Lard and poultry fats market in France

Earlier Report Observations

The market for lard and poultry fats in France contracted sharply in 2019, falling to 45.5 thousand tons, before entering a period of sustained expansion that more than doubled its volume to 100.7 thousand tons by 2022. This growth phase halted in 2023, with the market stabilizing just below the previous peak at 99.7 thousand tons.

The market dynamics in 2023 were shaped by contrasting trends in the underlying meat sectors. Successful containment of highly pathogenic avian influenza allowed poultry production to recover, supporting the supply of poultry fats. At the same time, pork consumption declined as consumers reacted to higher retail prices, shifting their purchases towards generalist and supermarket channels. This shift in meat consumption patterns contributed to the market's stabilization.

The market structure remained influenced by large private and cooperative groups dominating the pork and poultry supply chains. By 2024, poultry consumption surpassed pork for the first time in France, a significant shift in the raw material base for fat production, while lower animal feed costs helped ease production pressures.

Production lard and poultry fats in France

In kind, 2017-2020, K t

France ranked 8th globally in lard and poultry fats production between 2017 and 2020.

Top producers of lard and poultry fats, 2017-2020

World map of production of lard and poultry fats, 2017-2020

In 2020, France produced 145.9 thousand tons of lard and poultry fats, showing minimal change compared to the previous year. Over the period from 2017 to 2020, production decreased by 9.4%, which translates to an annualized rate of 3.2%. The largest decline occurred in 2018, with a drop of 5.0%.

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

In value, 2017-2020, M $ US

Following a two-year decrease, France's lard and poultry fats production increased in 2020. The output was valued at 125.7 million US dollars, marking a significant year-over-year advance of 25.6%. From 2017 to 2020, production decreased by 8.6%, with a compound annual growth rate of 3.0%. The lowest value was recorded in 2019 at 100.1 million US dollars, which also saw the largest decline of 16.5%.

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

Exports lard and poultry fats from France

Exports in kind, K t

After two years of growth, France's lard and poultry fats exports declined in 2020. The country exported 121.9 thousand tons, remaining almost flat compared to 2019. Between 2017 and 2020, exports increased by 10.4%, equating to an annualized rate of 3.4%. The highest volume was recorded in 2019 at 122.0 thousand tons, which also experienced the largest increase of 7.7%.

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

From 2017 to 2020, Spain and the Netherlands dominated the partner structure for exports in kind, while other countries accounted for the remaining share.

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

Following a two-year decline, France's lard and poultry fats exports increased in 2020. Exports reached 105.0 million US dollars, indicating a year-over-year improvement of 25.5%. Over the period from 2017 to 2020, exports grew by 11.3%, with a compound annual growth rate of 3.6%. The lowest value was recorded in 2019 at 83.7 million US dollars, while the largest decline occurred in 2018 with a drop of 5.9%.

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

Between 2017 and 2020, Spain, with 58.8% of total flows, and the Netherlands, with 22.4%, together accounted for 81.1% of total exports in value terms, while other partners made up the remaining volume.

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

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

Imports lard and poultry fats to France

Imports in kind, K t

In 2020, France's lard and poultry fats imports totaled 24.2 thousand tons, up by 12.4% year-over-year. From 2017 to 2020, imports increased by 3.5%, with a compound annual growth rate of 1.2%. The lowest volume was recorded in 2019 at 21.6 thousand tons, while the highest was in 2018 at 29.9 thousand tons. The largest decline occurred in 2019 with a drop of 27.8%, and the largest increase was in 2018 with a rise of 27.6%.

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

Throughout 2017 to 2020, the Netherlands, with 23.3% of imports in kind, Belgium with 20.2%, and Germany with 15.9%, played leading roles in France's lard and poultry fats imports, jointly accounting for 59.4% of total 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

After a two-year decrease, France's lard and poultry fats imports increased in 2020. Imports tallied 23.8 million US dollars, corresponding to a year-over-year gain of 31.6%. The lowest value was recorded in 2019 at 18.1 million US dollars, which also saw the largest decline of 22.7%.

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

From 2017 to 2020, the Netherlands, with 22.5% of imports in value terms, Belgium with 16.4%, and Germany with 16.1%, formed the main group of sources for France's lard and poultry fats imports, with a combined share of 55.0% of total flows.

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

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