France

France is the world’s seventh largest industrialized economy and the European Union’s second largest economy after Germany. It has substantial agricultural resources and maintains a strong manufacturing sector.  Socio-economic and demographic changes continue to alter food trends in France. French consumers desire innovative and more convenient foods offering a quality image, better taste, and increased health benefits.

France offers market opportunities for U.S. suppliers in a number of areas, such as fruit juices and soft drinks (including flavored spring waters), dried fruits and nuts, fresh fruits and vegetables (particularly tropical and exotic), frozen foods (both ready-to-eat meals and specialty products), snack foods, tree nuts, “ethnic” products, seafood (particularly salmon and surimi), innovative dietetic and health products, organic products, soups, breakfast cereals, and pet foods. In addition, niche markets exist for candies, chocolate bars, wild rice, kosher and halal foods. Market opportunities for U.S. exporters also exist for oilseeds, protein meals and other feeds, as well as for wood products and grains.