Eloïse Trenda
Research Expert covering global food topics with a focus on the French and Spanish markets.
Food supplements and functional foods in France - Statistics & Facts
Science is researching the concept of "optimal" food, encouraged by consumers’ rising concerns about the state of their health. Riding this wave, many food companies’ marketing campaigns now center around nutrition, and more and more innovative food products and supplements are emerging around the world. These are designed to improve physical and psychological well-being, reduce the risks of certain health problems, and possibly prevent illness. While this phenomenon is still rather recent in Europe, in Asian countries such as Japan and South Korea, for example, people are more familiar with these products and often use them to maintain their health.
Dietary supplements provide vitamins, minerals, and other nutrients in concentrated form, and, as their name suggests, their purpose is to supplement the regular diet. To ensure the safety of their use and that enough information is given to consumers, French health officials regulate these products rigorously. Guidelines are indeed rather necessary as this market continues to grow yearly.
Consumption habits
This success is also a reality in France. Nowadays, less than a third of the French population has never tried dietary supplements. The use of supplements, in general, is a rather seasonal occurrence: during winter, or periods of fatigue for instance. French consumers put forward strengthening one’s immune system as one of the first motivations for their consumption of such products.Health shopping?
In terms of retail, the highest-selling products are related to vitality and immune defenses, followed by digestive issues and sleep/stress. French people buy these products mostly in pharmacies, even though internet purchases are rising. In fact, sales are increasing in general, with the market reaching over 2.6 billion euros in 2022, and the market for functional foods appears to be following the same upward trend.
