Explore French market, organic producers told

CEBU, Philippines — For makers of organic products in the Philippines, the huge French market appears to be a promising area to tap into.

According to a recent study conducted by the Euromonitor Digest and released by the export marketing bureau of the Department of Trade and Industry (DTI), more and more French consumers are opting for organic food in line with the growing concerns over food safety.

Thus, France gives Filipino organic food and consumer discretionary goods makers a good opportunity to expand their market.

“Supermarkets and discounters have significantly expanded their offer of ‘produits bio’ and even opened specialized organic outlets to cater to the trend,” the report said.

The report cited data indicating that the average French household consumed 22 kilograms of fresh organic foods in 2017, up from 16 kilograms in 2012, while spending on organic packaged foods jumped by 50 percent to 98 euros.

In 2017, a survey by Statista found that eating organic foods was deemed important by 34 percent of French respondents, while an Anses study discovered that over 40 percent of French adults regularly bought a variety of organic products, including eggs, dairy products and fruits and vegetables.

On the other hand, domestic all-organic cosmetics and personal care products firm Human Nature Inc. is bent on prioritizing local market before exerting efforts to expand its export coverage.

Dylan Wilk, co-founder and chief executive officer (CEO) of Human Nature Inc., told The FREEMAN in an interview that although  the export market is lucrative, the company has to meet the strong demand potential at home first.

The British entrepreneur believes that the Philippines is a huge market to explore and offers opportunity for growth in both food and non-food organic products. — JMD (FREEMAN)