According to Agreste's economic outlook published on December 20, the French cauliflower market faced significant challenges in November 2024, driven by an unusually abundant supply. Production for the 2024-2025 marketing year is forecasted at 186,900 tons, a 5,000-tonne decrease compared to 2023-2024, but 16% below the five-year average. Despite this, the advance in the production calendar led to a supply glut, causing prices to plummet.
Substantial output in November
The national cauliflower acreage for 2024-2025 is expected to fall by 2% year-on-year, totaling 13,148 hectares, which is also 7% below the five-year average. National production is projected at 186,900 tons, down 3% compared to the previous year and 16% below the five-year average. Notably, Basse-Normandie is the only region where production is anticipated to rise, thanks to improved yields compared to the previous season.
In Hauts-de-France, where cauliflower production is concentrated in the summer, excessive humidity delayed planting this year. However, growers managed to catch up between July and August. In Brittany, supply delays observed at the end of September were mitigated by October, as favorable weather conditions—mild temperatures and rainfall—accelerated production, resulting in some harvests arriving a month ahead of schedule.
Autumn brings price plunge
The 2024-2025 season began with elevated prices, which quickly dropped in July. By September, limited supplies drove prices to exceptional highs—110% above 2023 levels and 69% above the five-year average. However, the rapid influx of supply reversed this trend, sending prices 17% below the previous season in October and 74% lower in November. The weakened export demand further destabilized the market, leading to unsold stock, withdrawals, and even abandoned harvests.
From June to October 2024, French cauliflower and broccoli exports reached 17,700 tons, a 5% increase from the previous year. Imports surged by 36% to 14,100 tons, largely between June and August. This rise in imports significantly reduced the foreign trade surplus, which fell by 44% in volume terms, highlighting the strain on the domestic market.
As the season progresses, producers and stakeholders face pressing questions about how to balance production levels with market demand to avoid further disruptions.
Source: agreste.agriculture.gouv.fr
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