Garlic market in France

Earlier Report Observations

From 2018 to 2020, the French garlic market volume grew strongly from 32,680 t to 52,426 t. This expansion was primarily driven by a significant increase in the area dedicated to garlic cultivation in France, which began a sustained rise of over 55% starting in 2018, reflecting major investment by local producers. Enhanced government controls on the conformity, labeling, and origin of fresh produce, implemented in 2019, also contributed to market structuring and consumer confidence during this period of growth.

Market volume peaked in 2020 before moderating to 50,321 t in 2021 and contracting more sharply to 40,782 t in 2022, a decline led by a substantial drop in domestic production. Throughout this period, French growers continued to invest in quality and traceability, promoting labeled products (IGP, AOC) to meet rising demand for guaranteed-origin garlic, though these efforts did not offset the production volatility in the short term.

The market recovered to 46,581 t in 2023 as production rebounded to 29,310 t, a level maintained despite reported yield reductions of 10-30% due to disease pressures in key growing regions. Looking ahead to 2024, new regulations requiring transparency on 'shrinkflation' took effect, and logistical disruptions in the Red Sea began affecting import supply chains, while consumer preference for trusted, labeled local products remained a key market feature.

Production garlic in France

In kind, 2017-2020, t

Top producers of garlic, 2017-2020

World map of production of garlic, 2017-2020

France's garlic production has increased for the second consecutive year. In 2020, the country produced 30 280 tonnes of garlic, marking a modest 7.6% rise compared to 2019. Over the period from 2017 to 2020, production grew by 48%, with an average annual growth rate of 14.0%. The lowest production level was recorded in 2018 at 20 120 tonnes. The largest decline occurred in 2018, with a drop of 1.7%, while the most significant increase was in 2019, at 39.9%.

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

Exports garlic from France

Exports in kind, t

France's garlic exports have declined for the second year in a row. In 2020, exports stood at 9 437 tonnes, which is 5.6% lower than the previous year. Between 2017 and 2020, exports decreased by 25.4%, translating to an average annual decline of 9.3%. The highest export volume was recorded in 2018 at 13 746 tonnes. The largest drop occurred in 2019, with a 27.2% decrease, while the biggest increase was in 2018, at 8.7%.

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

From 2017 to 2020, France's garlic exports were relatively evenly distributed among various markets. Switzerland accounted for 19.4% of exports, Spain for 13.9%, and Germany for 12.8%, with these three countries together making up only 46.2% of total export flows.

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, K $ US

France's garlic exports in value terms have increased for the second consecutive year. In 2020, exports reached 41 289 thousand US dollars, reflecting a sharp rise of 27.3% from the previous year. The lowest value was recorded in 2018 at 32 346 thousand US dollars. The largest decline occurred in 2018, with a drop of 21.0%.

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

Between 2017 and 2020, the distribution of France's garlic exports by value remained diverse. Switzerland accounted for 20.3% of export value, Germany for 16.1%, and Belgium for 13.1%, with these three countries together representing just 49.4% of total flows, and no single partner emerged as clearly dominant.

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

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

Imports garlic to France

Imports in kind, t

France's garlic imports have increased for the third consecutive year. In 2020, imports amounted to 31 583 tonnes, showing a robust rise of 19.1% compared to the previous year. Over the period from 2017 to 2020, imports grew by 20.7%, with an average annual growth rate of 6.5%.

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

From 2017 to 2020, two markets—Spain and China—played leading roles in France's garlic imports by volume, together accounting for 80.2% of total flows, while the remainder was distributed among other destinations.

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, K $ US

After a two-year decline, France's garlic imports in value terms increased. In 2020, imports reached 91 866 thousand US dollars, constituting a significant rise of 67.7% compared to the previous year. Between 2017 and 2020, imports increased by 32.4%, equating to an average annual growth rate of 9.8%. The lowest value was recorded in 2019 at 54 765 thousand US dollars. The largest decline occurred in 2018, with a drop of 16.2%.

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

From 2017 to 2020, Spain, China, and Argentina continued to be the main suppliers of garlic to France in value terms. Spain accounted for 69.0% of import value, China for 10.9%, and Argentina for 5.1%, with these three countries jointly forming 85.1% of total imports in value terms.

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

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