64% will pay more to buy French
Job losses and economic crisis have prompted more people to show loyalty to French products, new study finds
TWO thirds of French people say they are prepared to pay more for products that are made in France, to show support for the country's manufacturing industry, a new poll has found.
The survey by social research body Crédoc found a "profound change in attitude" from French consumers since the economic crisis.
Some 64% of respondents said they would rather pay a premium for a home-made product than buy a cheaper item made elsewhere in Europe.
The figure is up from 44% when the group last carried out the research five years ago.
Crédoc research director Fanette Recours told Le Figaro: "When someone loses their job - or a friend or relative is made redundant - they start to pay more attention to the way they consume."
She said the only exception was among under-25s, who were "more attached to Europe" and felt that they belonged to a wider economic area than just France.
Some French politicians are keen to see more firms use the "Made in France" label on their products to help boost the country's image.
Former overseas minister Yves Jégo also wants France to lobby the EU to make identifying the country of origin obligatory for all goods.
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