France: Market for Lamb and Sheep Meat 2025

Market Size for Lamb and Sheep Meat in France

In 2021, the French lamb and sheep meat market increased by 19% to $X, rising for the second year in a row after two years of decline. In general, consumption recorded a mild decrease. Over the period under review, the market hit record highs at $X in 2014; however, from 2015 to 2021, consumption failed to regain momentum.

Production of Lamb and Sheep Meat in France

In value terms, lamb and sheep meat production soared to $X in 2021 estimated in export price. In general, production, however, showed a mild reduction. Over the period under review, production attained the peak level at $X in 2014; however, from 2015 to 2021, production failed to regain momentum.

The average yield of lamb and sheep meat in France amounted to X kg per head in 2021, approximately mirroring 2020 figures. Over the period under review, the yield showed a relatively flat trend pattern. The pace of growth was the most pronounced in 2018 when the yield increased by 4.3%. Over the period under review, the average lamb and sheep meat yield attained the maximum level in 2021 and is expected to retain growth in the immediate term.

In 2021, the number of animals slaughtered for lamb and sheep meat production in France amounted to X heads, therefore, remained relatively stable against the previous year. Over the period under review, the number of producing animals, however, saw a perceptible reduction. The number of animals slaughtered for lamb and sheep meat production peaked at X heads in 2012; however, from 2013 to 2021, producing animals remained at a lower figure.

Exports of Lamb and Sheep Meat

Exports from France

In 2021, approx. X tons of lamb and sheep meat were exported from France; picking up by 455% compared with the year before. In general, exports recorded a resilient expansion. As a result, the exports reached the peak and are likely to continue growth in the immediate term.

In value terms, lamb and sheep meat exports skyrocketed to $X in 2021. Over the period under review, exports showed a significant expansion. As a result, the exports reached the peak and are likely to continue growth in the immediate term.

Exports by Country

Germany (X tons), Belgium (X tons) and Italy (X tons) were the main destinations of lamb and sheep meat exports from France, together comprising 78% of total exports. The Netherlands, Portugal, Austria, Denmark, Spain, the UK, Switzerland, Poland and Luxembourg lagged somewhat behind, together accounting for a further 19%.

From 2012 to 2021, the most notable rate of growth in terms of shipments, amongst the main countries of destination, was attained by the Netherlands (with a CAGR of +56.1%), while the other leaders experienced more modest paces of growth.

In value terms, Germany ($X), Belgium ($X) and Italy ($X) appeared to be the largest markets for lamb and sheep meat exported from France worldwide, together comprising 78% of total exports. The Netherlands, Portugal, Denmark, Austria, Spain, Switzerland, Luxembourg, the UK and Poland lagged somewhat behind, together comprising a further 19%.

Among the main countries of destination, the Netherlands, with a CAGR of +60.1%, recorded the highest growth rate of the value of exports, over the period under review, while shipments for the other leaders experienced more modest paces of growth.

Export Prices by Country

In 2021, the average lamb and sheep meat export price amounted to $X per ton, picking up by 26% against the previous year. Over the last nine-year period, it increased at an average annual rate of +3.1%. As a result, the export price reached the peak level and is likely to continue growth in the immediate term.

There were significant differences in the average prices for the major external markets. In 2021, amid the top suppliers, the country with the highest price was Denmark ($X per ton), while the average price for exports to the UK ($X per ton) was amongst the lowest.

From 2012 to 2021, the most notable rate of growth in terms of prices was recorded for supplies to Italy (+6.3%), while the prices for the other major destinations experienced more modest paces of growth.

Imports of Lamb and Sheep Meat

Imports into France

In 2021, approx. X tons of lamb and sheep meat were imported into France; jumping by 33% compared with the previous year's figure. In general, imports, however, continue to indicate a relatively flat trend pattern. Imports peaked at X tons in 2012; however, from 2013 to 2021, imports failed to regain momentum.

In value terms, lamb and sheep meat imports soared to $X in 2021. Over the period under review, total imports indicated a notable increase from 2012 to 2021: its value increased at an average annual rate of +2.9% over the last nine-year period. The trend pattern, however, indicated some noticeable fluctuations being recorded throughout the analyzed period. Based on 2021 figures, imports increased by +68.2% against 2019 indices. As a result, imports attained the peak and are likely to continue growth in the immediate term.

Imports by Country

In 2021, the UK (X tons) constituted the largest supplier of lamb and sheep meat to France, accounting for a 56% share of total imports. Moreover, lamb and sheep meat imports from the UK exceeded the figures recorded by the second-largest supplier, Ireland (X tons), fourfold. Spain (X tons) ranked third in terms of total imports with a 13% share.

From 2012 to 2021, the average annual rate of growth in terms of volume from the UK amounted to +3.0%. The remaining supplying countries recorded the following average annual rates of imports growth: Ireland (-2.3% per year) and Spain (+3.2% per year).

In value terms, the UK ($X) constituted the largest supplier of lamb and sheep meat to France, comprising 58% of total imports. The second position in the ranking was taken by Ireland ($X), with a 16% share of total imports. It was followed by Spain, with a 12% share.

From 2012 to 2021, the average annual growth rate of value from the UK stood at +6.9%. The remaining supplying countries recorded the following average annual rates of imports growth: Ireland (+1.0% per year) and Spain (+7.8% per year).

Import Prices by Country

In 2021, the average lamb and sheep meat import price amounted to $X per ton, picking up by 26% against the previous year. Over the last nine years, it increased at an average annual rate of +3.1%. As a result, import price reached the peak level and is likely to continue growth in the immediate term.

Average prices varied noticeably amongst the major supplying countries. In 2021, amid the top importers, the countries with the highest prices were the Netherlands ($X per ton) and Belgium ($X per ton), while the price for Spain ($X per ton) and New Zealand ($X per ton) were amongst the lowest.

From 2012 to 2021, the most notable rate of growth in terms of prices was attained by Spain (+4.5%), while the prices for the other major suppliers experienced more modest paces of growth.

Source: IndexBox Platform

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