French consumption of organic produce increasing

In 2013, sales of organic produce for domestic consumption increased 9% according to Agence bio. 49% of the French consume organic produce at east once a month. They explain that ''the market is structurally increasing, with an average 10% growth per year on household purchases between 1999-2005. In 2006, the growth accelerated. From 2007-2012, the market doubled''. So with a current 9% increase, the growth has slightly slowed down.

In 2012-2013 the turnover growth rate was highest for direct sales (17.2%), crafts-shopkeepers (14.5%), and specialised stores (12.4%). In the organic fruit and vegetable sector, 42% of sales are in specialised stores (followed by 30% in supermarkets and 27% direct sales).

''Direct sales have especially developed in the wine and fruit and vegetable sectors, ahead of meat and cheese and other dairy products'' says the Agence bio.

The statistics could increase further. In March 2014, 24% of organic produce consumers said that they intended to increase their consumption in the next 6 months, whilst 71% will maintain it.

Increase in prices continues with fruit and vegetables in the lead with a 7% growth but a 2% decrease for fruit and vegetable juices.

75% of organic produce consumed in France is produced in the country. The sector counted 26,500 producers in May 2014 and 12,577 downstream operators (processors, retailers, importers) at the end of 2013. The organic produce market was estimated at €4.56 billion in 2013.