Culture Viande warns of crisis in French beef processing sector

The French beef processing sector is facing a critical financial crisis, with profit margins hitting their lowest levels since 2017. According to the federation Culture Viande, the industry is struggling with a structural imbalance where the cost of purchasing cattle rose by 22% in 2025, while sales prices only increased by 14%. This squeeze is further exacerbated by rising operational costs for energy, water, and packaging.

While beef consumption saw a decline of approximately 3% in 2025, the industry faces a complex landscape of shifting demand. Overall meat consumption in France grew by 1.3% in 2025, driven largely by a 3.3% increase in poultry, whereas beef, sheep, and pork saw declines.

Yves Fantou, president of Culture Viande, has issued an alert regarding food sovereignty, warning that the decline in domestic livestock herds is increasing reliance on imports. Currently, imports account for 26% of beef consumption, 29% of pork, and 62% of sheep meat. The federation is calling for measures to stabilize cattle herds to prevent the sector from being overtaken by international competitors.