France Market Profile

France stands as one of Europe’s largest and most mature seafood markets, accounting for around 14 % of EU consumption and averaging 32,1 kg per capita in 2023.

The market is characterised by high diversity, stable demand, and structural import dependence: domestic production of 659,000 tonnes live-weight equivalent (LWE) covers barely a quarter of national consumption. Imports, worth €7,1 billion in 2024, are led by salmon, shrimp, tuna, and cod, while domestic aquaculture focuses on oysters, mussels, and trout. Retail remains dominant but increasingly price-sensitive, while foodservice, near one-third of total seafood sales, has regained momentum after the pandemic. Consumers are eating slightly less in volume yet continue to value seafood for its quality, health, and sustainability attributes. France’s seafood sector thus combines glob…