During the festive season of 2024, French consumers significantly increased their purchases of foie gras and smoked fish, particularly salmon and trout, compared to the previous year. According to data released by the Federation of Commerce and Distribution (FCD), these two festive delicacies saw exceptional sales, contrasting sharply with the weak performance of sparkling wines, including champagne.
The FCD’s report, based on research conducted by specialist firm Circana, revealed astonishing figures for foie gras sales. From December 21 to December 28, 2024, sales of foie gras surged by 31.1% by value and 33.2% by volume compared to the same period the previous year. This data gathered from supermarkets, hypermarkets, e-commerce, and convenience stores demonstrates strong consumer demand for culinary luxuries during the holiday period.
While the increase for smoked fish, including salmon and trout, was less pronounced, it still showed impressive growth. Salmon and trout sales grew by over 10% by value and 6.2% by volume, indicating these products were sold at higher prices than the previous year. Together, they contributed to what the FCD described as ‘exceptional’ sales figures.
Despite these positive outcomes for festive food items, the overall alcohol sales during the same period saw declines. The FCD noted sparkling wines suffered significantly, with champagne sales down 6% and similar declines observed for other sparkling products like crémants and prosecco. This drop showcases the shifting purchasing priorities of consumers, who are increasingly favoring gourmet food items over sparkling beverages.
The FCD's analysis highlighted how festive products are 'pulling their weight,' as total sales across all categories reported a decline of 2.8%. Despite this, festive items saw business increase by 11.3%, along with overall volume growth of 8.3%. This performance is particularly notable, considering the economic backdrop, which has led many consumers to tighten their spending.
The consumer behavior observed may reflect broader uncertainties within the French economy and political climate, prompting shoppers to favor tangible luxury goods during celebratory times. The report also echoes concerns from retailers about future consumption trends, as challenging economic conditions typically influence consumers to save rather than splurge.
Interestingly, the French market remains unrelated to many other European nations, where restrictions against the production of foie gras have been implemented. France continues to be the world leader both in the production and consumption of this controversial delicacy, showcasing its cultural significance even amid debates surrounding ethical sourcing.
Overall, the results from this year’s holiday season purchasing reflect changing consumer trends, prioritizing gourmet experiences over traditional celebratory beverages. The distinct rise of foie gras and smoked fish sales suggests these products will maintain their status as festive staples, even as the backdrop of consumption changes.