Healthy eating and diet are important considerations for the French, according to research presented by Bord Bia at an international food fair in Paris.
The research, presented yesterday by Helen King, examines the eating habits of Europeans. It found that 80 per cent of French consumers are prepared to pay more for healthy food, as long as it tastes good. And they are more likely than other European consumers to try new foods and explore different tastes.
The results will be used by Irish food and drink manufacturers to help Irish companies sell food in France and expand what is Ireland's second most important market in the EU, where last year we sold €534 million worth of product.
The research, carried out last August in France, Spain, Britain, Sweden, and the Netherlands, found that the French have a greater awareness of diet and healthy eating than most other Europeans.
Some 92 per cent believe that to be healthy, it is important to eat properly, and 87 per cent said they were conscious of the nutritional benefits of good food.
The survey revealed that 87 per cent of French consumers said that meat was important in their diet, compared to 89 per cent of British. Comparable research shows that 91 per cent of Irish consumers think meat is important in their diet.
Some 82 per cent of French consumers said they tended to pick foods which were quick to cook compared to 68 per cent of Irish consumers and 77 per cent of British.
The survey also found that a higher percentage of French people, 48 per cent, enjoyed cooking, a higher figure than their Irish (34 per cent), Spanish (30 per cent) and Swedish (45 per cent) neighbours.
It showed that while 73 per cent of French people drink alcohol, 1 per cent more than Irish consumers, this was still 5 per cent lower than people in Britain.
The research was presented at the SIAL global fair in Paris yesterday, where 99 countries are attempting to sell to the French and to each other from 5,200 exhibition stalls. Some 150,000 people are expected to visit the fair this week.
The research also found that the waist size of French women has increased from 79.2cm in 1997 to 83.7cm in the years 1997 to 2006. However, this was mainly in the population aged 55 to 64.
This year, nine Irish meat companies and the Irish Dairy Board are exhibiting under the Bord Bia "Ireland the Food Island" pavilion. The board has also arranged for dozens of other companies to meet buyers from France.
Speaking at the stand yesterday, the Minister with responsibility for food, Brendan Smith, said the best possible platform was being given to Irish producers and they were telling him that business was brisk.So far this year, there had been a 12 per cent growth in exports over last year and this boded well for the future.