Onions and shallots market in France

Earlier Report Observations

From 2018 to 2020, the French market for fresh or chilled onions and shallots expanded from 481.5 thousand tonnes to 721.1 thousand tonnes, with a significant surge in 2019. This growth was propelled by an increase in cultivated area to 12.66 thousand hectares and a long-term rise in production of 80% over ten years, coupled with strengthening consumer preference for local produce and protected designations like Oignon rosé de Roscoff. The sector also saw investments in modern packing facilities, such as those by the BCO cooperative, enhancing supply chain efficiency.

Market volume reached a high of 912.8 thousand tonnes in 2021, bolstered by the EGALIM 2 law that fortified farmer remuneration and commercial relationship frameworks. Conversely, 2022 brought a contraction to 748.1 thousand tonnes as drought and adverse weather in primary growing regions like Centre-Val de Loire hampered harvests, while soaring production costs for energy and inputs further strained the market.

By 2023, the market stabilized at 746.6 thousand tonnes. European-wide high onion stocks exerted downward pressure on prices, and the industry prepared for future capacity with the announcement of a new 17 000 m² packing line set for 2025. Regulatory developments, including the plastic packaging ban under Decree No. 2021-1318 with temporary exemptions for onions, and impending European marketing standards, continued to influence market dynamics.

Production onions and shallots in France

In kind, 2017-2020, K t

Top producers of onions and shallots, 2017-2020

World map of production of onions and shallots, 2017-2020

France's production of onions and shallots has grown for the second year in a row. In 2020, the country produced 727.2 thousand tonnes, marking a 2.4% increase from 2019. Looking at the broader period from 2017 to 2020, production surged by 43%, which translates to an average annual growth rate of 12.7%. The lowest production level was recorded in 2018 at 505.0 thousand tonnes, with the largest decline that year at 0.7%. In contrast, 2019 saw the most significant increase, with production jumping by 40.6%.

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

Exports onions and shallots from France

Exports in kind, K t

In 2020, France exported 138.3 thousand tonnes of onions and shallots, representing a 7.7% rise compared to 2019. Over the four-year span from 2017 to 2020, exports grew by 24.5%, averaging an annual increase of 7.6%. The peak export volume occurred in 2018 at 169.8 thousand tonnes, which also saw the largest annual increase of 52.9%. However, exports fell sharply in 2019, dropping by 24.3%.

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

From 2017 to 2020, the Netherlands, Germany, and Italy were the top buyers of French onions and shallots by volume. The Netherlands accounted for 32.8% of exports, Germany for 12.3%, and Italy for 11.8%. Together, these three countries made up 56.8% of France's total onion and shallot exports during this period.

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

The value of France's onion and shallot exports has risen for three consecutive years. In 2020, exports reached 97.0 million US dollars, showing little change from 2019. Over the 2017-2020 timeframe, export value increased by 26.8%, with an average annual growth rate of 8.2%.

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

Between 2017 and 2020, Germany, the Netherlands, and Belgium were the key partners for France's onion and shallot exports by value. Germany represented 21.3% of export value, the Netherlands 20.0%, and Belgium 14.5%. Collectively, these three countries accounted for 55.8% of France's total export value in this category.

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

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

Imports onions and shallots to France

Imports in kind, K t

In 2020, France imported 132.2 thousand tonnes of onions and shallots, a decrease of 9.6% from 2019. Over the 2017-2020 period, imports declined by 7%, averaging an annual drop of 2.4%. The highest import volume was recorded in 2019 at 146.3 thousand tonnes, while the largest annual increase occurred in 2018 at 2.8%.

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

From 2017 to 2020, Spain, the Netherlands, and Poland were the main sources of France's onion and shallot imports by volume. Spain supplied 26.2% of imports, the Netherlands 22.6%, and Poland 9.9%. Together, these three countries accounted for 58.7% of France's total import volume in this category.

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 two years of growth, France's imports of onions and shallots by value declined in 2020. Imports totaled 91.9 million US dollars, down 16.0% from the previous year. However, over the full 2017-2020 period, import value increased by 7.7%, with an average annual rise of 2.5%. The peak import value was in 2019 at 109.4 million US dollars, which also saw the largest annual increase of 19.4%.

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

During 2017-2020, three major markets—Spain, the Netherlands, and Italy—collectively represented 59.7% of France's total import value for onions and shallots.

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

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