Mustard powder and prepared mustard market in France

Earlier Report Observations

Between 2018 and 2020, the market volume for mustard powder and prepared mustard in France grew from 58.0 thousand tons to 68.3 thousand tons. This increase was notably driven by the COVID-19 pandemic in 2020, which boosted consumption due to pharmaceutical and food uses of mustard. In 2019, French farmers began diversifying crops by sowing brown mustard seeds to reduce import dependence, laying groundwork for future supply chain resilience.

From 2021, the market faced significant supply constraints. A severe frost in April 2021 and excessive moisture slashed Burgundy's mustard seed production, compounded by a heat dome in Canada that reduced global seed availability. These shortages contributed to a drop in market volume to 64.4 thousand tons in 2021. In 2022, despite a sharp fall in domestic production to 89.0 thousand tons, market volume surged to 72.0 thousand tons as imports rose and exports were curtailed to prioritize the domestic market amid ongoing seed shortages. Major industrial players like Reine de Dijon reported production declines of over 20%.

In 2023, market volume retreated to 65.1 thousand tons as shortages persisted, leading to quota restrictions in supermarkets. However, the sown area for mustard seeds expanded 2.5 times from autumn 2022, resulting in a record number of producers and historically high seed prices. For 2024, industry sources anticipate a strong harvest in Burgundy, but full supply normalization is not expected before year-end. Strict French insecticide regulations and collaborative efforts by associations aim to develop more resilient seed varieties, while consumer interest grows for innovative, organic, and flavored mustards.

Production mustard powder and prepared mustard in France

In kind, 2017-2020, t

From 2017 to 2020, France held the top position globally in the production of mustard powder and prepared mustard.

Top producers of mustard powder and prepared mustard, 2017-2020

World map of production of mustard powder and prepared mustard, 2017-2020

In 2020, France produced 100,677 tonnes of mustard powder and prepared mustard, representing a moderate increase of 4.3% compared to the previous year. The lowest production level was recorded in 2019 at 96,547 tonnes, which marked the largest decline of 4.0% during this period.

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

In value, 2017-2020, M $ US

France's mustard powder and prepared mustard production grew for the second year in a row. In 2020, the output was valued at 247.8 million US dollars, showing a notable rise of 16.1% year-over-year. From 2017 to 2020, production increased by 11.2%, averaging an annual growth rate of 3.6%. The lowest value was recorded in 2018 at 189.3 million US dollars, which also saw the largest decline of 15.0%.

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

Exports mustard powder and prepared mustard from France

Exports in kind, t

France's cross-border shipments of mustard powder and prepared mustard fell for the second consecutive year. In 2020, export volume reached 40,299 tonnes, a decrease of 1.7% compared to the previous year. Over the period from 2017 to 2020, exports grew by 2.4%, with a compound annual growth rate of 0.8%. The highest volume was recorded in 2018 at 51,520 tonnes, which also experienced the largest increase of 31.0%. In 2019, exports saw the largest decline of 20.4%.

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

From 2017 to 2020, France's export destinations in kind were highly diversified. The United States accounted for 12.2% of exports, Germany for 10.9%, and the United Kingdom for 8.6%, together making up only 31.7% of total flows. The remaining 68.3% consisted of numerous smaller markets.

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

In 2020, France's mustard powder and prepared mustard exports totaled 99,190 thousand US dollars, reflecting a gain of 9.5% year-over-year. Between 2017 and 2020, exports increased by 13%, equating to an annualized rate of 4.2%. The largest decline occurred in 2019 at 6.6%, while the largest increase was recorded in 2018 at 10.6%.

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

The structure of France's exports in value terms from 2017 to 2020 was diversified. Germany contributed 11.8% of exports, the United States 10.6%, and Canada 9.4%, together accounting for just 31.8% of total flows, with no single country dominating the market.

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

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

Imports mustard powder and prepared mustard to France

Imports in kind, t

France's imports of mustard powder and prepared mustard declined for the second year in a row. In 2020, import volume amounted to 7,908 tonnes, a decrease of 10.5% compared to the previous year. From 2017 to 2020, imports fell by 9.4%, averaging an annual decline of 3.2%. The highest volume was recorded in 2018 at 8,956 tonnes, which also saw the largest increase of 2.6%.

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

From 2017 to 2020, Germany, Canada, and the Netherlands consistently remained the main sources for France's imports in kind. Germany accounted for 30.4% of imports, Canada for 25.9%, and the Netherlands for 16.8%, together making up 73.1% 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, K $ US

France's imports of mustard powder and prepared mustard in value terms declined for the second consecutive year. In 2020, imports totaled 10,342 thousand US dollars, a slight decrease of 1.8% compared to the previous year. Over the period from 2017 to 2020, imports increased by 5.1%, with a compound annual growth rate of 1.7%. The highest value was recorded in 2018 at 16,612 thousand US dollars, which also experienced the largest increase of 68.7%. In 2019, imports saw the largest decline of 36.6%.

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

Throughout 2017 to 2020, Germany, Canada, and the Netherlands formed the core of France's imports in value terms. Germany accounted for 25.3% of imports, Canada for 20.8%, and the Netherlands for 12.9%, together taking 58.9% 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