Explosion in French private label puts Brits ahead of the game

French retailers are increasingly looking to Britain to meet the emerging trends in the French marketplace, according to Food from Britain France. A marked development in private label among the major retailers has resulted in French buyers turning to the UK’s expertise in the field.  Besides private label, French retailers are also looking for manufacturers offering specific expertise in a given field (for example, products that are gluten free). Current trends in the French retail scene include: health & wellbeing snacking, convenience, ethnic food, organic food.

FFB France’s Food Retailing in France Workshop, in Paris on 12-13 June 2008, is designed to enable British food and drink manufacturers to take full advantage of the emerging opportunities in the French market. A comprehensive presentation of the French retail sector, it will focus on three key development areas for UK suppliers: mainstream retailers, hard discounters and UK ex-pats and tourists. Specially selected guest speakers will offer an importer’s perspective and give insights on pricing and negotiations with French buyers.

Martine Foulloy, Senior Consultant at Food from Britain, advised British manufacturers to take advantage of the opportunity to update their knowledge of the market. “France is Britain’s second largest export market and the current Sterling/ Euro exchange rate enables British suppliers to be increasingly competitive. However, the differences in the French and UK markets go beyond just the language barrier. British companies need to know how to approach French retail buyers, how the market is structured, how to handle negotiations, pricing etc.  The Food Retailing in France Workshop will provide answers to all these questions and will give you the knowledge you need to succeed in the French market.”

To find out more, or to book a place, contact Harriet Pope on hpope@ffb.fr or visit our Food Retailing in France Workshop page.

18 April 2008