Food

Agricultural cooperatives, manufacturers, intermediaries, mass-market retailers, cash-and-carry operators, specialised retailers and foodservice professionals… Our solutions support all stakeholders, from production through to distribution. They shed light on all market outlets-retail, export, short supply chains, foodservice, and more-and provide the analytical keys required to anticipate sectoral transformations and steer the agri-food transition towards greater efficiency and sustainability.

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From farm to fork, the agri-food value chain is undergoing a profound transformation, driven by new consumption trends, innovation and evolving value chains:

Manufacturers are accelerating the automation and digitalisation of their production processes, while enhancing the value of co-products.

Distributors, meanwhile, are adapting to the rise of short supply chains, private labels and the shift towards plant-based diets. Food retail is being reshaped by new consumption models and growing expectations around traceability and transparency.

€310bn

food expenditure by French consumers, both at-home and out-of-home

France’s share of total global agricultural exports

20%

share of food expenditure in household budgets

-75%

decline in the agricultural population since 1970

From the Expert

Consumers sharing a meal, illustrating the evolution of dietary behaviors

«Competitiveness, climate change and generational renewal in farming: “Farm France” must reinvent itself. The challenge goes beyond cost considerations-it is about building a more innovative, more sustainable and more value-creating model, which is a prerequisite for food sovereignty and the prosperity of our regions.»

Matteo Neri

Food Sector Expert, Xerfi

Professionals engaged in discussion, reflecting the dynamism of the agri-food sector

Our solutions for the food industry

Drawing on its recognised expertise in the economy and markets, Xerfi offers a comprehensive range of analysis and advisory solutions. From flagship reports to bespoke analyses, from Call Expert to videos and conferences led by our consultants, we support private and public organisations alike in turning analysis into action.

Demand, expectations and behaviour research

To provide an in-depth understanding of consumer expectations, analyse trends, track changes in eating habits (plant-based, local, anti-waste, transparency), test your offerings and refine your marketing and product positioning in a rapidly evolving environment.

Forecasts and forward-looking scenarios

To anticipate change and decode market trends, identify growth opportunities and prioritise investment in the most promising segments—whether the rise of plant—based products, the expansion of short supply chains, or “free-from” products (gluten-free, no added sugar, lactose-free, etc.).

Risk analysis and drivers of sector transformation

To understand the economic, climatic, regulatory or societal shocks reshaping the agri-food industry value chain and redefining the sector as a whole, assess their impact on your activities and define resilience levers in the face of the agroecological transition and supply pressures.

Competitive landscape mapping

To visualise the competitive forces at play, compare positioning and market shares across retailers and foodservice operators, identify new entrants (foodtech, local brands, regional private labels, short supply chains) and spot partnership or acquisition opportunities.

Strategic benchmarks and trend reports

To identify the performance levers of tomorrow, understand winning strategies in response to the “eat better” movement and growing CSR requirements, pinpoint best practices in ecological transformation and inspire your future strategic direction.

Mechanized harvesting in an agricultural field - illustrating the food industry sector

USE CASE

Accelerating the ecological transition and strengthening the competitiveness of a specialist food retailer

Detailed challenge

A specialist food retail group—active in organic, bulk and local products—was experiencing declining sales alongside rapidly changing consumer behaviour. In this context, the management team wanted to rethink its strategic positioning, refine its customer understanding and identify new performance levers.

Objectives

Understand new eating behaviours and the trade-offs consumers make between price, proximity and values.
Identify levers for differentiation and customer loyalty.
Assess the resilience and economic performance of the specialist retail model.
Define a strategic roadmap that reconciles profitability, sustainability and the attractiveness of the offer.

Solutions

Demand, expectations and behaviour research: qualitative and quantitative research with current and former customers to understand purchase motivations, barriers and new usage patterns (bulk, organic private labels, digitisation of the customer journey, short supply chains).
Competitive landscape mapping: comparative analysis of market positioning (organic chains, convenience networks, mass-market retailers).
Strategic benchmarks and trend reports: identification of best practices in store concepts, customer experience and CSR engagement in food retail across Europe.
Recommendations and operational action plans.