Pasta Production in France - Market Size, Industry Analysis, Trends and Forecasts (2025-2029)

Pasta Production in France industry analysis

The French pasta production industry has been navigating a choppy landscape, reflecting both its resilience and adaptability. Recent years have been defined by substantial volatility in wheat prices, peaking at €519 per tonne in mid-2022, significantly impacting production costs. As a staple, pasta's price hikes don’t significantly impact sales volume, causing industry revenue to swell. However, ingredient prices started easing in 2023 and pasta processors faced pressure to reduce prices. Industry revenue is projected to climb at a compound annual rate of 0.1% over the five years through 2025 to reach £1.4 billion, including a projected 2.3% drop in 2025.
Italian pasta producers continue to dominate due to their strong reputational edge, while French processors have felt the weight of rising competition, particularly in the dried pasta segment. Competition is less fierce for fresh pasta producers, who have capitalised on logistical challenges associated with fresh products like refrigeration and proximity to markets. Brands like Saint Jean SAS have weathered this storm, benefitting as dried pasta fades in favour of fresh, local alternatives.
As disposable incomes begin to recover from economic headwinds, the prospect for high-quality, fresh and stuffed pasta sales looks brighter. However, strict EU sustainability regulations mean that pasta producers will need to invest heavily in eco-friendly production processes. The EU's 2023-2027 CAP subsidies shifting towards environmentally friendly practices will force a rethink in agricultural land use, while the targeted 55% emissions reduction by 2030 mandates a significant overhaul of production methods, notably in energy-intensive areas like pasta drying. Overall, industry revenue is projected to remain steady over the next five years, remaining at €1.4 billion in 2030. Pasta producers already have high adoption rates and little room to widen sales, so prices will be the strongest determinant of revenue fluctuations.

Trends and Insights

• Authentic Italian pasta is in high demand. People are choosing traditional Italian brands like Barilla and De Cecco, showing they truly value the genuine taste and methods behind their pasta dishes.
• Stuffed pasta is a convenient meal favourite. With its quick-to-prepare nature and the increasing demand for healthier, plant-based fillings, this food option is satisfying both the taste buds and nutritional needs of busy, health-conscious eaters.
• Innovative product offerings drive market share in Europe's pasta industry. Successful producers must create unique, quality products that cater to evolving consumer tastes, like gluten-free or gourmet options to stay competitive.