France: Retail Foods

During the Covid-19 pandemic the French government designated the retail sector as essential and most firms had a continuity in operations. The nationwide lockdown and closing of restaurants resulted in a boost to the retail sector. Ordering on-line and picking-up at the store (also known as Click and Collect or E-drive) sales rose 40 percent in 2020 and represented 7.8 percent of all retail food sales. The French retail distribution network is diverse and sophisticated and offers a variety of opportunities for U.S. food and food products provided they conform to EU regulations.