Evolving Landscape of Supermarkets: Key Players Driving Transformation in the French Retail Sector
French supermarkets significantly mold the nation's dietary habits and contribute to greenhouse gas emissions, with three-quarters of food purchases occurring in major retail chains. The Climate Action Network (RAC) has recently published a report to introduce discussion on this topic, as food consumption accounts for nearly a quarter of greenhouse gas emissions.
The report, released on May 13th, highlights that supermarkets remain a significant player in the economic, cultural, and political landscape, yet receive little attention in public discourse. By 2025, retailers have made strides in transparency and climate pledges, but still champion the sales of cheap meat from industrial farms at the expense of vegetable-based diets and higher-quality meat labeled as organic or Label Rouge.
The evaluation, covering primary retailers with a combined market share of 90% (Aldi, Carrefour, Casino/Monoprix, E.Leclerc, Lidl, Les Mousquetaires/Intermarché), relied on several datasets: public reports, store visits, questionnaires sent to sellers, interviews with representatives from the industry, and analysis of international practices. The scoring grid assessed commitments and transparency, in-store promotions, catalogs, pricing policies, etc. Interviews with industry professionals also pinpointed barriers to the transition.
Supermarkets influence dietary transitions through various strategies. Some retailers introduce plant-based alternatives to traditional meat products, appealing to eco-conscious consumers. Quality meat labels, like organic or Label Rouge, are also promoted by specific supermarkets, catering to consumers who prioritize better quality products.
Major French supermarkets, however, are still responsible for significant greenhouse gas emissions through agriculture and the promotion of industrial farm meat. Agriculture, specifically livestock farming, is a major contributor to greenhouse gas emissions. By promoting plant-based diets or sustainable meat options, supermarkets can help decrease emissions.
Some supermarkets are taking steps to address these concerns. For example, E. Leclerc introduces a "Carbon'Info" indicator in their stores, which displays the greenhouse gas emissions per kilogram of product, encouraging consumers to make more sustainable choices. Others, such as Aldi, experiment with hybrid minced meat in the Netherlands (containing 40% vegetable ingredients), suggesting a broader willingness to innovate and reduce emissions.
However, the challenge lies in balancing affordability with sustainability goals. In their quest for lower prices, traditional supermarkets frequently offer cheap meat from industrial farms, which may have negative environmental impacts due to resource-intensive farming practices. In contrast, vegetable-based diets demand fewer resources, such as land, water, and crops, compared to animal-based diets.
Overall, French supermarkets are slowly adapting to more eco-friendly practices, with some taking the lead in environmental awareness and innovation. However, the industry still must confront challenges in achieving a balance between affordability and sustainability commitments.
- The report published by the Climate Action Network (RAC) discusses the significant impact of supermarkets on the nation's dietary habits, greenhouse gas emissions, and the environment, stating that food consumption accounts for a considerable portion of greenhouse gas emissions.
- The evaluation, covering the primary retailers responsible for 90% of the market share, identified supermarkets as a major player in the economic, cultural, and political landscape, but receiving little attention in public discourse.
- The scoring grid assessed the commitments and transparency of supermarkets, as well as in-store promotions, catalogs, pricing policies, and more, aiming to pinpoint barriers to the transition towards more sustainable practices.
- To combat greenhouse gas emissions, supermarkets can promote plant-based diets or sustainable meat options, as agriculture, particularly livestock farming, contributes significantly to these emissions. Some supermarkets are already taking steps in this direction, offering plant-based alternatives, quality meat labels, or trial products with lower emissions, such as hybrid minced meat containing vegetable ingredients. However, striking a balance between affordability and sustainability remains a challenges for the industry.
