French consumers’ shopping habits ‘changed’ last year: Kantar

French consumers’ shopping habits “changed” last year, according to Kantar, adding that the effects of this change will likely still be felt in 2024.

According to Kantar, the beginning of this year saw a continuation of the decline in food sales volume from last year, which fell by 3.0% in the first quarter of the year.

At the same time, expenses have increased (+2.2%), and the average price of products is higher than in 2021, despite the stabilization of inflation.

“In this way, the French are emerging from the inflation crisis with reduced purchasing power and a reduced willingness to spend,” Kantar said.

Fresh products

Sales of fresh produce were particularly affected, falling by 3.4% across all distribution channels, continuing a trend observed in recent years.

As Kantar notes, given recent price increases, cheese, meat, fish and cold cuts are now considered a “variable” purchase for shoppers.

Sales of fresh produce have remained low since the end of the Covid-19 pandemic, given the return to dining out and less need to cook meals at home.

Grand Frais Bucks follows the trend

However, at the same time, specialist fresh produce retailer Grand Frais bucked this market trend and, according to Kantar, acquired customers from other retailers.

Grand Frais’ results reflect several factors, including strong expansion of its store network. decline in sales at other retailers dealing in organic food (which benefits the retail trade due to more attractive prices); attractiveness to customers “looking for quality, expertise, freshness and choice” and a customer loyalty program.