France: Retail Foods
In 2013, French consumers spent approximately 10 percent of their budgets on food and beverage purchases, including alcohol. Over 70 percent of French household food purchases were made in hyper/supermarkets and hard discounters. However, in recent years the retail sector experienced deep changes with the multiplication of neighborhood distribution channels, development of sales via internet, and drive-thru services. Also, as a result of the economic slowdown in France and the increase in unemployment and taxes, consumers have had to tighten their food budgets. Retailers made additional efforts to attract consumers with lower prices and by increasing the use of private label products.
