France: Retail Foods

During Covid-19, the French government designated the retail sector as essential. Retail companies were authorized to continue operations. The nationwide lockdown and the closing of restaurants gave a significant boost to the retail sector. On-line ordering and in-store pick-up (also known as Click and Collect or E-drive) sales rose 40 percent in 2020, representing 7.8 percent of all retail food sales. The French retail network is diverse and very sophisticated, offering a wide range of opportunities for U.S. food products provided they conform to French and EU regulations.