top cx logo
cx logo
Explorearrow down
search icon
Explore
arrow down

French supermarkets close organic product aisles due to falling sales

The moves come as many believe that prices for the products are too expensive

Supermarkets are seeing pressure on their sales of organic products Pic: monticello / Shutterstock

Sales of organic food products are dropping in France as shoppers feel they are too expensive in comparison to conventionally farmed items. 

Sales of organic products from September 2022 to August 2023 were 12% lower compared to the previous year as shoppers look for ways to make savings.

This is thought to be influenced by price increases across many areas of everyday life.

As a result many supermarkets are closing their organic aisles completely, with some now stacking organic and non-organic products on the same shelves instead.

Some producers are no longer putting the organic logo on their products as they are concerned customers will automatically look at alternatives.

Inflation across the board

For the past two years supermarket prices have been at their highest, with an increase of up to 20%. 

Why is organic more expensive?

The Food and Agriculture Organisation of the United Nations states that certified organic products are generally more expensive than their conventional counterparts for the following principal reasons.

Not only is supply more limited but production costs are also usually higher because of greater labour input. 

The post-harvest handling of relatively small quantities also results in higher costs. 

Additionally pricing reflects the cost of environmental enhancement and protection, higher standards of animal welfare etc.

Read also

Tips on where to find the best value fruit and vegetables in France

Riz de Carmague in France: in a field of its own

How to check the green credentials of products in French supermarkets

Resident or second-home owner in France?
Benefit from our daily digest of headlines and how-to's to help you make the most of life in France
By joining the newsletter, you agree to our Terms & Conditions and Privacy Policy
See more popular articles
The Connexion Help Guides
featured helpguide
Income Tax in France 2023 (for 2022 income)*
Featured Help Guide
- Primarily aimed at Britons, covers pensions, rent, ISAs, shares, savings and interest - but also contains significant general information pertinent to readers of other nationalities - Overview of online declarations + step-by-step guide to the French printed forms - Includes updates given automatically after this year's site opened
Get news, views and information from France