France Cheese Market Overview, 2027

France ranks second globally, after the United States, and first in Europe in terms of cheese consumption. The per capita Cheese consumption of France is 27.2 kg in 2021. The Romans are said to have introduced the first cheeses into France. The French monasteries were the first to perfect the delectable tradition of French cheese. These monks were precise in their creation of these cheeses, and it was through their experimenting that they came up with the myriad types that France have today. Traditionally, there are 350 to 400 different types of French cheese, while there are now around 1,000 variations. These kinds are manufactured from cow, sheep, goat, or even buffalo milk. Some French cheeses have been matured in caves that have been in use for hundreds of years. Cheese is frequently served as part of a multi-course dinner. Cheese is not served with the other courses or as an appetizer in France (although some meals or salads may of course include cheese in them). Instead, the cheese platter is served at the very end. Cheese isn't just eaten at the end of a French dinner. When a French person wants to nibble, they will sometimes chop a piece of cheese and put it on a baguette. Picnics in France often include cheese and bread (or just cheese, depending on the person). Camembert is the most popular cheese in France. Brie de Meaux, Roquefort, Reblochon, Munster, Pont l'Évêque, Époisses de Bourgogne, Comté, Emmenthal, Abondance are some of the well-known types of cheese in France.

According to the report, France Cheese Market Overview, 2027 the market is anticipated to add USD 2.24 Billion by 2027. The increased spending power of consumers in developed economies is also expected to boost cheese sales. Furthermore, changing food preferences and an increasing number of working women are expected to fuel expansion potential in the Cheese market. Furthermore, increased consumption of pizza and other European-style fast foods appears to be one of the main trends, particularly among young people, to expand sales potential for cheese. The increasing demand for various product flavors in local cuisines drives the France cheese industry. Aside from that, rising consumption of authentic regional cheese in the region is fueling market expansion. Furthermore, the rising premiumization of cheese by several regional brands is supporting market expansion.

Supermarkets and hypermarkets dominate the France Cheese Market due to the convenience of having all products in one area and many selections at the same time. Auchan, Carrefour, Intermarché, Leclerc, Monoprix, Super U, Lidl, and Aldi are the largest hypermarkets and supermarkets in France. With over 5,000 locations nationwide, Carrefour is France’s largest grocery network. In recent years, there has been a tremendous increase in internet usage and the use of e-commerce websites to acquire culinary items that include cheese. Carrefour, Walmart, Amazon, and other well-known vertical specialists are attracted to the market.

In France, cheese consumption is divided into three categories: heavy consumers, who eat cheese every day (1 French person out of every 4), average consumers, who eat cheese once or twice a day (42% of French), and light consumers, who eat cheese less than once a day (31% of French). Heavy consumers are typically elderly men, whereas light consumers are typically women and young people.

Lactalis, the world's leading cheese manufacturer (President, Bridel, and Salakis), Savencia Fromage & Dairy, formerly Bongrain (Bresse bleu, Caprice des Dieux, Chaumes, Coeur de Lion, Le Rustique, P'tit Louis, St Môret, Tartare, and Vieux-Pané), Bel (Bonbel, Babybel, Boursin), and Danone are the main French cheese groups (fromages frais). President, Entremont, Sodiaal, Leerdammer, Societe, Galbani, Meule d'Or, Chaussee Aux Moines, Mini Babybel, and Coeur de Lion are the leading cheese brands in France. President has leaded the France Cheese market in 2020.

France has a population of 67.5 million people, with 32.67 million men and 34.83 million women. The majority of the population, 41.46 million people, is between the ages of 15 and 65. There are 54.67 million urban residents and 12.83 million rural residents. According to the World Bank, France's GDP in 2021 was USD 2.94 trillion, with an inflation rate of 1.6% and a per capita income of $ 43,518.5. (2021). According to some statistics, 96% of French people eat cheese, 47% of them eat cheese on daily basis.

Appellation d’Origine Protégée (AOP) is the name of an identification form used by the European Union (including France) used to designate a product of a region that has quality and characteristics that are exclusively or essentially derived from the geographic environment. 44% of French cheeses have been granted an AOP.
Each region acquired its own cheese variation over time, driven by climate and plants. Camembert and Brie, for example, are northern cheeses, whereas Emmental is only made in the French Alps. The strongly aromatic Roquefort cheese hails from the south, and the majority of goat cheeses are produced in Western France. Because France has such a diverse environment, each cheese tastes significantly differently depending on where it was made. All 22 different regions of France produce cheese and there are seven different families - Fresh Cheese, Blue-Veined, Hard, Semi-Hard, Processed Cheese, Soft-Ripened and Chevre.

The greater fat content of cheese is anticipated to be one of the notable elements among other restrictions that are limiting growth potential in the global cheese industry. Because of the negative health impacts of the higher fat content, cheese consumption is limited among the obese population.

Covid-19 Impact:

During the COVID-19 pandemic outbreak, the business was severely disrupted due to changing demand. The worldwide lockdowns prompted the foodservice industry to close, cutting demand for all processed food goods dramatically. Furthermore, costs are likely to reduce as high-quality products become less desirable. In contrast, increased adoption of low-cost varieties at wholesale prices from retail shops for home cooking is expected to balance the supply chain. Following the pandemic, the Cheese market is likely to benefit from the re-establishment of the foodservice sector and renewed cheese processing capacity.

Considered in this report

• Geography: France
• Historic year: 2016
• Base year: 2021
• Estimated year: 2022
• Forecast year: 2027

Aspects covered in this report

• France Cheese market with its value and forecast along with its segments
• Various drivers and challenges
• On-going trends and developments
• Top profiled companies
• Strategic recommendation

By Product

• Mozzarella
• Cheddar
• Feta
• Parmesan
• Roquefort
• Others

By Source

• Animals
• Plants

By Type

• Natural
• Processed

By Distribution Channel

• Supermarkets/Hypermarkets
• Convenience Stores
• Specialty Stores
• Online retail
• Others

Intended audience

This report can be useful to industry consultants, manufacturers, suppliers, associations & organizations related to Cheese industry, government bodies and other stakeholders to align their market-centric strategies. In addition to marketing & presentations, it will also increase competitive knowledge about the industry.