The christmas tree market - France

The Christmas tree market in France is characterized by a strong preference for natural trees, especially the popular Nordmann fir which dominates over 50% of the market by volume. Annually, nearly 5 million households, along with various local authorities and businesses, contribute to the purchasing pool. Despite this preference, the market still includes less than 20% of sales in artificial trees. Sales of Christmas trees are highly seasonal and concentrated in a limited timeframe each year.

Distribution is largely facilitated by supermarkets and specialized garden centers, which collectively account for over a third of natural fir sales and a significant portion of artificial tree sales. The majority of tree producers are based in regions like Burgundy and Morvan, treating tree production as a secondary activity due to the market's cyclical nature and fragility.

Despite local production, France faces a trade deficit in this sector and imports the majority of its Christmas trees, primarily from Denmark, the world's largest exporter, and Belgium. Key players in the market include domestic producers such as Noël Vert and Sarl Curti, importers like Du Frou, and nurseries including Naudet and Altitude 500. Note that there is no explicit numerical data from 2020 in the text, the summary relies on the contextual information provided..

French Christmas Tree Market Trends

In the festive heart of France, the Christmas tree market exhibits a marked preference for natural beauty over synthetic replicas. Over four million households – a figure nestling comfortably between five and six million – turn their homes into a Yuletide haven each year, with an additional uptake from municipalities and businesses adding a rich tapestry of diversity to the customer base. Among the verdant offerings, Nordmann Fir stands tall as the market's darling, commanding a lion's share of more than 50% of sales by volume, which equates to twice or possibly thrice the turnover of its closest competitor, the Spruce. In contrast, artificial trees, lacking the authentic allure, flounder in the market, achieving less than 20% in annual sales.

The brisk pace of the Christmas tree market pulses with a seasonal heartbeat, peaking succinctly towards the end of the year. Distribution channels like supermarkets and department stores, which encompass hypermarkets and garden centers, boast a robust sales muscle, clinching more than a third of natural fir sales and just under half of the artificial tree transactions. Specialized garden centers also assert a significant presence, responsible for close to 20% of natural fir exchanges and 11% for their artificial counterparts. Beneath the canopy of producers, Burgundy and Morvan stand out as a concentrated forest of activity.

Despite the sporadic nature of tree sales, nurserymen often relegate Christmas tree cultivation to a complementary role within their broader horticultural endeavors. The homegrown supply, however, falls far short of meeting the evergreen appetite of the French, with the nation turning to international suppliers to fill the considerable gap. With less than a fifth of domestic demands met locally, France looks to global Christmas tree champions like Denmark and Belgium to import the festive cheer. The market's landscape is defined by entities such as Noël Vert and Sarl Curti, which join international players like Du Frou and nurseries such as Naudet and Altitude 500 (Belgian) in catering to the country's seasonal needs.

Prominent Players Shaping the French Christmas Tree Market

As we delve into the landscape of the French Christmas tree market, it becomes evident that a tapestry of diverse players contributes to this festive industry. These entities range from local producers to international suppliers, each with their unique role in bringing the spirit of the holiday season to French homes and public spaces. Here, we present the key figures that stand out in this niche but vibrant market.

• Noël Vert serves as one of the domestic frontrunners in the production of Christmas trees in France. This company prides itself on operating within the national borders, providing a variety of natural trees including the favored Nordmann Fir. Noël Vert's business approach emphasizes sustainable practices and a commitment to cater to the rising demand for natural trees, which ornaments French households with a touch of green authenticity during the festive season.
• Sarl Curti represents another vital producer within the French market. Nestled in the lush regions suitable for Christmas tree farming, this nursery is known for its dedication to quality and tradition. Sarl Curti has made a name for itself as a reliable source for both personal and commercial buyers looking for that perfect centerpiece for their yule celebrations.
• In the realm of importation, Du Frou plays a pivotal role as a key importer, bridging the gap between foreign supplies and the local demand. With a significant trade deficit in France when it comes to Christmas trees, companies like Du Frou ensure that the number of trees not met by local production finds its way to French soil, primarily sourcing from countries such as Denmark—known as the world's largest exporter of Christmas trees—and Belgium.
• Lastly, we have nurseries like Naudet and Belgian-based Altitude 500, which are essential contributors to both the production and supply chain of Christmas trees. Naudet's expertise in cultivation harmonizes with the local market's cravings for natural trees, while Altitude 500 extends its reach across borders to keep up with the incessant demand during the holiday period.

Together, these actors—Noël Vert, Sarl Curti, Du Frou, Naudet, and Altitude 500—play a dynamic part in positioning France on the map of the Christmas tree market. They not only ensure that millions of homes, municipalities, and businesses can revel in the holiday spirit with their preferred type of tree but also underscore the nuanced market structure that oscillates between local production and necessary imports. 

Inforamtion

• Number of pages : ~ 40 pages
• Format : Digital and PDF versions
• Last update : 25/10/2022

Summary and extracts

List of charts presented in this market study

• Average price trend for natural fir trees
• Trend in the average price of natural fir trees by size
• Change in the agricultural producer price index (IPPAP)
• Where to buy natural fir trees
• Where to buy artificial Christmas trees
• Number of buyers between 2008 and 2020
• Number of Christmas trees purchased per household
• Trend in the number of buyers of artificial and natural Christmas trees
• Age of head of household
• Number of people in tree-buying households
• Children in buyer households
• Home region of tree buyers
• PCS of the head of household of fir tree buyers
• Net monthly income of purchasing households
• Overall, do you enjoy the festive season?
• Elements characterizing the Christmas spirit among young people aged 15 to 25
• Christmas tree market trends
• France's trade balance in fir trees
• France's customer countries in the Christmas tree trade
• Countries supplying France in the Christmas tree trade
• Foreign trade in Christmas trees
• Distribution of natural fir trees by volume
• Distribution of natural fir trees by value
• Market share of natural and artificial Christmas trees