With 11,400 workers, more than 200 companies involved and €733M generated in 2010, the seafood industry is a consequent part of Irish economy. The government understood its strategic role and multiplied supportive actions for its development. In 2009, the BIM – Seafood Development Centre was created to support companies’ projects. France is the first export market for Irish seafood reaching €120,7M in 2011. Needs for improved productivity and competitiveness in the sector lead the French Trade Commission Ubifrance to organise its first Fishing, Aquaculture and Seafood processing trade meeting. The event will take place on June 27 th and 28 th 2012, in Castletownbere and Clonakilty. The French Trade Commission will introduce to the Irish market four French exporters of equipment, inputs and processes for the aquaculture and seafood processing industries. These companies would be delighted to meet you to discuss business opportunities. For more information, please contact us on +353 1 411 2111. Attachment: Presentation of French Companies.

Snacking is growing in France and this country is regularly considered as a laboratory to introduce new snacking products. In fact, 27 snacking concepts are registered in France, a record in the world at the moment. Last February, the “snacking and sandwich” show took place in Paris and was a big success ( www.sandwichshows.com ). This 13 th edition gathered 11 661 visitors and 200 innovations were presented during the show. Three trends are currently growing in the French snacking market. The “right snack” trend shows that snacking can be tasty and also healthy while the “snackable” trend consists in convenient eating involving packaging innovation. The “snackissime” trend shows that snacking corresponds also to high end products and a way to eat original and excellent dishes.      According to SymphonyIRI, the value of the French snacking market increased by 7.8% and by 5.4% in volume last year. In 2011, French consumers spent an average of € 341 for snacking (+ 13.5%). Classic meals habits consisting in breakfast, lunch and dinner are declining and consumption behaviors are now less structured. The food industry, such as food retailers, understood well these new behaviors and is now adjusting its offer. On the 7 th June 2012, the 3 rd snacking conference will be organised in Paris ( http://lecongresdusnacking.magix.net/website#ACCUEIL ). Snacking industry professionals will gather to discuss the future of this sector. The snacking sector dynamism is not only a French reality; it is one of the most dynamic and innovative sector on the world food industry. Source : Communiqué de presse Bilan du Sandwich and snack Show , 21/02/2012 - Le 3e Congrès du Snacking vous donne rendez-vous in snackfoods.fr, 05/04/2012 - Quand le snacking fait boum ! in lsa-conso.fr, 09/02/2012

According to the last PLMA newsletter, private labels in France in 2011 represented 30% of the industry sales in value and 36% in volume. Since the 1970’s, consumer’s interests for own-label products are growing considerably. Last week, the MDD Expo – one of the biggest private label trade show - took place in Paris. The event was a success and confirmed the appeal for these products. When own-labels were only cheaper than private label brands, they are now the results of partnerships between food retailers and producers that are working together to develop innovative products. Occasionally, new products are put on the market as private-labels, before national brands. Food retailers are also offering organic products or healthy foods under private labels. In some categories such as cooked meats, own-labels are even ahead of private labels in terms of market share but despite a full and broad private label offer, national brands remain leaders in most of the categories. Food is a necessity but also a pleasure; in a strained environment, the competition between own-labels and national brands continues and promises to be quite captivating.      Source : Tour d’horizon des marques de distributeurs in Agromedia.fr, 11 avril 2012 and L’industrie alimentaire joue la carte du plaisir pour séduire des consommateurs en crise in Les échos, 04 avril 2012

According to the Food Authority Organization, food prices increased by 2,4% during the first trimester of 2012. One of the most impacted products is egg. Egg prices across the EU increased by 40% since January 2012 as the result of an increasing demand and the EU Welfare of “Laying Hens Directive”, which ban traditional cages for a new colony system. Living conditions are now better for animals but consumers are consequently suffering the impact of this new EU regulation. In Ireland, egg prices raised by 5% only, so far.   Forecast for fish prices are not positive either. According to a recent AFP dispatch, the increasing demand and the drop of fishing quotas to protect the biodiversity will lead to inflation. For instance, cod price should increase by 15% in 2012 and 25% for the salmon from Pacific or Alaska.   In such environment, French and Irish companies must enhance their efficiency to better answer to these changes.   Source : Retail news, Mars 2012 et Le prix du poisson s’annonce salé - Agromedia , 11 Décembre 2011.

According to Xerfi, the organic food market doubled between 2006 and 2011 in France to reach a value of €4bn in 2011. The demand for organic foods continues to increase and as a consequence, many agri-food companies and food retailers are today offering organic products. Organic food arrived in school canteens and with the exception of the fast-food industry, the catering sector has also adopted organic food. However, after years of double digit growth and excellent performances, the organic market is stabilizing and Xerfi predicts a 5% growth by 2015 to reach € 4,5 billion. Economic difficulties and the “local food movement” remain the biggest challenges for this market. The crisis affects the heath of organic food sector but does not destroy the movement that continues to be attractive.  From the 28 th to 29 th March 2012, an international sustainable agriculture show will take place in Agen where the organic agriculture will be one of the main topics. Source : agromedia.fr et Xerfi, 22 mars 2012

According to the CIVC (Champagne Wine Board), 323M bottles of Champagne were exported in 2011 and Champagne sales increased by 7% to €4.4 billion during this year.   Ghislain Montgolfier (vice president of the CIVC and president of the “Union des maisons de Champagne”) believes Champagne makes a new start after the crisis. The good health of emerging markets such as Asia, Russia or Australia (+32%, 4,9M bottles) enables to be confident for the future.   However, 80% of all sales of Champagne are still made in Europe. Despite a decrease of 3,4M bottles, France is still the first market for Champagne with 181M bottles sold. Sales to the European market (without France) increased by 2% in 2011 despite a sharp decrease to Irish exports (-21%). However, at the same time, exports of sparkling wine from France to the Emerald Isle increased by 46% in volume.         Emergent countries represent the future for Champagne. However, “small” winemakers from this region have difficulties to export in these new markets compared to the “Grandes maisons de Champagne” and are still highly reliable on the health of European markets   Source : Les marchés lointains tirent la croissance du champagne , Les Echos, 05/03/2012

Pernod Ricard’s turnover increased by 11% between 2010 and 2011 to €8 billion. On the second half of 2011 and thanks to the developing markets (+18%) and its “top 14” brands (+14%), the French company makes its best half year since 2008 and improves its financial status. The Chief executive, Pierre Pringuet, is confident and does not predict a decrease for the future, except for the European market (crisis and new French excise duty). The Irish whiskey, Jameson, is one of Pernod Ricard’s “Top 14” brands. In 1988, Pernod Ricard took over the Jameson brand by buying Irish Distillers. In 2011, Jameson’s turnover increased by 25% and contributes to the French group’s good health. It was the fourth best performing drink brand in Pernod Ricard’s portfolio.   Source: les Échos , 17/02/2012