La distribution dans le système alimentaire français

Food consumption in France doubled in volume in 15 years, to more than 200 billion francs in 1974. With this growth went a considerable increase in the collective catering budget on the one hand and in. agri-business products on the other. The development in consumption has given rise to far-reaching changes in the structure of the distribution system. 60,000 food retail businesses disappeared between 1962 and 1974 while 36 giant firms today account for almost one third of the branch's turnover. This rapid concentration is accompanied by an increase in the number of wage-earners, - 700,000 persons, in other words almost one third of the active farming population and more than in agri-business. The dynamics of distribution can also be seen in increased competition. A survey carried out in Montpellier on - 30 foodstuffs shows that they are sold at a lower average price in supermarkets. Moreover the discrepancies are probably greater lower down the agri-business chain than at the industrial level. The pressure brought to bear by largescale distribution on agri-business seems strong enough to impose price reductions in the form of discounts, special offers etc. The food problem must therefore be conceived in terms that cover more than the agricultural aspect and include medical, educational and commercial aspects.