Dietary Supplements in France

PROSPECTS

Dietary supplements enjoy a positive image among French consumers

According to research conducted for Synadiet (National Union of Dietary Supplements), the image of dietary supplements is positive in France, with two thirds of the population convinced of their benefits and half having already purchased some of these products. Growth continued to be seen in dietary supplements current value sales in 2019, driven by areas like digestion, stress and vitality.

While consumers believe in them, some scientific bodies doubt the efficacy of dietary supplements

While sales of dietary supplements continue to grow and two thirds of the French population are convinced of their benefits, scientific bodies are a little more sceptical about the value of these products, not least because, unlike drugs, they are not subject to marketing authorisation. According to ANSES, “By definition, a food supplement cannot have or claim therapeutic effects.

Consumers increasingly taking dietary supplements for sleeping, stress, digestion and vitality

There is a shift in the reason why consumers are taking dietary supplements. Sales of dietary supplements related to beauty and weight management are losing steam, but products dedicated to the management of sleeping and stress, digestion and vitality are accounting for a greater share of sales.

COMPETITIVE LANDSCAPE

Ponroy Santé Group acquires Ersa and Densmore

Ponroy Santé Group is looking to strengthen its presence via its acquisition strategy. In late 2017 it acquired the vitamins, minerals and supplements specialist Ersa, known for its Aragan and Synactifs brands.

Chemists/Pharmacies still the most important distribution channel for dietary supplements

As the French are becoming more aware of the need to take better care of their health, pharmacies remain the destination of choice for local consumers in need of dietary supplements. Advice, recommendation and proximity are serious assets for pharmacists, who consumers perceive as experts.

Cuure looking to simplify taking dietary supplements for consumers

French personalised nutrition start-up Cuure has designed an online platform for dietary supplements that it hopes will avoid the complexity sometimes associated with taking food supplements. The Paris-based company delivers monthly subscriptions of personalised dietary supplement pouches to consumers across France, with plans to expand the service to other European countries at a later date.

Files are delivered directly into your account within a few minutes of purchase.