"According to forecasts from January 1st, 2025, French lettuce production will reach 405.4 million heads for the 2024-2025 marketing year, which is 7.9 million heads less than in 2023-2024. In December 2024, prices were 9% lower than in the 2023-2024 season, but 10% higher than the 2019-2023 average for the same month," according to Agreste's economic outlook.
Stable national acreage
At 6,749 hectares, the national lettuce area for the 2024-2025 season will be comparable to that of the previous season. According to forecasts drawn up on January 1st, 2025, French lettuce production will be 405.4 million heads for the 2024-2025 season (May 2024 to April 2025). Over one year, the production is expected to decrease by 2% in terms of the number of heads, with a more marked decline in the northwest of France.
Lower prices in December
In October, field crops were affected by rot, which developed due to the excess humidity, and some plots were not fully harvested. The demand was good, and prices were relatively stable. In November, the humidity persisted. Sales were satisfactory and prices increased very slightly but remained below those of the previous season (-4%). In December, the competition from Italy was very strong on the markets and did not favor the sale of volumes from southeastern France. Prices dropped by 9% (compared to December 2023), but remained above the five-year average (+10%).
In cumulative terms from May to November 2024, and compared to the same period of the previous season, exports (13,500 tons) were 18% higher, imports (49,300 tons) were up by 4%, and the foreign trade deficit in volume terms remained virtually stable.
Source: Agreste
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