Sector Trend Analysis – Fish and Seafood Trends in France

Note: This report includes forecasting data that is based on baseline historical data.

Executive summary

In 2020, France was the fifth largest market (4.4% market value share) for fish and seafood in the world with imports valued at US$6.5 billion (1,220.9 million kilograms). France experienced a CAGR of 0.5% as imports increased slightly from US$6.4 billion (1,168.9 million kilograms) in 2016 (−4.8% from US$6.8 billion in 2019).

France has a diverse supply network of fish and seafood products. In 2020, the top three suppliers of fish and seafood to France were Norway, representing a 12.5% market value share (US$811.5 million, 166.5 million kilograms), the United Kingdom (U.K), representing a 10.5% market value share (US$683.4 million, 100.2 million kilograms) and Spain, representing a 9.7% market value share (US$627.8 million and 132.9 million kilograms). Canada was France's twenty-first largest supplier of fish and seafood products, representing a 1.3% market value share, providing US$85.2 million and 6.8 million kilograms in 2020.

Canada was France's twenty-first largest supplier of fish and seafood in 2020. France imported US$85.2 million of fish and seafood from Canada in 2020, representing a 3.3% increase in growth rate for fish and seafood imports from US$74.8 million registered in 2016.

Top imported fish and seafood products to France were Atlantic or Danube salmon, fresh or chilled, valued at US$857.3 million, (131.5 million kilograms), followed by frozen shrimps and prawns, valued at US$723.8 million (98.2 million kilograms), and prepared or preserved tunas valued at US$549.3 million (99.5 million kilograms) in 2020.

The demand for fish and seafood in France in 2020 was impacted by the presence of COVID-19 in the retail environment.

Fish was the largest fish and seafood category with retail sales of US$2,270.0 million (70.8% market share) in 2020, despite a slight decline in growth by 0.1% from US$2,278.6 million in 2016 (−0.7% from US$2,286.0 million in 2019), and is expected to remain the largest category in the forecasted period increasing by a further 2.7% to attain US$2.6 billion in retail sales by 2025.

 

Trade overview

In 2020, France was the fifth largest market (4.4% market value share) for fish and seafood in the world with imports valued at US$6.5 billion (1,220.9 million kilograms). France experienced a CAGR of 0.5% as imports increased slightly from US$6.4 billion (1,168.9 million kilograms) in 2016 (−4.8% from US$6.8 billion in 2019).

Canada was the fifteenth largest market in fish and seafood, accounting for 2.0% of the total world market share (representing US$3.0 billion and 520.4 million kilograms) in 2020.

Top ten global fish and seafood markets, in US$ millions, historical
Country 2016 2017 2018 2019 2020 CAGR* % 2016-2020 Market share % 2020
World total 136,903.1 148,995.7 160,744.4 160,013.8 148,259.1 2.0 100.0
United States 20,776.1 22,967.0 23,988.6 23,519.6 22,976.8 2.6 15.5
China 9,122.3 11,110.5 14,745.2 18,413.6 15,267.6 13.7 10.3
Japan 14,305.5 15,437.9 15,779.8 15,564.6 13,569.6 −1.3 9.2
Spain 7,192.8 8,093.7 8,679.8 8,151.8 7,357.2 0.6 5.0
France (5) 6,356.7 6,905.8 7,153.7 6,809.8 6,483.7 0.5 4.4
Italy 6,198.4 6,621.6 7,113.8 6,731.0 6,073.7 −0.5 4.1
Germany 5,752.3 5,905.6 6,172.2 5,984.1 6,022.4 1.2 4.1
Korea 4,728.2 5,210.7 6,060.3 5,717.6 5,537.8 4.0 3.7
Sweden 5,187.3 4,952.3 5,630.1 5,269.9 5,067.6 −0.6 3.4
Netherlands 3,813.1 4,309.1 4,540.5 4,521.2 4,620.6 4.9 3.1
Canada (15) 2,881.6 3,019.4 3,085.1 3,255.6 2,979.7 0.8 2.0

Source: Global Trade Tracker, 2021

*CAGR: Compound Annual Growth Rate

Top ten global fish and seafood markets, volume measured in million kilograms, historical
Country 2016 2017 2018 2019 2020 CAGR* % 2016-2020 Market share % 2020
World total 10,145,741,488.2 38,225.6 309,517.3 39,668.4 37,449.0 −95.6 100.0
China 4,025.4 4,889.7 5,214.9 6,256.8 5,667.2 8.9 15.1
United States 2,739.1 2,820.2 2,901.3 2,825.7 2,907.4 1.5 7.8
Japan 2,379.0 2,476.6 2,380.7 2,464.4 2,251.3 −1.4 6.0
Thailand 1,861.6 1,902.2 2,126.5 2,047.6 2,149.3 3.7 5.7
Spain 1,722.1 1,775.7 1,768.4 1,820.8 1,713.7 −0.1 4.6
Korea 1,447.5 1,481.4 1,558.4 1,531.4 1,536.6 1.5 4.1
France (7) 1,168.9 1,200.2 1,212.8 1,226.3 1,220.9 1.1 3.3
Germany 1,270.2 1,185.8 1,203.8 1,172.9 1,206.7 −1.3 3.2
Denmark 1,380.2 1,251.0 1,293.5 1,245.6 1,183.7 −3.8 3.2
Netherlands 1,014.2 1,089.9 1,097.6 1,066.9 1,110.9 2.3 3.0
Canada (21) 538.1 536.4 523.0 544.2 520.4 −0.8 1.4

Source: Global Trade Tracker, 2021

*CAGR: Compound Annual Growth Rate

France has a diverse supply network of fish and seafood products. In 2020, the top three suppliers of fish and seafood to France were Norway, representing a 12.5% market value share (US$811.5 million, 166.5 million kilograms), the United Kingdom (U.K), representing a 10.5% market value share (US$683.4 million, 100.2 million kilograms) and Spain, representing a 9.7% market value share (US$627.8 million and 132.9 million kilograms). Canada was France's twenty-first largest supplier of fish and seafood products, representing a 1.3% market value share, providing US$85.2 million and 6.8 million kilograms in 2020.

Top ten global suppliers of fish and seafood to France, in US$ millions, historical
Country 2016 2017 2018 2019 2020 CAGR* % 2016-2020 Market share % 2020
World total 6,356.7 6,905.8 7,153.7 6,809.8 6,483.7 0.5 100.0
Norway 873.4 859.8 936.5 828.3 811.5 −1.8 12.5
United Kingdom 642.3 724.3 704.5 768.9 683.4 1.6 10.5
Spain 477.0 538.5 584.0 592.3 627.8 7.1 9.7
Ecuador 295.8 322.0 303.6 288.2 302.3 0.6 4.7
Germany 204.2 192.5 230.4 242.3 290.2 9.2 4.5
Netherlands 296.9 311.3 292.1 276.7 282.9 −1.2 4.4
Iceland 217.9 214.1 250.2 258.4 241.9 2.7 3.7
China 223.3 276.3 244.3 255.0 226.6 0.4 3.5
Denmark 200.9 220.1 248.5 242.0 213.2 1.5 3.3
United States 232.5 256.9 269.4 238.5 207.3 −2.8 3.2
Canada (21) 74.8 88.0 87.6 100.5 85.2 3.3 1.3

Source: Global Trade Tracker, 2021

*CAGR: Compound Annual Growth Rate

Top ten global suppliers of fish and seafood to France,volume measured in million kilograms, historical
Country 2016 2017 2018 2019 2020 CAGR* % 2016-2020 Market share % 2020
World total 1,168.9 1,200.2 1,212.8 1,226.3 1,220.9 1.1 100.0
Norway 122.9 115.2 138.1 141.7 166.5 7.9 13.6
Spain 116.3 120.9 123.4 131.6 132.9 3.4 10.9
United Kingdom 95.9 96.8 90.6 104.9 100.2 1.1 8.2
Germany 50.1 55.6 63.5 58.8 69.8 8.6 5.7
Netherlands 78.2 76.8 69.5 72.1 69.0 −3.1 5.6
Ecuador 47.1 47.8 46.3 46.7 53.2 3.1 4.4
China 56.8 69.2 52.8 53.4 50.7 −2.8 4.2
United States 50.5 52.4 55.4 50.3 50.1 −0.2 4.1
Iceland 35.1 31.9 35.2 40.1 39.3 2.8 3.2
Denmark 38.2 38.4 42.8 43.4 37.1 −0.7 3.0
Canada (30) 7.3 7.5 7.1 7.4 6.8 −1.8 0.6

Source: Global Trade Tracker, 2021

*CAGR: Compound Annual Growth Rate

France's total fish and seafood global imports grew by a CAGR of 0.5%, as imports increased from US$6.4 billion in 2016 to US$6.5 billion in 2020. Top imported fish and seafood products to France were Atlantic or Danube salmon, fresh or chilled, valued at US$857.3 million, (131.5 million kilograms), followed by frozen shrimps and prawns, valued at US$723.8 million (98.2 million kilograms), and prepared or preserved tunas valued at US$549.3 million (99.5 million kilograms) in 2020.

France's top ten fish and seafood imports, by product, in US$ millions, historical
HS Code Description 2016 2017 2018 2019 2020 *CAGR % 2016-2020
Fish and Seafood Total 6,356.7 6,905.8 7,153.7 6,809.8 6,483.7 0.5
030214 Atlantic or Danube salmon, fresh or chilled 871.1 912.0 960.4 899.8 857.3 −0.4
030617 Frozen shrimps and prawns, whether in shell or not, cooked by steaming or by boiling in water 739.0 819.0 801.6 708.8 723.8 −0.5
160414 Prepared or preserved tunas, skipjack and atlantic bonito, whole or in pieces 422.1 518.8 570.3 520.0 549.3 6.8
030444 Fresh or chilled fillets of fish 233.2 260.0 287.4 275.1 233.6 0.1
030481 Frozen fillets of Pacific salmon, Atlantic salmon and Danube salmon 167.2 200.4 209.8 196.6 187.3 2.9
030475 Frozen fillets of Alaska pollack 141.3 151.3 163.6 173.3 184.1 6.8
030471 Frozen fillets of cod 160.7 162.6 163.8 174.2 178.9 2.7
160420 Prepared or preserved fish (excluding whole or in pieces) 113.1 112.8 133.9 135.0 163.2 9.6
030541 Smoked Pacific, Atlantic and Danube salmon incl. fillets (excluding offal) 109.4 127.0 181.0 179.0 132.0 4.8
160419 Prepared or preserved fish, whole or in pieces 121.5 115.3 116.8 115.7 129.7 1.6

Source: Global Trade Tracker, 2021

*CAGR: Compound Annual Growth Rate

France's top ten fish and seafood imports, by product, volume measured in million kilograms, historical
HS Code Description 2016 2017 2018 2019 2020 *CAGR % 2016-2020
Fish and Seafood Total 1168.9 1200.2 1212.8 1226.3 1220.9 1.1
030214 Atlantic or Danube salmon, fresh or chilled 115.2 116.1 120.8 123.9 131.5 3.4
160414 Prepared or preserved tunas, skipjack and atlantic bonito, whole or in pieces 92.5 99.8 99.9 96.1 99.5 1.8
030617 Frozen shrimps and prawns, whether in shell or not, cooked by steaming or by boiling in water 89.5 93.4 95.7 92.4 98.2 2.4
121229 Seaweeds and other algae, unfit for human consumption 17.4 12.0 27.8 47.8 70.6 41.9
030475 Frozen fillets of Alaska pollack 48.5 56.1 58.1 52.8 51.7 1.6
160420 Prepared or preserved fish (excluding whole or in pieces) 31.6 29.5 31.0 32.7 42.9 8.0
150420 Fats and oils of fish and their fractions, whether or not refined 33.6 36.9 36.3 32.9 38.1 3.2
030731 Live, fresh or chilled mussels, with or without shell 42.9 44.8 44.1 42.8 32.2 −6.9
160419 Prepared or preserved fish, whole or in pieces 33.3 31.8 30.7 29.3 31.6 −1.3
051191 Products of fish or crustaceans, unfit for human consumption 21.4 23.1 33.4 40.3 31.0 9.7

Source: Global Trade Tracker, 2021

*CAGR: Compound Annual Growth Rate

Top five global fish and seafood suppliers by top three products to France, in US$ millions, historical

Norway, in US$ millions, historical
HS Code Description 2016 2017 2018 2019 2020 CAGR* % 2016-2020
Fish and Seafood Total 873.4 859.8 936.5 828.3 811.5 −1.8
030214 Atlantic or Danube salmon, fresh or chilled 583.7 583.3 647.5 558.0 547.6 −1.6
030441 Fresh or chilled fillets of Pacific, Atlantic and Danube salmon 129.5 110.6 106.8 81.3 80.0 −11.4
030481 Frozen fillets of Pacific, Atlantic and Danube salmon 31.7 34.0 37.1 31.3 39.7 5.8

Source: Global Trade Tracker, 2021

*CAGR: Compound Annual Growth Rate

United Kingdom, in US$ millions, historical
HS Code Description 2016 2017 2018 2019 2020 CAGR* % 2016-2020
Fish and Seafood Total 642.3 724.3 704.5 768.9 683.4 1.56
030214 Atlantic or Danube salmon, fresh or chilled 192.5 231.2 210.2 243.8 237.2 5.4
030721 Live, fresh or chilled, scallops 43.3 44.5 45.5 42.4 42.9 −0.2
030219 fresh or chilled salmonidae 4.7 5.0 8.6 31.2 34.7 64.6

Source: Global Trade Tracker, 2021

*CAGR: Compound Annual Growth Rate

Spain, in US$ millions, historical
HS Code Description 2016 2017 2018 2019 2020 CAGR* % 2016-2020
Fish and Seafood Total 477.0 538.5 584.0 592.3 627.8 7.1
160414 Prepared or preserved tunas, whole or in pieces 88.6 109.7 124.7 145.6 170.8 17.8
160420 Prepared or preserved fish (excluding whole or in pieces) 24.3 26.8 31.5 35.0 53.0 21.6
030617 Frozen shrimps and prawns, whether in shell or not, cooked by steaming or by boiling in water 26.0 32.6 35.7 33.6 33.7 6.7

Source: Global Trade Tracker, 2021

*CAGR: Compound Annual Growth Rate

Ecuador, in US$ millions, historical
HS Code Description 2016 2017 2018 2019 2020 CAGR* % 2016-2020
Fish and Seafood Total 295.8 322.0 303.6 288.2 302.3 0.6
030617 Frozen shrimps and prawns, whether in shell or not, cooked by steaming or by boiling in water 230.6 229.3 225.0 222.9 245.9 1.6
160414 Prepared or preserved tunas, whole or in pieces 51.2 80.9 70.7 54.8 48.7 −1.2
160521 Shrimps and prawns, prepared or preserved, not in airtight containers 4.5 2.5 2.6 2.8 2.3 −15.7

Source: Global Trade Tracker, 2021

*CAGR: Compound Annual Growth Rate

Germany, in US$ millions, historical
HS Code Description 2016 2017 2018 2019 2020 CAGR* % 2016-2020
Fish and Seafood Total 204.2 192.5 230.4 242.3 290.2 9.2
160419 Prepared or preserved fish, whole or in pieces 70.9 61.6 58.7 49.2 63.3 −2.8
030475 Frozen fillets of Alaska Pollack 19.9 14.1 43.6 51.2 60.1 31.8
160414 Prepared or preserved tunas, whole or in pieces 0.9 1.6 0.9 10.4 28.9 135.1

Source: Global Trade Tracker, 2021

*CAGR: Compound Annual Growth Rate

Canada's performance

Canada was France's twenty-first largest supplier of fish and seafood in 2020. France imported US$85.2 million of fish and seafood from Canada in 2020, representing a 3.3% increase in growth rate for fish and seafood imports from US$74.8 million registered in 2016. Volume of fish and seafood imports from Canada decreased slightly by 1.8% from 7.3 million kilograms in 2016 to 6.8 million kilograms in 2020. Top fish and seafood imports from Canada were frozen scallops (HS: 030722) at US$39.8 million (2.0 million kilograms), lobsters fresh or chilled (HS: 030632) at US$17.7 million (1.0 million kilograms), and frozen lobsters (HS: 030612) at US$11.7 million (1.0 million kilograms) in 2020.

France's top 3 fish and seafood imports from Canada by product, in US$ millions, historical
HS Code Description 2016 2017 2018 2019 2020 *CAGR % 2016-2020
Total - fish and seafood imports 74.8 88.0 87.6 100.5 85.2 3.3
030722 Scallops, frozen, even in shell 32.4 27.0 45.4 39.8 7.1 (2017-2020)
030632 Lobsters whether in shell or not, live, fresh or chilled 13.9 23.0 21.8 17.7 8.4 (2017-2020)
030612 Frozen lobsters whether in shell or not, cooked by steaming or by boiling in water 22.1 20.9 15.7 15.1 11.7 −14.8

Source: Global Trade Tracker, 2021

*CAGR: Compound Annual Growth Rate

France's top 3 fish and seafood imports from Canada by product, volume measured in million kilograms, historical
HS Code Description 2016 2017 2018 2019 2020 *CAGR % 2016-2020
Total - fish and seafood imports 7.3 7.5 7.1 7.4 6.8 −1.8
030722 Scallops, frozen, even in shell 1.2 1.2 2.1 2.0 16.4 (2017-2020)
030632 Lobsters whether in shell or not, live, fresh or chilled 0.8 1.2 1.1 1.0 8.0 (2017-2020)
030612 Frozen lobsters whether in shell or not, cooked by steaming or by boiling in water 1.3 1.3 1.1 0.9 1.0 −7.4

Source: Global Trade Tracker, 2021

*CAGR: Compound Annual Growth Rate

Retail sales by category and distribution

The demand for fish and seafood in France in 2020 was impacted by the presence of covid-19 in the retail environment. In March 2020, the closure of foodservice outlets and schools prompted the initial demand and prices for fish and seafood to decline as fishers stayed at shore as it was unprofitable for them to work.

Throughout the remainder of 2020 however, retail volume sales of fish and seafood have increased in comparison to 251.6 million kilograms in 2019 to 253.2 million kilograms in 2020. This increase in retail volume sales from 2019 to 2020 was driven by home seclusion and the closure of foodservice venues, which increased consumer demand for fish and seafood products as consumers began to prepare their own meals at home. Despite the increase in retail volume sales there was a subsequent loss from both the institution sector and from foodservice venues, and as such, total volume for fish and seafood recorded a double-digit decline in 2020.Footnote 1 Further, and due to the health concerns surrounding the COVID-19 virus, within the fish category, demand increased for items sold pre-packaged and in self-service, while products sold at fish markets or seafood counters in retail stores, suffered. For crustaceans and molluscs, demand from retail increased but at a very low pace, since the product has been facing a retail decline across the review period.Footnote 1

Historic retail sales of fish and seafood in France has increased 0.5% in CAGR from US$3.1 billion in 2016 tto US$3.2 billion in 2020 and is expected to further increase in CAGR by 2.2% attaining US$3.5 billion by 2025. Both crustaceans and molluscs and cephalopods experienced positive growth in the historic period while all categories are expected to obtain positive growth in the forecasted period. Fish was the largest fish and seafood category with retail sales of US$2,270.0 million (70.8% market share) in 2020, despite a slight decline in growth by 0.1% from US$2,278.6 million in 2016 (−0.7% from US$2,286.0 million in 2019), and is expected to remain the largest category in the forecasted period increasing by a further 2.7% to attain US$2.6 billion in retail sales by 2025.

Fish and seafood however, despite French consumers seeking protein and nutritious options as health and wellness trends continue, will still be regarded as an expensive source of protein prompting consumers to seek more affordable variants of fish, as well as shift to eggs, chicken or pulses, early in the forecast period.Footnote 1 Of interest, sustainable fish and seafood will be a key focus of French consumers in the longer term. Presently, few labels exist for fish and seafood products and trade organizations are working on new solutions to educate consumers and foodservice about this important apect of the market. For example, the new "ecolabel", a government-certified label, is available and allows suppliers and manufacturers to communicate about the use and seasonality of sustainable fish and seafood. The seasonality of fresh fish and seafood is an aspect of the market that consumers are not yet sufficiently aware in comparison with fruit and vegetable seasonality.Footnote 1

France's consumption of processed meat and seafood has been in steady decline since 2016. Although these products remain extremely popular, more shoppers have been cutting back on consumption due to concerns about their highly processed nature and in some instances relatively high salt content.Footnote 2 Of note, processed seafood (and meat) is expected to experience increasing consumption during covid as these products offer convenience, with chilled and frozen formats also offering quite long shelf lives. In addition, some consumers were keen to stock up on these products prior to and during the early stages of the lockdown period as consumers had more time to prepare and cook at home.

Higher- quality chilled seafood items such as smoked salmon (where normally demand is higher than the availability of French salmon encouaging companies to import salmon from the EU and then smoke it in France to improve its French credentialsFootnote 2) however, are not expected to increase in growth as festive occasions such as weddings have been on hold, particularly those held in consumer foodservice as restaurants have been closed. These higher-quality products should witness a strong increase in demand in consumer foodservice in 2021 as restaurants gradually reopen, even though the threat of further lockdown periods, as well as reduced clientele numbers due to social distancing regulations will remain challenges for operators.Footnote 2 Chilled processed seafood are expected to witness steep increases in average unit prices when measured at constant 2020 levels as celebrations return and hosts opt to provide their guests with higher-quality options.Footnote 2

Historic retail sales of processed seafood in France also increased by 2.2% in CAGR from US$4.1 billion in 2016 to US$4.5 billion in 2020. Processed seafood is expected to further increase in CAGR by 1.0% attaining US$4.6 billion by 2025. Both shelf stable and chilled processed seafood experienced positive growth in the historic period while only chilled processed seafood is expected to experience positive growth in the forecasted period. Chilled processed seafood was the largest of the processed seafood categories with retail sales of US$2.7 billion (60.1% market share) in 2020, representing an increase in growth of 3.9% from US$2.3 billion in 2016 (+6.4% from US$2.5 billion in 2019), and is expected to remain the largest category in the forecasted period increasing by a further 2.5% to attain US$3.0 billion in retail sales by 2025.

Similar to fish and seafood, processed seafood (and meat) are also expected to experience a decline in consumption in the forecasted period, as early as 2021, as consumers look to lead healthier lifestyles, especially after covid-19, as many seek to reduce their consumption of highly processed foods.

Retail sales of fish and seafood and processed seafood by category in France, in US$ millions, 2020 fixed exchange rate, historic and forecast
Category 2016 2020 CAGR* % 2016-2020 2021 2025 CAGR* % 2021-2025
Fish and Seafood 3,146.8 3,204.5 0.5 3,218.6 3,505.9 2.2
Crustaceans 205.7 206.3 0.1 203.6 217.2 1.6
Fish 2,278.6 2,270.0 −0.1 2,296.9 2,557.8 2.7
Molluscs and Cephalopods 662.4 728.1 2.4 718.1 731.0 0.4
Processed Seafood 4,101.9 4,474.1 2.2 4,439.6 4,620.5 1.0
Shelf Stable Seafood 1,292.1 1,307.1 0.3 1,273.3 1,174.2 −2.0
Chilled Processed Seafood 2,303.8 2,688.8 3.9 2,697.5 2,982.6 2.5
Frozen Processed Seafood 505.9 478.3 −1.4 468.8 463.8 −0.3

Source: Euromonitor International, 2021

*CAGR: Compound Annual Growth

In 2020, retail sales of processed meat and seafood across various distribution channels in France were valued at US$15.3 billion, representing an increase in growth rate of 1.4% from US$14.5 billion in 2016.

Store-based retailing (grocery retailers) was the primary retail channel valued at US$13.4 billion (+0.2% from US$13.2 billion in 2016) through which processed meat and seafood was distributed (87.1% market share) with modern grocery retailers, specifically hypermarkets and supermarkets as the largest channels, with retail sales of US$4.6 billion and US$3.6 billion respectively, accumulating a combined market share representation of 53.9% in 2020.

Non-store retailing experienced a significant increase in growth rate of 11.6%, attaining retail sales of US$2.0 billion in 2020 from US$1.3 billion in 2016. E-commerce was the largest distribution channel with values of US$1.8 billion in 2020, representing an increase in growth rate of 16.7% from US$944.1 million in 2016 (+33.4% from US$1.3 billion in 2019), as the emergence of covid-19 and more at-home living and working influencing its presence as a distribution channel (11.4% market share in 2020).

Distribution channels of processed meat and seafood[1] in France by outlet type , in US$ millions, 2020 fixed exchange rate, historical
Outlet Type 2016 2017 2018 2019 2020 CAGR* % 2016-2020
Store-Based Retailing 13,246.5 13,280.7 13,223.6 13,168.2 13,363.3 0.2
Grocery Retailers 13,246.5 13,280.7 13,223.6 13,168.2 13,363.3 0.2
Modern Grocery Retailers 10,675.6 10,657.0 10,549.6 10,438.5 10,562.4 −0.3
Convenience Stores 246.9 250.6 236.4 250.8 308.2 5.7
Discounters 1,772.0 1,798.3 1,817.2 1,825.2 1,904.6 1.8
Forecourt Retailers 72.6 73.7 73.9 73.8 75.3 0.9
Hypermarkets 4,886.5 4,849.4 4,796.2 4,718.3 4,631.8 −1.3
Supermarkets 3,697.5 3,685.0 3,625.9 3,570.4 3,642.5 −0.4
Traditional Grocery Retailers 2,570.9 2,623.7 2,674.1 2,729.7 2,800.9 2.2
Food/drink/tobacco specialists 1,525.1 1,562.4 1,595.6 1,623.1 1,671.5 2.3
Independent Small Grocers 581.0 574.9 561.4 560.7 557.2 −1.0
Other Grocery Retailers 464.8 486.4 517.1 545.9 572.2 5.3
Non-Store Retailing 1,278.2 1,459.3 1,551.2 1,564.1 1,985.9 11.6
Homeshopping 334.1 294.8 280.7 250.8 233.9 −8.5
E-Commerce 944.1 1,164.5 1,270.5 1,313.2 1,752.0 16.7
Processed Meat and Seafood (Total) 14,524.6 14,740.0 14,774.9 14,732.3 15,349.2 1.4

Source: Euromonitor International, 2021

1: Distribution channels for fish and seafood and processed seafood not available

*CAGR: Compound Annual Growth

Processed meat and seafood (as defined by Euromonitor International): processed meat, processed seafood and meat substitutes (includes all types of chilled, frozen and shelf stable meat and fish substitutes such as vegetarian sausages, vegetarian burgers, bean burgers, vegetarian fish filets etc. typically made of quorn mycoprotein, tofu, soy or texturized vegetable protein).

Competitive landscape

The processed seafood retail market in France was dominated by brand labels (66.1%) in comparison to private labels, which represented 33.9% of the market share in 2020. Lur Berri Coopérative Agricole and Thai Union Frozen Products PCL were the two largest processed seafood companies with retail sales of US$464.4 million and US$375.7 million respectively representing a 18.8% market share in 2020. Thai Union Frozen Products PCL experienced the largest growth rate of 4.4% as retail sales increased from US$316.0 million in 2016.

Chilled processed seafood was the largest category (60.1% market share) within processed seafood with retail sales of US$2.7 billion in 2020. Lur Berri Coopérative Agricole and Fleury Michon, Groupe were the two largest chilled processed seafood companies with retail sales valued at US$460.6 million and US$194.7 million with a combined 24.3% market share in 2020.

Top processed seafood[1] companies in France, historic retail sales, in US$ millions,2020 fixed exchange rate
Category Company 2016 2017 2018 2019 2020 CAGR* % 2016-2020 Market share % 2020
Processed Seafood Lur Berri Coopérative Agricole 394.3 408.2 424.9 436.7 464.4 4.2 10.4
Thai Union Frozen Products PCL 316.0 355.1 373.5 356.6 375.7 4.4 8.4
Nomad Foods Ltd 188.7 191.8 193.2 196.9 204.0 2.0 4.6
Fleury Michon, Groupe 180.4 179.5 181.1 183.6 194.7 1.9 4.4
Bolton Group, The 169.4 169.9 168.4 165.7 170.2 0.1 3.8
Private Label 1,465.7 1,438.3 1,434.5 1,434.9 1,515.4 0.8 33.9
Others 929.8 978.5 967.1 967.2 1,007.3 2.0 22.5
Total 4,101.9 4,200.6 4,247.2 4,262.6 4,474.1 2.2 100.0
Shelf Stable Seafood Thai Union Frozen Products PCL 316.0 343.3 353.7 341.8 359.2 3.3 27.5
Bolton Group, The 169.4 169.9 168.4 165.7 170.2 0.1 13.0
Chancerelle 59.5 61.3 64.4 68.8 69.8 4.1 5.3
Private Label 417.6 404.9 395.6 383.3 397.4 −1.2 30.4
Others 275.5 281.3 255.9 252.9 249.1 −2.5 19.1
Total 1,292.1 1,316.7 1,295.6 1,271.0 1,307.1 0.3 100.0
Chilled Processed Seafood Lur Berri Coopérative Agricole 391.0 404.9 421.4 433.0 460.6 4.2 17.1
Fleury Michon, Groupe 180.4 179.5 181.1 183.6 194.7 1.9 7.2
Savencia SA 125.3 126.4 129.2 132.9 140.9 3.0 5.2
Private Label 859.2 854.9 866.6 883.7 942.6 2.3 35.1
Others 579.2 630.0 652.5 666.0 711.7 5.3

26.5

Total 2,303.8 2,393.7 2,475.0 2,527.0 2,688.8 3.9 100.0
Frozen Processed Seafood Nomad Foods Ltd 188.7 191.8 193.2 196.9 204.0 2.0 42.7
Tipiak SA 51.4 50.7 50.3 49.5 50.3 −0.5 10.5
Lur Berri Coopérative Agricole 3.3 3.3 3.6 3.7 3.8 3.6 0.8
Private 188.9 178.5 172.3 167.9 175.3    
Others 73.6 65.8 57.1 46.7 44.9 −11.6 9.4
Total 505.9 490.2 476.5 464.6 478.3 −1.4 100.0

Source: Euromonitor International, 2021

1: Data for fish and seafood not available

*CAGR: Compound Annual Growth Rate

Brands Labeyrie (Lur Berri Coopérative Agricole) and Petit Navire (Thai Union Frozen Products PCL) were the two largest in processed seafood with an 8.1% and 7.8% market share in 2020. The brand Findus from Nomad Foods Ltd, experienced the largest growth rate of 3.6% as its market share percentage increased from 4.0% in 2016 to 4.6% in 2020.

Top processed seafood[1] brands in France, historic retail sales, by market share %
Category Brand 2016 2017 2018 2019 2020 CAGR* % 2016-2020
Processed Seafood Labeyrie (Lur Berri Coopérative Agricole) 7.6 7.6 7.8 8.0 8.1 1.6
Petit Navire (Thai Union Frozen Products PCL) 7.1 7.8 8.2 7.7 7.8 2.4
Findus (Nomad Foods Ltd) 4.0 4.3 4.5 4.6 4.6 3.6
Fleury Michon (Fleury Michon, Groupe) 4.4 4.3 4.3 4.3 4.4 0.0
Saupiquet (Bolton Group, The) 4.1 4.0 4.0 3.9 3.8 −1.9
Private label 35.7 34.2 33.8 33.7 33.9 −1.3
Others 22.7 23.3 22.8 22.7 22.5 −0.2
Total 100.0 100.0 100.0 100.0 100.0 100.0
Shelf Stable Seafood Petit Navire (Thai Union Frozen Products PCL) 22.5 24.1 25.3 24.8 25.3 3.0
Saupiquet (Bolton Group, The) 13.1 12.9 13.0 13.0 13.0 −0.2
Connétable (Chancerelle) 4.6 4.7 5.0 5.4 5.3 3.6
Private label 32.3 30.8 30.5 30.2 30.4 −1.5
Others 21.3 21.4 19.8 19.9 19.1 −2.7
Total 100.0 100.0 100.0 100.0 100.0 100.0
Chilled Processed Seafood Labeyrie (Lur Berri Coopérative Agricole) 13.5 13.4 13.4 13.4 13.5 0.0
Fleury Michon (Fleury Michon, Groupe) 7.8 7.5 7.3 7.3 7.2 −2.0
Coraya (Savencia SA) 5.4 5.3 5.2 5.3 5.2 −0.9
Private label 37.3 35.7 35.0 35.0 35.1 −1.5
Others 25.1 26.3 26.4 26.4 26.5 1.4
Total 100.0 100.0 100.0 100.0 100.0 100.0
Frozen Processed Seafood Findus (Nomad Foods Ltd) 32.4 37.2 40.5 42.4 42.7 7.1
Tipiak (Tipiak SA) 10.2 10.4 10.6 10.7 10.5 0.7
Delpierre (Lur Berri Coopérative Agricole) 0.7 0.7 0.7 0.8 0.8 3.4
Private label 37.3 36.4 36.2 36.1 36.7 −0.4
Others 14.5 13.4 12.0 10.1 9.4 −10.3
Total 100.0 100.0 100.0 100.0 100.0 100.0

Source: Euromonitor International, 2021

1: Data for fish and seafood not available

*CAGR: Compound Annual Growth Rate

New product launch analysis

According to Mintel's Global New Products Database (GNPD), there were 3,836 fish and fish products as an ingredient launched in France between January 2016 and December 2020. Of those fish products released, 3,336 were food products, 499 were pet products and 1 was released as beverage product.

In terms of new products launches containing fish and fish products as an ingredient, 2016 and 2017 had the highest product launches, 866 and 825 respectively. The top sub-categories of products offered were fish products, prepared meals and hors d'oeuvres/canapes in the prescribed period of January 2016 to December 2020. Top claims (may contain more than one claim per package) were ethical-environmentally friendly packages, ethical-recycling and ethical-sustainable (habitat/resources). Top package types were tray, can and flexible formats and launched primarily as new variety/range extensions and new packaging. Top flavours (including blends) identified were unflavoured/plain, smoke and salmon, while top ingredients identified were fish and fish products, Atlantic salmon and salmon.

New product launches of fish and fish products (as an ingredient) in France, 2016-2020
Product attributes Yearly launch counts Total
2016 2017 2018 2019 2020
Yearly product launches 866 825 796 767 582 3,836
Top five sub-categories
Fish products 414 399 361 352 310 1,836
Prepared meals 94 70 67 87 33 351
Hors d'œuvres / canapes 76 57 43 42 27 245
Cat food wet 44 48 42 38 23 195
Meat pastes and pates 22 48 52 44 24 190
Top five claims
Ethical-environmentally friendly package 258 237 209 248 193 1,145
Ethical-recycling 252 231 204 243 190 1,120
Ethical- sustainable (habitat/resources) 133 128 110 137 174 682
Ethical-environmentally friendly product 131 128 110 134 175 678
No additives/preservatives 140 124 137 138 110 649
Imported status
Not imported 172 172 144 160 150 798
Imported 146 123 127 124 99 619
Top packaged types            
Tray 249 218 209 206 149 1,031
Can 104 133 151 164 113 665
Flexible 145 151 104 86 66 552
Skinpack 94 52 59 68 78 351
Jar 42 76 95 76 46 335
Top launch types
New variety/range extension 344 320 312 339 225 1,540
New packaging 236 233 235 227 198 1,129
New product 211 222 196 150 113 892
Relaunch 61 47 44 49 40 241
New formulation 14 3 9 2 6 34
Top five flavours (including blend)
Unflavoured / plain 169 170 195 170 156 860
Smoke 69 83 59 54 63 328
Salmon 40 44 55 66 38 243
Tuna 21 36 23 29 11 120
Prawn / shrimp 22 21 21 29 10 103
Top five ingredients
Fish and fish products 219 187 147 174 129 856
Atlantic salmon 131 110 102 118 107 568
Salmon 137 114 113 104 81 549
Tuna 69 67 66 68 35 305
Shellfish 84 54 32 49 28 247
Source: Mintel, 2021

Examples of new product launches

Alaska Pollock Fingers

Source: Mintel, 2021
Company Findus
Brand Findus Croustibat
Category Processed fish, meat and egg
Sub-category Fish products
Market France
Store name Super U
Store type Supermarket
Date published December 2020
Launch type New packaging
Price in US dollars 3.98
 

Findus Croustibat Bâtonnets de Colin d'Alaska (Alaska Pollock Fingers) have been repackaged with a new design. The pre-fried product is said to feature all the benefits of fish as it is made with 100% Alaska pollock; a crispy breadcrumb coating made with wheat for a gourmet touch, an easy-to-eat shape; and is free from bones, palm oil, colourings and preservatives. It can be prepared in an oven or in a pan without adding fat. The product scores an A on the Nutri-Score, and retails in a 615 gram resealable and recyclable pack containing 20 units and bearing the MSC logo for sustainable fishing.

Neutered Cat Food with Spirulina and Salmon

Source: Mintel, 2021
Company Nestlé Purina PetCare
Brand Purina One DualNature
Category Pet Food
Sub-category Cat Food Dry
Market France
Store name E.Leclerc
Store type Mass merchandise / hypermarket
Date published October 2019
Launch type New variety / range extension
Price in US dollars 7.71
 

Purina One DualNature Aliment Complet Spécial Chat Stérilisé avec Spiruline et Saumon (Neutered Cat Food with Spirulina and Salmon) has been added to the range. This complete cat food for adult sterilised cats is said to feature a combination of textures including dry crunchy kibble and softer, more tender kibble. It contains: high quality proteins, which are a source of amino acids, to support a healthy urinary system, and help to maintain a healthy metabolism, to support ideal muscle mass and weight control; spirulina, a unique natural ingredient, to support the immune function and the cat's well-being; balanced mineral content, to support a healthy urinary tract; and reduce tartar build-up by up to 40%. This pet food is free from added artificial colourants, flavourings and preservatives, and retails in a 1.4 kilogram easy-to-open pack.

Salmon Poke Bowl

Source: Mintel, 2021
Company Sushi Daily
Brand Sushi Daily
Category Meals and meal centers
Sub-category Salads
Market France
Store name Carrefour
Store type Supermarket
Date published September 2018
Launch type Variety / range extension
Price in US dollars 13.75
 

Sushi Daily Poke Bowl Saumon (Salmon Poke Bowl) comprises marinated raw fish, avocado, cucumber, carrots, pink radishes and coriander. The product retails in a 0.326 kilogram pack with a separated marinade.

Smoked Trout from Brittany

Source: Mintel, 2021
Company Guyader Gastronome
Brand Guyader
Category Processed fish, meat and egg products
Sub-category Fish products
Market France
Store name E.Leclerc
Store type Mass merchandise / hypermarket
Date published August 2017
Launch type New packaging
Price in US dollars 6.86
 

Guyader Truite Fumée Elevée En Eau Douce Bretagne (Smoked Trout from Brittany) has been repackaged in a newly designed 180 gram partly-recyclable pack containing six slices. The fish have been raised in the fresh waters of the Argoat rivers and prepared in the traditional way by being delicately dry salted and smoked in beech wood to give a unique texture and taste. It is fully traceable and produced according to a charter that guarantees well-being of the fish and the quality of the water.

Tarama with Dill

Source: Mintel, 2021
Company Olsen Borholm
Brand Olsen
Category Savoury spreads
Sub-category Dips
Market France
Store name Les Nouveaux Robinsons
Store type Supermarket
Date published December 2016
Launch type New variety / range extension
Price in US dollars 2.88
 

Olsen Tarama à l'Aneth (Tarama with Dill) is free from colourings and preservatives. The Ecocert and organic certified product retails in a 90 gram pack.

Opportunities for Canada

In 2020, France was the fifth largest market (4.4% market value share) for fish and seafood in the world with imports valued at US$6.5 billion (1,220.9 million kilograms). France experienced a CAGR of 0.5% as imports increased slightly from US$6.4 billion (1,168.9 million kilograms) in 2016 (−4.8% from US$6.8 billion in 2019).

Canada was the fifteenth largest market in fish and seafood, accounting for 2.0% of the total world market share (representing US$3.0 billion and 520.4 million kilograms) in 2020.

Canada was France's twenty-first largest supplier of fish and seafood in 2020. Top fish and seafood imports from Canada were frozen scallops (HS: 030722) at US$39.8 million (2.0 million kilograms), lobsters fresh or chilled (HS: 030632) at US$17.7 million (1.0 million kilograms), and frozen lobsters (HS: 030612) at US$11.7 million (1.0 million kilograms) in 2020. As such, there remains substantial opportunity for Canada to increase its presence in the French market as suppliers of safe and high-quality fish and seafood, and value-added processed fish and seafood products.

About CETA, The Comprehensive Economic and Trade Agreement (CETA).

With CETA, 98% of EU tariff lines are now duty-free for Canadian goods, and an additional 1% will be eliminated over seven years. Tariff elimination provides enhanced export opportunities into the EU market for Canadian producers, processors, and manufacturers, as well as for agricultural and agri-food products, fish and seafood, forestry goods, and the full range of industrial goods.

How does CETA benefit Canadian fish and seafood exporters? (Global Affairs Canada, 2021)

  • Under CETA, almost 96% of EU tariff lines for fish and seafood products have become duty-free. 100% of these tariff lines will be duty-free after seven years.
  • Before the CETA, EU tariffs for fish and seafood averaged 11% and could be as high as 25%.

For more information, please visit Opportunities and Benefits of CETA for Canada's Fish and Seafood Exporters.

In addition, please consult the Canada Tariff Finder to explore tariff information for the CETA market, and other countries with which Canada has a free trade agreement.

For more information

The Canadian Trade Commissioner Service:

International Trade Commissioners can provide Canadian industry with on-the-ground expertise regarding market potential, current conditions and local business contacts, and are an excellent point of contact for export advice.

More agri-food market intelligence:

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More on Canada's agriculture and agri-food sectors:

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Information on the agriculture industry by sector. Data on international markets. Initiatives to support awareness of the industry in Canada. How the department engages with the industry.

For additional information on Seafood Expo Global, please contact:

Ben Berry, Deputy Director
Trade Show Strategy and Delivery
Agriculture and agri-food Canada
ben.berry@agr.gc.ca

Resources

Sector Trend Analysis – Fish and Seafood Trends in France
Global Analysis Report

Prepared by: Laurie Bernardi, International Market Research Analyst

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