The candle market - France (2024)

1.2 A fast-growing global market

Below is an analysis of the outlook for the size of the candle market. A CACGR growth rate of *.*% is expected over the next six years .

outlook for candle market size World, ****-****, in $ billions Source: ****

Below, we can also look at a specific segment of this candle market: scented ...

1.3 French growth slowed by the health crisis

In ****, the candle market in France was worth €***.* million. This value is obtained by adding the value of domestic candle production (***).

Proceeding in the same way, and taking into account the increase in industrial investment, we estimate the French candle market at €***.* million. We consider an overall increase in production in ...

1.4 International trade

France has a sizeable trade deficit when it comes to the candle market. Indeed, the country's candle exports are lower than its imports, although the difference is tending to decrease. There will be a sharp increase in both imports and exports by ****[***]. With exports growing faster than imports, France's candle trade ...

1.5 European demand and consumer habits

TheEuropean Candle Association has carried out a survey of consumer trends in candle buying.

Candle purchases follow a gendered trend, with the majority of candle consumers being women, as shown in the graph below.

Ever bought a candle Europe, ****, in % Source: ****

These candles are generally purchased via two different distribution channels: ...

2.1 Reasons for requesting candles

There are many different types of candle, used in many different situations. Despite the absence of statistical data, it is possible to draw up a typology of supply based on these different demands:

The offer is thus segmented into candles used for birthdays, candles intended as gifts, candles whose main function ...

2.2 A demand driven by scented candles

According to a report by the European Candle Association(***), the space allotted to candles in stores is shrinking all the time.

However, some types of candle are managing to maintain sales growth despite the current price war. Such is the case with votive candles (***), which come in a variety of ...

2.3 A new aesthetic demand

Today, the candle's original luminous function has been largely forgotten, and has given way to a new, more dynamic use by a new generation. The candle market is being driven by scented candles, which meet a new demand. Indeed, candle pure player Yankee Candle now offers over *** different scents and a ...

2.4 Request for handmade, local and natural candles

Over the past few years, the craft industry in France has enjoyed a resurgence in popularity across the full range of areas covered by this branch of the trade. The boom in micro-businesses has helped to develop small-scale crafts and attract many young people to the market. The craft industry is ...

2.5 Contextual demand linked to rising energy prices

The war in Ukraine has caused energy prices in Europe to soar, and this energy crisis has been a boon for the candle market in France and Europe. The risk of power cuts announced by EDF for the winter of ****-**** caused demand for candles to skyrocket.

This prompted candle makers ...

2.6 Amazon bestsellers

The undisputed leader in online sales, Amazon offers a wide range of candles. In order to better understand the specifics of demand, it may be interesting to take a closer look at the best sellers in the "candles" category. Here are the best-selling candles on Amazon in descending order (***):

3.1 A highly concentrated market

According to the Syndicat Général des Fabricants de Bougies et Ciriers, the candle-making market is particularly concentrated, with * companies accounting for **% of national production. Listed below are the union's members, with their most recent sales figures where available.

Source: ****

3.2 Candle composition

All candles are made from the same raw materials, in different proportions (***). [***]

Wax and kerosene give the candle its hardness. These materials can be used pure or in combination. Today, kerosene is by far the most widely used candle-making material. [***]

In recent years, kerosene gel has made its appearance alongside waxes ...

3.3 Distribution organized according to candle offering

We can distinguish several distribution channels for candles, each of which distributes more or less high-end candles.

Mass retail (***): a segment positioned at the lower end of the market; Home decoration department stores: low to mid-range; Cosmetics stores: medium to high-end.

While supermarkets mainly distribute low-end candles such as low-cost tea-lights, ...

4.1 Many different candles on the market

The Syndicat Général des Fabricants de Bougies et Ciriers offers an overview of the different candles sold on the market. A distinction can be made between two types of product:

Antique (***); Scented candles, which are more recent, and within which we need to distinguish between mood candles and massage ...

4.2 Prices vary widely according to candle type

There are no statistical data on candle prices in France. However, it is possible to record the prices charged by distributors and major candle brands.

The table below shows the unit prices observed on brand websites.

Source: ****

While theECA refers to the price war for tea lights, linked to their low ...

4.3 A range split between low and high end

Scented and jeweled candles gain ground

Blended with essential oils or fragrances that give them a distinctive, pleasant scent, scented candles are gaining ground with consumers. One of the sector's leaders, Party Lite, for example, achieved sales of **.* million euros in ****. [***]

Party Lite explains in particular that these highly profitable candles ...

4.4 Supply trends: beeswax

Beeswax is a well-known alternative to traditional kerosene wax. The following table lists the best sellers on the Amazon website:

5.1 Labeling requirements for candles placed on the market

When placing a chemical product on the market, manufacturers are required to label their products according to the CLP (***) standard. This obligation came into force in ****.

In concrete terms, this means the following rules for scented candles and fluxes:

Danger pictograms must appear where necessary; If hazardous substances or allergens are ...

5.2 Rules for scented candles in France

The Syndicat Général des Fabricants de Bougies et Ciriers reports on a study published in **** on the risks associated with the use of scented candles.

Candles imported from other countries (***) are not all subject to the same regulations. In France, there are numerous rules governing the design, production and ...

6.1 Segmentation

6.2 Financial analysis of companies in the sector

• Yankee Candle France
• Esteban
• Durance
• Bougies La française - My Jolie Candle ( (Emosia Groupe)
• Baobab Collection
• Geodesis
• Hypsipyle
• Ciergerie Constant Desfossés (Emosia Groupe)
• Manufacture française de Bougies
• Bourguignonne des Cires et Dérivés
• Bach frères
• Ciergerie Leroy
• CIR Trudon
• Bougie et Senteur
• Alinéa
• Ciergerie du Sud-Est - Notre dame de france
• Eurobougie
• Devineau (Emosia Groupe)
• Denis & fils Bougies
• Habitat France
• Les Bougistes
• L Déco Bougies Naturelles
• Maison Montagut - Le Chatelard
• Emosia Groupe (Maison Berger)
• Diptyque