La revue Viandes et produits carnés

The French pork industry: its future faces the increased competitiveness of other European countries

France is the third largest producer of pork in the European Union. Its pig sector is strong thanks to its diversified and high quality charcuterie production. But in recent years it has encountered difficulties. Production and consumption are falling down. Imports remain consistent and, above all, the trade balance is becoming more and more negative, with foreign purchases of high value-added content. Despite good performance, farms cannot invest enough, which threatens the future. The packing industry, which has not been upgraded to the level of its main competitors, makes no profits. The meat processing industry profitability is attacked by the rising prices of the raw material. Competitiveness and innovative capacity of the pig industry have been substantially reduced.