Want to break into the French market?
Once you have made sure that you have the right product and chosen your marketing strategy depending on the French audience, you still need a last crucial key: LABELS.
What exactly are labels?
They’re badges of honor—created by French professional unions based on legal and technical specifications. They are recognised by public authorities and tell your French consumer that your product is top-notch. Origin certified. Quality guaranteed. Standards met.
Why should you use them?
Because it’s not just about what you sell; it’s about the stamp of approval you carry.
Labeled products are often tested by groups of consumers: they publish the results, expanding your reach and visibility in the French market. They also vouch for the quality of your products through special tags, such as the famous “Product Of The Year” award.
As a result, labels are highly reassuring to the end consumer and allow for higher prices.
Labels matter here. A lot. But which one should you choose? Well, it depends on your product or service, of course. Here are the most important ones.
🥐 Food labels
The legal ones are subject to European or French laws, but are not mandatory.
🎁 They open up funding and financial opportunities as well as access to the best shelf placement:
- Label Rouge: A premium quality certification for food with superior quality.
- AB (Agriculture Biologique): Organic certification for food processed according to specific environmental and animal welfare standards.
- AOP (Appellation d’Origine Protégée): For food processed in a specific European region.
- STG (Spécialité Traditionnelle Garantie): Legal protection for products made using a traditional recipe or production method.
The private food labels are subject to guidelines set by private groups.
🎁 Your brand benefits from these groups’ marketing means to expand its reach.
While not subject to official regulation, these labels require adherence to strict conditions.
- Fair trade – Max Havelaar
- Pêche durable MSC (sustainable fishing)
📦 Non-food products
The legal ones are not mandatory, but strongly recommended.
🎁 Failing to display legal labels could lead to major supermarkets refusing to stock your product.
- Made in France: Certifies that the last step of fabrication takes place in France.
- Label Cosmos Organic: Organic certification for cosmetics.
The private ones are always very specific and mostly more restrictive than the legal ones.
🎁 They are also more efficient in building trust with the end consumer and in touching a specific audience.
- V-Label: Certifies products manufactured using no animal-derived ingredients and that have not been tested on animals.
- Origine France Garantie**:** Certifies that the most of the production chain is located in France.
Labels aren’t just about compliance. They’re your key to winning over French customers.
By choosing to pursue these certifications, you’re showing that you value quality and trust–qualities every French shopper looks for.
Ready to make your mark in France?
Let’s get those labels on your products.
Together, we screen your options to pinpoint the exact set of certifications you really need–and why.
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