The market for natural extracts - France (2024)

1.2 The global market

The global natural extracts market, valued at $**.** billion in ****, is projected to reach around $**.** billion by ****. This growth is expected to take place at a compound annual growth rate (***) of *.**% over the period **** to ****.

Evolution of global natural extracts market size France, ****-****, in billions of dollars Source: ****

Global natural extracts market share by region World, ****, % (***) Source: Precedence Research The Asia-Pacific region holds the largest market share with **%, which can be attributed to a strong tradition of using plant extracts in medical and culinary practices, as well as rapid growth in the cosmetics and food markets in countries such as China and India. Europe, with **%, ranks just behind, illustrating growing consumption of natural extracts, underpinned by strong demand for health and wellness products, as well as a regulatory framework favourable to the use of natural ingredients. North America, representing **%, shows robust adoption of natural extracts, reflecting similar trends in health and wellness, but with a slight difference due to the focus on specific applications in the food and cosmetics industries. Finally, the LAMEA region (***) occupies the smallest share with **%, underlining a lower penetration of products based on natural extracts, potentially due to economic challenges and slower adoption of these products compared ...

1.3 The European market

The European market for natural extracts is estimated at $*.** billion for the year ****. This market is forecast to reach a value of $*.** billion by ****, registering a compound annual growth rate (***) of **.** % over the period ****-****.

European natural extracts market size Europe, ****-****, billions of dollars Source: ****

The European natural extracts market shows a sustained and continuous growth trend over the period ****-****, with a marked increase in sales.

This dynamic reflects the growing appeal of natural solutions to European consumers, driven by growing concerns about health and well-being and preferences for natural alternatives to synthetic products.

Projections point to a significant expansion of the market, suggesting continued growth opportunities for industry players, reinforced by a growing awareness of the benefits of natural extracts in various fields, including pharmaceuticals, cosmetics and food.

1.4 The French market

There are no precise figures on the size of the French market for natural extracts. On the other hand, it is interesting to analyze the sales trends of different producer groups in order to identify market trends.

Sales trends for PPAM (***) from ** producer groups France, ****-****, in millions of euros Source: ****

Sales of fragrance, aromatic and medicinal plants (***) by the ** producer groups in France between **** and **** show a fluctuating trend marked by a significant initial increase, followed by stabilization and a gradual decline. Sales showed a notable increase from **.* million euros in **** to ** million euros in ****, indicating strong interest and growth in this sector.

However, this positive trend was not sustained, as sales fell to ** million euros in **** and continued to decline until reaching **.* million euros again in ****.

This trend may be due to a drop in sales or a fall in selling prices on the RTE market. This situation highlights the need for producers and market players to adapt to changing dynamics and develop resilient strategies to ensure sustainable and stable growth in the French PPAM sector.

Declared area of PPAM France, ****-****, in hectares Source : France Agrimer The evolution of declared areas under Perfumed, Aromatic and Medicinal Plants (***) in ...

1.5 The foreign market

Balance of trade for product CPF **** - Spices, aromatics, medicinal plants and pharmaceuticals France, ****- March ****, in thousands of euros Source: Customs and Indirect Duties *last ** months: cumulative figures from April **** to March ****

The trade balance for the CPF **** product, which includes spices, aromatic, medicinal and pharmaceutical plants in France from **** to March ****, shows a continuous deficit trend.

Export values have fallen progressively, from ***,*** thousand euros in **** to ***,*** thousand euros over the last ** months cumulated to March ****.

In parallel,imports have also fallen, but at a slower pace, reaching ***,*** thousand euros over the same period.

The coverage rate, although improving slightly from **.**% in **** to **.**% in March ****, remains significantly below ***%, underlining continued dependence on imports to meet domestic demand.

This trade balance deficit highlights persistent challenges for the French PPAM industry, faced with increased international competition and fluctuating market dynamics.

France's main customers for spice, aromatic, medicinal and pharmaceutical plants France, ****, in thousands of euros Source: Customs and Indirect Duties In ****, France's main customers for spice, aromatic, medicinal and pharmaceutical plants show a significant distribution of exports. The United States is the leading market with **,*** thousand euros, underlining the robust demand for these products on the North American market. Italy and Germany ...

2.1 The French love aromatherapy

French people's perception of alternative healthcare therapies France, ****, % of Source: ****

In ****, the French have a rather good image of alternative therapies, and the figures above confirm this trend. Indeed, the majority of respondents (***) say they have a fairly good image of alternative therapies. And **% say they have a very good image. These two positive views therefore represent **% of respondents, suggesting widespread acceptance of these approaches as a complement or alternative to conventional medicine.

On the other hand, **% of respondents report having a rather poor image of alternative therapies, indicating a degree of mistrust or skepticism towards them. However, it should be noted that only a minority, **%, claim to have a very poor image of these practices.

Do you think herbal products are good for your health? France, ****, in Odoxa

When it comes to health benefits, over **% of French people believe that phytotherapy products (***) have health benefits, with **% fully convinced.

What drives the consumption of essential oils? France, ****, in percent Source: ****

Another interesting fact is that for **% of respondents, the primary reason for using essential oils is to "treat oneself naturally", which therefore corresponds to aromatherapy

How did the French learn about aromatherapy? France, ****, % Source: ****

The French have discovered aromatherapy in a ...

2.2 Consumption of natural beauty and skincare products

Natural extracts derived from plants play a fundamental role in the field of beauty products and skin care. Their inclusion in cosmetics is prized for their multiple virtues, which meet a variety of aesthetic and well-being needs. Used for their relaxing properties, they help to soothe and revitalize the skin, while promoting an overall sense of well-being. Many plant extracts also have healing properties, contributing to skin regeneration and the repair of damaged tissue, which is essential for maintaining healthy, radiant skin. In addition, some extracts offer matifying and astringent effects, helping to control excess sebum and tighten pores, which is particularly beneficial for oily or acne-prone skin.

Beauty products incorporate these natural extracts in a multitude of formulations, from moisturizers and serums to facial masks and toners. Their use helps to address a variety of skin concerns, such as hydration, radiance, firmness and the fight against the signs of aging. What's more, the appeal of natural extracts lies in their ability to offer effective skin care while minimizing exposure to synthetic chemicals, thus responding to a growing demand for more natural, skin-friendly beauty products. In short, plant extracts are an invaluable asset in the formulation of cosmetics, making it possible ...

2.3 The French and dietary supplements

Percentage of French people who have used dietary supplements in the past ** months France, ****, % (***) Source: ****

In **** in France, analysis of dietary supplement consumption reveals that **% of French people have used these products in the past ** months, while **% have not.

These data indicate a majority trend towards the adoption of dietary supplements, suggesting a growing awareness of their potential benefits for health and well-being. This growing popularity could be attributed to a variety of factors, including greater awareness of nutritional issues, a quest for solutions to dietary deficiencies, and a desire to boost the immune system or improve specific aspects of health.

Reasons for consuming dietary supplements France, ****, % (***) Source : Synadiet The main reason cited by consumers is to strengthen the immune system (***), underlining a growing awareness of the importance of an active, balanced lifestyle. Improving sleep and relaxation(***) are also significant motivations, indicating a growing interest in managing mental and emotional well-being. These trends underline an orientation towards holistic and preventive health solutions, and illustrate the importance placed by consumers on both physical and psychological aspects of their well-being. Manufacturers and distributors of dietary supplements can thus be encouraged to diversify their offerings and clearly communicate the specific benefits of their products ...

2.4 The importance of natural extracts in the food industry

The importance of natural extracts in the food and beverage industry is growing, and is proving crucial in meeting consumers' expectations in terms of health, naturalness and product quality. Plant extracts play an essential role in enriching foods and beverages, providing not only unique flavors but also nutritional and functional benefits. For example, acerola extract, rich in vitamin C, is commonly used to fortify various food products, such as fruit juices, energy drinks and dietary supplements, thereby enhancing their nutritional value. Similarly, white mulberry extract is incorporated into food products to help control blood sugar levels, offering a natural alternative to traditional sugar regulators.

These extracts are not limited to nutritional functions; they are also prized for their aromatic properties. Extracts such as vanilla, mint or lemon are used to impart natural, authentic flavors to a variety of products, from confectionery to soft drinks, without resorting to artificial flavoring. Extracts from plants such as chamomile or lavender are also incorporated into teas and infusions, providing soothing and relaxing benefits, responding to a growing demand for products that promote well-being. Herbal infusions, enriched with natural extracts such as mint or lemon balm, are particularly appreciated for their calming and detoxifying virtues, contributing ...

2.5 The Do It Yourself (DIY) trend

DIY trend:

DIY, or Do It Yourself, is a trend that has been taking hold for some time, and one that was able to take root with the confinement, since it gave the French time to discover this activity. Cosmetics are one of the trendiest categories, enjoying great success, as noted by Monoprix's Beauty Director: "Since the confinement, our sales of DIY cosmetics have seen double-digit growth. By the end of October, they were up **% on the same period last year. ". Aroma-Zone, a specialist in DIY cosmetics, many of which are made with essential oils, gained ***,*** customers during the containment[***].

Breakdown of women who have already designed cosmetics themselves France, ****, % Source: ****

The graph above reveals that **% of women have already designed their own cosmetics, while **% would never have taken this step. This breakdown highlights a notable trend towards "homemade" cosmetics, reflecting a growing interest in personalized, natural and potentially more environmentally-friendly products.

However, the majority of women still prefer commercially available cosmetics, perhaps due to convenience, confidence in the quality of commercial products, or lack of time or skills to create their own.

The main reasons for making your own products France, ****, % (***) Source: ****

French people's main motivation for making their own ...

3.1 Value chain

Source: ****

The value chain for natural extracts, illustrated in the diagram above, describes the various processing stages and end uses of dried or fresh plants. Here is a detailed analysis of each component of the value chain:

Cut and sorted plants

Once harvested, plants undergo an initial preparation stage, which includes cutting and sorting. This stage is essential to guarantee the quality of the final extracts by eliminating impurities and selecting the best parts of the plant.

Grinding the plant material is reduced to a fine powder. This form is mainly used for applications where the dry, powdery form is favorable.

Powder: Used to create products such as dietary supplements and herbal preparations.

Herbalism, phytotherapy, herbal teas, flavorings these powders are incorporated into products for direct consumption or for the preparation of drinks and infusions.

Alcoholic and hydroalcoholic extraction

This method uses solvents such as alcohol to extract the active ingredients from plants. It is commonly used to obtain concentrated extracts that can be easily incorporated into a variety of products.

Mother tincturesconcentrated extracts often used in homeopathy.

Homeopathymother tinctures are used as the basis for homeopathic remedies.

Infusions, Decoctions, Floral Waters, Macerations extraction techniques that use water to extract the ...

3.2 Regional disparities in natural extract production

An analysis of the area devoted to perfume, aromatic and medicinal plants (***), representing a major share of the total area dedicated to PPAM. This dominance is probably due to the region's favorable climatic conditions and long-standing tradition of growing aromatic plants.

Auvergne-Rhône-Alpes follows with a substantial area: ***** hectares, demonstrating another key region in the production of natural extracts. Regions such as Grand Est (***), although smaller in terms of cultivated area, contribute significantly to the geographical diversity of PPAM production in France.

The southern and south-eastern regions of France, in particular, show a higher concentration of PPAM crops, which may be linked to factors such as the Mediterranean climate, historical experience in growing these plants, and agricultural support infrastructure.

3.3 Different plants grown in France, with lavender and lavandin at the top of the list

Change in surface area per crop in France :

Production specialized in lavandin

Main France, X Source: ****

The main essential oils produced in France are lavender (***).

Trend in lavender and lavandin essential oil production France, ****-****, in tons Source: ****

Production of lavandin essential oil is much higher than that of lavender.

For lavender, production shows an upward trend until ****, rising from ** tonnes in **** to a peak of *** tonnes in ****, then declining slightly to *** tonnes in **** and *** tonnes in ****.

As for lavandin, production shows a more significant growth trend, with some fluctuations in certain years, peaking in **** with **** tonnes produced. By ****, lavandin production had fallen by **%.

growth in the number of farms producing PPAM France, ****-****, in number of farms Source: ****

Between **** and ****, the number of farms producing perfume, aromatic and medicinal plants (***) in France showed a general upward trend. The number of farms rose from **** in **** to a peak of **** in ****, before falling back slightly to **** in ****. Between **** and ****, the number of farms grew by **.**%

This overall increase reflects a growing interest in PPAM, probably due to increased demand for natural products and essential oils. The slight decrease in **** could indicate market stabilization or adjustments in the sector.

Not all aromatic plant ...

3.4 Different distribution channels

Food supplements :

Sales of dietary supplements by distribution channel France, ****, % of sales Source: ****

The chart showing the breakdown of sales of dietary supplements by distribution channel shows a clear dominance of pharmacies, which capture **% of sales. This preponderance reflects consumer confidence in the professional advice and quality of products available in these establishments, as well as the strict regulations applied. Other distribution channels, such as direct sales, supermarkets and hypermarkets, organic stores and e-commerce, share a fairly equal share of the market, each contributing *%. This even distribution suggests a diversification of distribution methods, where consumers seek not only convenience but also specific values such as organic or digital accessibility.

Essential oils:

The main distribution channel is pharmacies and parapharmacies, followed by the internet and organic stores, according to a report on the essential oils market in **** by the Consortium HE and the syndicat PPAM de France. A survey of *** responses from the French population gave the following results concerning possible places of purchase for essential oils: Possible places of purchase for essential oils France, ****, in Source: University of Rennes Sales of essential oils in pharmacies, parapharmacy and organic stores France, ****-****, in millions of euros Source: France Agrimer, France Agrimer Sales ...

4.1 The average price of single plants

Average price of the most popular single plants sold in pharmacies in France in **** :

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* Average price, all packaging and production methods combined

Source: ****

The table gives a detailed overview of average prices per kilogram for single plants used in perfume, aromatic and medicinal products (***) in France, for the year ****. Prices vary considerably by plant, reflecting a combination of factors such as market demand, seasonal availability, and production methods.

Roman chamomile and dandelion stand out with relatively high prices, illustrating strong valuation for their beneficial properties and varied uses in natural health products.

On the other hand, plants such as psyllium and licorice show lower prices, probably due to their more abundant availability or lower production costs.

This data is crucial for players in the PPAM market, enabling them to better understand price dynamics and adapt their production and marketing strategies accordingly to meet the diverse needs of consumers.

4.2 The different essential oils on sale in France

Properties of essential oils:

The chemotype, or chemotype, is an identity card that differentiates essential oils extracted from the same plant species. Each chemotype identifies the characteristics and powers of each essence. It's an essential concept for defining the impact and virtues of an essential oil. It's a kind of chemical sub-category of essential oil within the same plant species. The European Union formalized its adoption in **** with the ratification of the REACH regulation (***).

Various factors are likely to influence the chemotype of an essential oil and its chemical composition, such as location, climate, soil composition, altitude, sunshine, harvesting period, etc. [***]. This is why it's possible to find different essential oils from the same plant: like lavender, with its essential oils of lavande fine de Provence, lavande fine Altitude and lavande vraie, or mint, with its essential oils of menthe poivrée, menthe poivrée de Provence, menthe des champs and menthe verte. Each of these essential oils has different properties.

Here are some examples of essential oils chosen according to their use:

Source: ****

Here are * tables summarizing the different uses of the * essential oils most commonly sold in pharmacies and parapharmacies:

Source: ****

Essential oil sales by bottle:

Manufacturers of aromatherapy ...

4.3 Food supplements

Food supplements, which are available over the counter in specialized stores, pharmacies and parapharmacies, play a key role in supporting and improving human health. These products, governed by strict regulations under the aegis of the French authorities, come in a variety of forms including capsules, tablets, pastilles, pills, powdered sachets, liquid extracts and ampoules.

Directive ****/**/EC of the European Parliament defines them as foodstuffs intended to supplement the usual diet with a concentrated source of nutrients or other substances with nutritional or physiological effects. These supplements are used to compensate for dietary deficiencies or to meet specific needs such as reducing fatigue, managing stress or improving vitality. They may contain a variety of ingredients, from vitamins and minerals to plant extracts, each offering potential health benefits.

As a result, food supplements are subject to health and nutrition claims strictly regulated by European regulations to ensure their efficacy and safety. Mostly consumed by women aged ** to ** with a high level of education, these products testify to the growing interest in nutritional supplementation and natural solutions for well-being. This part of the market study will explore in detail the different types of dietary supplements available, highlighting their composition, benefits and growing popularity in ...

4.4 The different types of infusion

The recent craze for natural products and self-medication remedies has prompted tea and infusion manufacturers to diversify their product range, both in terms of ingredients used and preparation methods.

In the case of tea, products are generally differentiated according to the color of the leaves. There are mainly three different colors of tea: black, green and white, to which we can add Oolong or "blue-green" tea, yellow tea, Pu Erh tea and Rooibos. Rooibos is not made from tea leaves, but from a South African shrub called Aspalathus Linearis, while matcha is a powder made from green tea, widely used in Japan.

As for herbal teas, the main ingredients used are lime blossom, verbena, chamomile and peppermint. However, there are many different foods that can be incorporated into infusions, often in the form of blends. A non-exhaustive list is given below:

Plants other than those mentioned above include aniseed, fennel, lemon balm, lemongrass, ginger, hibiscus, valerian, echinacea, rosemary, thyme and nettle. Among fruits, the most classic are lemon and orange, but there are also herbal teas based on pineapple, blueberry, apricot, raspberry or coconut. Among the spices, turmeric, cardamom or cinnamon can be incorporated into herbal teas or infusions. For the ...

5.1 Regulations governing essential oils

An essential oil is defined as a "volatile odorant substance produced by certain plants and extractable in liquid form" obtained by distillation. As such, it contains no fatty substances.

All essential oils must have a specific function. Distributors are obliged to be transparent, and to inform consumers about directions for use and precautions. It is therefore the purpose stated by the manufacturer that determines the applicable regulations.[***]

You can't choose an essential oil without knowing how to use it. According to the same source, essential oils can be dangerous because they contain active chemical elements. The European Union has therefore classified those recognized as hazardous substances, and requires clear labelling to promote transparency for consumers.

Furthermore, it is strictly forbidden to use an essential oil as a medicine: "any claim suggesting that an over-the-counter essential oil could prevent or treat a pathology is prohibited".

Therapeutic" claims (***) are reserved for pharmaceutical specialties.

The regulations applicable to essential oils depend on their intended use, and some have even been classified as dangerous substances, see here.

Active substances in medicinal products: - Under the French Public Health Code, herbal medicinal products do not require marketing authorization. They are subject to registration with the French ...

5.2 Regulations governing the use of plants in food supplements

According to article * of decree n°****-***, only plants recognized for their traditional use in human nutrition, or those having received authorization following the mutual recognition procedure in accordance with article ** of the decree, may be used in food supplements in France.

Plants considered traditional are those whose use in food supplements does not constitute a novelty, in accordance with Regulation (***) n°****/****. A compilation of these plants is available to help operators with their declaratory procedures.

Plant preparations may be included in food supplements provided they comply with several general principles: they must have a significant history of consumption in accordance with Regulation (***) n° ***/****, and they must not confer on food supplements the status of medicinal products by virtue of their function.

Additional European or national provisions, such as those in the Order of June **, ****, may also apply to these products, including specific conditions of use for certain plants. It is crucial that operators responsible for marketing food supplements containing herbal preparations carry out a risk analysis to guarantee the safe use of these products. This analysis must be based on an in-depth study of the available literature and precise knowledge of the chemical composition of the herbal preparations used.

Although ...

6.1 Segmentation

• Puressentiel France
• Pranarôm (Inula Groupe)
• Mane
• Aroma Zone
• Florame
• Thés Éléphant (Scoop TI)
• Les 2 Marmottes
• Twinings
• LABORATOIRES OMEGA PHARMA - Phytosun arôms
• Nutripure
• Novoma
• Eurolyo (Berkem Groupe)
• Berkem groupe
• Astier Demarest
• Albert Vieille
• Arômes Patrelle
• Santarome Laboratoire
• Plantex
• Omnipharm
• Natinov
• Nigay
• Elixens France
• Nateva
• François Nature
• Quosentis
• SCRD
• 2R Couleur
• Produits chimiques de Lucette (PCDL)
• Société Nouvelle des couleurs zinciques (SNCZ)
• Techniques Chimiques Nouvelles