France’s food industry recorded a 6.8% increase in sales last year, despite “economic turbulence”, “extreme” climatic conditions and geopolitical unrest.
In 2011, revenue amounted to EUR157.2bn (US$197.7bn), France’s National Association of Food Industries (ANIA) said.
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The trade body said France’s food industry remains the largest employer in the country’s manufacturing industry, with 500,000 direct employees.
However, ANIA warned of short-term “turbulence” for the remainder of 2012 and 2013 for the 10,500 businesses in the industry.
The trade body said the industry faces a “steady decline” in household budget spend for food, which has dropped from 17% in 1970 to 10% today. ANIA also pointed to a “continuing surge” in agricultural commodity prices, which increased by 31% in 2011.
“In 2011, French food companies have managed to stay the course in the storm, but the headwinds strengthen,” ANIA said.
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