Citrus fruit market in France

Earlier Report Observations

The French citrus fruit market volume decreased from 1 234 thousand tons in 2018 to 1 011 thousand tons in 2023, with a temporary increase to 1 171 thousand tons in 2020. This overall decline was primarily driven by lower imports, which fell from 1 185 thousand tons to 961 thousand tons over the period, coupled with fluctuating domestic production.

In 2019, unfavorable weather conditions across Europe reduced citrus yields, contributing to a drop in French production and market volume. The following year, production recovered, and the implementation of the EGALIM laws began altering commercial relationships through mandatory contracting and revised rules on promotions and loss-leading sales.

From 2021 to 2023, consumer demand increasingly favored organic, local, and exotic citrus varieties, supporting niche segments despite the overall market contraction. Major producers like Santomera expanded their operations, with a 24% sales increase in France in 2023, while technological modernization and climate change effects influenced production zones. In 2024, new EU marketing standards for citrus fruit harmonized rules, and a national plan for pesticide residue controls was announced.

Production citrus fruit in France

In kind, 2017-2020, K t

Top producers of citrus fruit, 2017-2020

World map of production of citrus fruit, 2017-2020

In 2019, France's citrus fruit production reached its lowest point at 142.3 thousand tonnes, marking a 20.7% decline. However, production rebounded significantly in 2020, reaching 197.7 thousand tonnes—a 38.9% increase year-over-year. Over the 2017-2020 period, production grew by 25.3%, with an average annual growth rate of 7.8%.

Annual dynamics of production in France in kind, 2017-2020, K t

In value, 2017-2020, M $ US

The market performance showed noticeable fluctuations during this period. In 2019, production value hit its lowest point at 173.2 million US dollars, following an 8.8% decline in 2018. Production then peaked in 2020 at 295.7 million US dollars, representing a 70.7% increase over the previous year. The gap between the peak and trough was 1.7-fold.

Annual dynamics of production in France in value, 2017-2020, M $ US

Exports citrus fruit from France

Exports in kind, K t

In 2019, France's citrus fruit exports reached their minimum at 95 thousand tonnes, showing a substantial 27.6% decline. Exports had previously peaked in 2018 at 131 thousand tonnes. In 2020, exports recovered to 111 thousand tonnes, indicating a significant 17.6% increase over the previous year. Over the 2017-2020 period, exports decreased by 2.3%, with an average annual decline of 0.8%.

Annual dynamics of product's exports from France in kind, 2017-2020, K t

Between 2017 and 2020, Switzerland, Spain, and the Netherlands were the main destinations for France's citrus fruit exports in volume terms. Switzerland accounted for 33.6% of exports, Spain for 14.2%, and the Netherlands for 12.9%. Together, these three markets absorbed 60.7% of France's total citrus fruit exports.

Structure of product's exports in kind by countries, 2017-2020

World map of product's exports from France in kind, 2017-2020

Exports in value, M $ US

After a two-year decline, France's citrus fruit exports in value terms increased in 2020. In 2019, exports reached their lowest point at 115 million US dollars, marking a 10.9% decline. The following year, exports rebounded to 166 million US dollars, showing an abrupt 44.5% increase compared to 2019. Over the 2017-2020 period, exports grew by 18.5%, with an average annual growth rate of 5.8%.

Annual dynamics of product's exports from France in value, 2017-2020, M $ US

Throughout 2017-2020, Switzerland, Spain, and the Netherlands remained the three largest markets for France's citrus fruit exports in value terms. Together, they accounted for 60.1% of total export flows.

Structure of product's exports in value by countries, 2017-2020

World map of product's exports from France in value, 2017-2020

Imports citrus fruit to France

Imports in kind, K t

In 2019, France's citrus fruit imports reached their minimum at 1 068 thousand tonnes, following a 9.8% decline. Imports had previously peaked in 2018 at 1 185 thousand tonnes, after a 5.7% increase. In 2020, imports rose slightly to 1 084 thousand tonnes, showing a modest 1.5% increase compared to 2019. Between 2017 and 2020, imports decreased by 3.3%, equating to an average annual decline of 1.1%.

Annual dynamics of product's imports to France in kind, 2017-2020, K t

Between 2017 and 2020, Spain, South Africa, and Morocco were the three largest sources of citrus fruit imports to France in volume terms. Together, they accounted for 76.4% of total import flows.

Structure of product's imports in kind by countries, 2017-2020

World map of product's imports to France in kind, 2017-2020

Imports in value, M $ US

In 2019, France's citrus fruit imports in value terms reached their lowest point at 1 118 million US dollars, marking a 9.5% decline. The following year, imports rebounded to 1 449 million US dollars, indicating an abrupt 29.6% increase compared to the previous year. Between 2017 and 2020, imports increased by 17.4%, equating to an average annual growth rate of 5.5%.

Annual dynamics of product's imports to France in value, 2017-2020, M $ US

Between 2017 and 2020, Spain, South Africa, and Israel were the main sources of citrus fruit imports to France in value terms. Spain accounted for 63.0% of imports, South Africa for 7.8%, and Israel for 5.9%. Together, these three countries represented 76.7% of total import flows.

Structure of product's imports in value by countries, 2017-2020

World map of product's imports to France in value, 2017-2020