051 241.1 5,115 218.9 4,549 216.0 4,979 221.8 Milk products, including eggs 3,849 8.7 4.394 10.1 4,689 10.8 3,565 3.2 3,522 6.6 Vegetable Products Vegetables 3,153 29.0 3,469 39.7 3,409 47.8 3,107 41.3 3,274 32.4 Fruit 4,767 205.6 5,360 217.9 5,253 261.4 5,104 266.4 5,395 255.0 Coffee, tea, spices 2,712 1.2 2,833 1.0 3,103 2.2 2,859 2.6 2,900 7.1 Rice 461 4.7 508 3.6 528 4.4 464 5.8 447 4.9 Corn 276 7.2 340 12.4 406 18.4 216 18.0 282 13.3 Animal and vegetable fats 2,839 10.8 2,763 12.4 2,418 14.0 2,148 17.5 2,300 16.1 Including oils Food industry products/Canned and dry grocery products Canned and prepared meat and 2,075 8.9 2,344 14.2 2,359 11.0 1,960 11.0 1,917 8.4 fish Sugar and sweet foods 1,131 4.8 1,197 9.4 1,162 2.8 913 3.7 990 6.1 Cocoa based foods 2,933 1.9 3,075 1.7 3,442 2.2 3,185 1.8 3,364 1.5 Cereal based foods 3,503 8.8 3,783 10.2 3,769 10.8 3,412 9.9 3,597 10.3 Preparations of fruits, 4,077 57.2 4,279 53.2 4,419 61.9 3,726 56.1 4,008 63.9 vegetables, nuts and other parts of plants, incl. Jams, fruit purees and fruit juices Other prepared foods 2,428 37.9 2,561 50.2 2,756 51.4 2,363 46.5 2,400 42.5 Including mustards and sauces Beverages, including wines, 3,959 178.9 4,188 212.1 4,179 207.4 3,672 184.8 3,881 196.9 spirits, alcohols and vinegar Animal feeds 3,310 8.6 3,596 51.7 3,590 85.4 3,175 34.4` 2,864 25.7 Source: Global Trade Atlas/French Customs (Direction Nationale des Statistiques du Commerce Exterieur – DNSCE) The United States is a major supplier for fish and seafood products especially for salmon, cod and scallops, representing six percent market share of total French imports. France also imports fruits and nuts including fruit juices from the United States; and French import for these products increased by about 12 percent from 2012 to 2016. Beverage imports from the United States are mainly bourbon, whisky and California wines with a ten percent increase from 2012 to 2016. The United States is also a major supplier to France of pulses (mainly beans and lentils) with a seven percent market share and an increase of almost 12 percent in imports between 2012 and 2016. Definitions Hypermarket: Stores with more than 2,500 sq.m. (25,000 sq.ft) selling a wide variety of food and non-food items. Supermarket: Stores with between 400 sq.m and 2,500 sq.m. (4,000 to 25,000 sq.ft) selling a wide variety of foods and non-food household goods. Hard discounters: Small supermarkets with a limited range of low cost products, often private label. City Center Store/Superette: Stores with less than 400 sq.m. (4,000 sq.ft) selling food and basic non-food household goods. Neighborhood Store: Stores located within cities selling a wide variety of food, specialty foods and non-food items. Specialized Food Store: A unique concept of retail stores selling a variety of food including frozen entrees/hors d’oeuvres to desserts. Gas Marts: Gasoline stations generally equipped with small, self-service food stores. Expected growth rate of the overall food retail market and sub-sectors: According to INSEE, the French official statistics organization, economic growth was limited to 1.2 percent in 2016 and remained limited until mid-2017. As a result of Government’s measures taken early 2016, unemployment started to decline at the end of 2016 and is forecast to be 9.8 percent by mid-2017. Recent reports show France with increasing growth in 2017 through 2018, but unemployment figures have dropped only marginally. Household purchasing power has decreased by five percent since 2008; an increase in taxes and social security contributions in recent years reduced households’ gross disposable income. Consumption prices rose by 0.6 percent in 2016 and continued to increase in 2017. Consequently, price will remain important for the majority of French food purchases. French consumers appreciate supermarkets’ specific programs such as fidelity cards offering discounts and points for rewards. During the past years, the number of drive-thru service outlets in suburban France continued to increase with almost 4,000 such stores in 2016, a 45 percent increase since 2014. Customers place their orders on-line thru hyper/supermarkets and pick up their goods through a drive-thru window. This model currently represents 5.5 percent of total sales by value of hyper/supermarkets and hard discounters; and it is expected to become more and more attractive, especially in areas of France where the aging population is increasing. Regular campaigns recommend French consumers buy seasonal products from local producers and highlight fair trade, recycled packaging, and products with a lower environmental impact. Trade sources indicate that environmental considerations play a major role in 15 percent of French consumer’s purchases, although almost all consumers say they consider the environmental impact somewhat.