Milk and cream market in France

Earlier Report Observations

The French market for non-concentrated, non-sweetened milk and cream experienced a steady contraction in physical volume from 2018 to 2023, with annual production declining from 5.3 million tonnes to 4.8 million tonnes. This downward trend was partly influenced by the significant contraction in the organic dairy segment, where production of organic cream and conditioned milk fell by around 7% in 2023 amid a reduction in the number of organic milk producers. The market's initial volume in 2018 was supported by the launch of new product forms like Nestlé's unsweetened condensed milk, which entered the French market that year and promoted alternative culinary uses as a substitute for cream or milk.

In value terms, the market followed a different path, dropping sharply in 2019 and 2020 before recovering to over $5.3 billion by 2023. This monetary rebound was driven by rising prices for dairy fats such as cream and butter, a trend that continued into 2024 and bolstered producer revenue despite lower purchase volumes. Consumer behavior shifted notably towards more affordable options, with private label and first-price products gaining volume at the expense of national brands, particularly for packaged cream and milk. By 2024, overall milk collection in France had increased, supporting production of cream and other derivatives, even as organic milk sales continued to decline.

The market's structure evolved with a stronger export orientation, as exports surged to 968 thousand tonnes in 2024 while imports remained subdued. Innovations and increased product availability in retail channels contributed to a positive cycle in stores, focusing on segments like cream and cheeses. These dynamics, coupled with the ongoing shift in consumer preferences and pricing pressures, shaped the market's trajectory throughout the period.

Production milk and cream in France

In kind, 2017-2020, K t

Between 2017 and 2020, France ranked 26th globally in milk and cream production.

Top producers of milk and cream, 2017-2020

World map of production of milk and cream, 2017-2020

France's milk and cream production declined for the third consecutive year. In 2020, the country produced 4 955 K t, marking a 1.2% decrease from 2019. Over the period from 2017 to 2020, production fell by 8.3%, which translates to an annualized decline of 2.8%.

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

Exports milk and cream from France

Exports in kind, K t

France's exports of milk and cream increased for the second year in a row. In 2020, the country exported 930.4 K t, representing a modest year-over-year gain of 3.1%. However, from 2017 to 2020, overall exports decreased by 6.7%, averaging an annualized decline of 2.3%. The lowest export volume was recorded in 2018 at 748.2 K t, which saw the largest decline of 24.9%. In contrast, 2019 experienced the largest increase of 20.6%.

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

From 2017 to 2020, Italy, Belgium, and Germany were the leading destinations for France's milk and cream exports in kind. Italy accounted for 31.1% of exports, Belgium for 19.0%, and Germany for 12.3%, together making up 62.4% 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, M $ US

In 2020, France's milk and cream exports in value terms amounted to 754.3 M $ US, showing a moderate rise of 7.2% compared to the previous year. The minimum value was recorded in 2019 at 703.9 M $ US, while the maximum was in 2018 at 765.2 M $ US. The largest decline occurred in 2019, with an 8.0% drop.

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

During 2017–2020, Italy, China, and Belgium led the structure of France's milk and cream exports in value terms. Italy contributed 19.9% of exports, China 18.1%, and Belgium 14.3%, collectively representing 52.3% 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 milk and cream to France

Imports in kind, K t

France's milk and cream import volume declined for the second consecutive year. In 2020, imports stood at 283.4 K t, reflecting a solid year-over-year drop of 14.8%. From 2017 to 2020, imports decreased by 28.8%, equating to an annualized decline of 10.7%. The highest import volume was recorded in 2018 at 402.4 K t, which saw the largest increase of 1.1%. The largest decline occurred in 2019, with a 17.4% decrease.

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

Between 2017 and 2020, Belgium, Germany, and the Netherlands were the main sources for France's milk and cream imports in kind. Belgium accounted for 40.4% of imports, Germany for 18.1%, and the Netherlands for 15.9%, together comprising 74.3% 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

France's milk and cream import volume in value terms declined for the third consecutive year. In 2020, imports totaled 454.4 M $ US, showing a significant decrease of 13.5% from 2019. Over the period from 2017 to 2020, imports fell by 24.8%, averaging an annualized decline of 9.1%.

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

From 2017 to 2020, Belgium, Spain, and Germany were the primary suppliers of milk and cream to France in value terms. Belgium made up 37.4% of imports, Spain 18.5%, and Germany 15.6%, jointly accounting for 71.5% 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