« Less than a month before the start of the end of year celebrationsprofessionals in the sector of palmipeds has foie gras have everything to be optimistic »we can read in a press release from the foie gras inter-profession (Cifog) dated November 26.
Strong recovery in fattened duck slaughters
It is true that upstream, slaughters of ducks gras increased by 22.6% year-on-year to reach 2.8 million heads. In October 2024, slaughters were also up 10% compared to the 2019-2023 average. In May 2024, the increase in slaughters over one year was even more spectacular: + 72.3% for a total of 2.4 million head. « After the last health crisesthe recovery of the foie gras sector is confirmed in 2024 »decides Agreste in its latest monthly note.
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A wider French offer of foie gras this year
“The foie gras inter-profession plans to offer +33% foie gras on the French market in 2024 compared to 2023, after last year’s plateau (+2% in 2023 vs 2022)”even rejoiced Fabien Chevalier, president of Cifog, during the inter-profession’s annual press conference on October 17 in Paris.
Source : Cifog
At the same time, the consumption is dynamic. “In 2024, the offer is wide and varied to meet all budgets. If last year whole foie gras was predominant, this year, the spotlight is also given to other names: foie gras, block of foie gras with or without pieces as well as to different cooking methods: from semi-cooked to preserved. »praises the president of Cifog.
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The inter-professional body demands foie gras earlier in supermarkets
This year, the industry is hoping for better sales than previous ones. It’s during Christmas week that everything is at stake. “35.9% of the season’s volumes were sold this Christmas week 2023”explained Marie Laborde, deputy director of Cifog. However, according to the results of a Cifog/CSA survey carried out in December 2023 “If foie gras was available on the shelves earlier, from the beginning of December, 74% of buyers would grande distribution say they would take the plunge of purchase sooner”warns Marie-Pierre Pié, director of Cifog. The inter-professional association calls on retailers not to put foie gras on the shelves only a few days before the end-of-year holidays.
Nice rise for duck breast this year 2024
As for duck breast too, 2024 marks a recovery in consumption. “From the beginning of January to the end of July, over seven months of 2024, households increased their purchases of duck breast in all stores combined, + 103% in volume according to Kantar data”announces Marie Laborde before adding “the duck breast has spectacular purchasing prospects in stores to return to the 2020 level: + 44.7% in value and + 62.4% in volume”. For export, the trade balance is positive again at 3.6 million euros in the first half of 2024. imports fell by 31% compared to the first half of 2023 while exports increased by 3% at the same time according to Itavi.
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