The organic movement in France does not appear to be as advanced as it is in other northern European countries, although change is beginning to happen. Growth is expected to reach 20 percent in the near future as the volume and variety of product offerings increase, and consumers become more aware of what the market has to offer. France has 3,700 organic producers on 308,000 acres or 0.5 percent of total agricultural land which is low compared to other EU countries. Organic foods carry a price premium ranging from 10 to 50 percent above conventional items. They consist mainly of processed foods from other EU countries, and tropical products such as coffee and tea.
Many French consumers find organic food uninteresting and unimaginative.
They indicate there is not a great enough distinction between organic and diet foods. 80 organic restaurants are considered austere and uninviting. U.S. exporters of organic food have a challenge in the French consumer. Other items with potential to attract the French consumer of organic foods include salad dressing, sauces, mustard, brownies, herb teas, cooking oil, shelf stable dairy products, baby food, and soup.