After a pandemic-era boom that drove double-digit growth across nearly every frozen category in France, new Euromonitor International data suggests the market is now settling into a slower but steadier expansion.
By far the largest category, frozen processed fruit and vegetables, generated EUR1.54bn in sales in 2023. Forecasts show it will reach EUR1.62bn by 2025. Growth is moderating after a remarkable 15.1% increase between 2022 and 2023; expansion slows to just 2.7% in 2024 and 2.5% in 2025.
Industry observers say frozen vegetables’ appeal lies in their balance of convenience, value, and health. They are staples in French households, used both in traditional family recipes and modern time-saving meals. Yet with inflation easing and fresh produce prices stabilizing, growth rates are cooling.
Frozen baked goods market dominated by private label
Frozen baked goods—think croissants, pain au chocolat, and ready-to-bake baguettes—represent a smaller but symbolically important part of the French frozen market. Sales hit EUR108.9m in 2023 and will barely budge to EUR110.5m by 2025. After an 11.8% spike in 2022–2023, likely fueled by at-home consumption during inflationary times, growth has nearly flatlined at 0.7% per year.
This stagnation underscores how quickly demand can cool once consumers return to cafés, bakeries, and fresh options that are deeply embedded in France’s food culture. “Sales of frozen baked goods have continued to decline in retail volume terms in 2024 with these products suffering from an unhealthy image and the inconvenience of having to prepare them before serving”, Euromonitor analysts explain.
“Nonetheless, despite the declining interest in frozen baked goods the category has continued to benefit from new product development in 2024.” For example, a new range of frozen croissants and muffins was launched under the Nutella brand in 2024. Despite this, frozen baked goods are still dominated by private labels. These private label products are typically purchased by consumers an option to keep in the freezer when needed with fresh pastries, generally preferred for other occasions as they are tastier.
“However, with Nutella stepping into this category this could add some fresh impetus with Nutella having a loyal following in France. If successful, other brands of sweet spreads and chocolate confectionery could explore opportunities in frozen backed goods,” Euromonitor analysts add.
Meat and Seafood Hold Steady
Frozen processed meat remains a pillar of the French frozen sector, with sales of EUR944.3m in 2023. It is expected to surpass EUR1.01bn by 2025. Growth is still positive but slowing from an 11.3% leap in 2022–2023 to a projected 2.6% by 2025.
Frozen seafood—a key segment in coastal regions and among health-conscious consumers—generated EUR511.8m in 2023 and will expand modestly to EUR528.2m by 2025. Growth has nearly stalled, declining from 8.2% in 2022–2023 to just 1.1% in 2024–2025, as shoppers turn back toward fresh fish when budgets allow.
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