French retail turnover hits record high

A study by NielsenIQ published on October 13 reveals that the French retail sector has recorded a record turnover of 148 billion euros since the beginning of the year, compared to 112 billion euros in 2017. This growth has been driven by summer products such as waters, carbonated drinks, and ice creams, propelled by episodes of high heat, as well as innovation in product launches.

New product launches reach new heights

Nearly 447 new products were launched in 2026, which is 122 more innovations compared to the lowest point in 2023, which had totaled 325 innovations for the year. Innovations accounted for 749 million euros in 2025, compared to 494 million euros for those of 2024. Each innovation generated an average of 1.93 million euros in its first year, a record increase of +21% compared to 2024.

Top innovations show changing preferences

The top 10 innovations of 2026 include Ciao Energy, Kinder Bueno Pot, Brets Crepe Chips, Quick Sauces, Skip Ultimate 4 in 1, Fairy 30 minutes Miracle, Solero, Côte d'Or Biscoff Tablets, Magnum Signature, and Jack Daniel's Blackberry. Compared to the previous year, the top 10 reveals that in the 2025 ranking, the two top positions had been awarded to Skip and Ariel, two detergent brands. There was also a Sun dish soap tablet at sixth place. This year, there are only two detergent references, Skip and Fairy, and they have lost some positions in the ranking.

Hygiene and maintenance market grows rapidly

However, overall, the study points out that the hygiene and maintenance market on the short-cycle segment weighs 69.5 million euros, a 54% growth in one year. In addition, there were 77.5% more references and 33% of consumers repurchased this type of products. The study identifies four main trends in the retail sector.

Pleasure and snacking drive product innovation

First, the pleasure innovations: they accounted for 42% of the turnover of food and non-alcoholic drink products in 2025, with the share potentially reaching 50% this year. In the top 10, eight pleasure products are present. The snacking phenomenon continues to assert itself in the baskets of the French, representing 18% of the launches, compared to 5% in 2019. Nearly one in four baskets contains a snacking product. These products are practical and fit well into the tight daily lives of consumers.

Functional food and influencer products gain traction

The trend of functional food is gaining momentum (+17%). This includes ultra-fresh hyper-protein (driven by skyr) and functional drinks (energy and sports), which generate 1.4 times the turnover of an average innovation. The energy drink segment is performing best, with a growth of 22%. The success of influencer products, such as Ciao Energy cans launched by content creators Squeezie, Inoxtag, and Lena Situations, represents a significant trend. These products are also driven by renowned influencers and social networks, with a total turnover of 164 million euros, 24 times more than in 2022.

Future trends reflect consumer priorities

For the future, NielsenIQ identifies three new food trends that are beginning to emerge: "medical foods" with specific properties, more controlled portions and resealable packaging adapted to nomadic lifestyles, and shorter ingredient lists with a decrease in product processing. Several factors can explain these trends: consumers waiting for transparency about their food, movements toward the generalization of the Nutri-Score, the arrival of Yuka at certain stores, and climate change risks disrupting agriculture.