The french agribusiness industry

French agribusiness, a dynamic sector

Agriculture and the agribusiness industries are a true asset for France, making it one of the world's biggest agribusiness producers and exporters. Agribusiness makes an important contribution to the health of the French economy and occupies first place in the European Union, with a fifth of added value in the sector. True to their traditions, land and quality, French agribusiness exporters are modern and innovative—key factors in dynamism and competitiveness.

A European and world leader!

1st agricultural producer in Europe

• Turnover of €67 billion, 18% of EU production (2008)

4th largest exporter of agricultural and agribusiness products worldwide

• With €47.2 billion in international revenues—6% of market share (2009)

4th largest exporter of processed food worldwide

• With €31.4 billion in export revenues for the food industries (2009)

The top national industrial sector!

€150 billion in revenues
A performance establishing the agribusiness sector as the leader in French industry, far ahead of the automotive industry - 2009.

€26 billion in value added
The agribusiness sector produces just over 10% of added value in French industry – 2008.

412,500 jobs
A figure which establishes the agribusiness industry as France's second largest employer, behind the mechanical engineering sector - 2008.

10,568 businesses
90% of SMEs (under 250 employees) and 70% of VSEs (under 20 employees) - 2008

Research and innovation—keys to the sector's success.

Beyond traditional production, which has always been an outlet for the sector's creativity, French agribusiness is known for its extensive capacity for research and innovation. Whether in products, processes or marketing, nearly 60% of French agribusiness businesses are involved in innovation. The research costs of the agribusiness sector are progressing twice as fast as those of businesses in other sectors, with businesses in the sector devoting an average of 7% of their turnover to funding innovation.

As in most countries, the French food market is undergoing constant change, keeping up with major social developments: urbanisation, population change (diversity, ageing), sustainable development (respect for the environment) and new consumer expectations (practicality, health benefits). French businesses monitor consumer trends as closely as possible in an effort to keep clients satisfied.

Sources: ANIA, Agreste, INSEE