Abstract
In France the food industry is the leading industrial sector, well ahead of the chemical, electrical and car industries. Within the EU it ranks in second place, only just behind Germany but considerably ahead of the UK in third place. Eight main sub-sectors are identified: meat, dairy, preserves and frozen foods, cereal-based products, sugar, miscellaneous food products, soft drinks, and alcohol. After a brief general description of the sector the article considers consumer demand and reactions from the industry, innovation, the effects of health and hygiene regulations, and the international context.In France the food industry is the leading industrial sector, well ahead of the chemical, electrical and car industries. Within the EU it ranks in second place, only just behind Germany but considerably ahead of the UK in third place. Eight main sub-sectors are identified: meat, dairy, preserves and frozen foods, cereal-based products, sugar, miscellaneous food products, soft drinks, and alcohol. After a brief general description of the sector the article considers consumer demand and reactions from the industry, innovation, the effects of health and hygiene regulations, and the international context.