French lettuce production is expected to reach 427.5 million heads for the 2025-2026 season (according to forecasts on October 1st, 2025), which is 9 million heads more than in the previous season. In September, prices were 3% higher than in 2024, according to Agreste.
Increase in area and production
For the 2025-2026 season, national acreage is expected to increase slightly (+1%) from the previous season, to 6,840 hectares. However, this overall increase masks a downturn in the northern basin, where acreage is expected to decrease by 3%. According to estimates on October 1st, 2025, national production will reach 427.5 million heads, a 2% increase from last year, driven mainly by an increase in the Northern Basin.
© Agreste
Rising prices over the summer period
In May 2025, low consumption relative to the national supply led to a market imbalance. Prices dropped by 33% from last year, slightly below the average for the last five years (-4%). In June, commercial activity remained insufficient. Prices picked up over the summer, particularly in August (19% higher than last year and 15% higher than the five-year average), boosted by a production slump caused by hot weather and diseases. In September, although supplies were limited due to cool, wet weather, the demand remained moderate and prices returned to levels comparable to those of previous years.
Between May and August 2025, exports (5,800 tons) and imports (25,200 tons) were down by 13% and 3% respectively, compared with the same period last year. The result is a foreign trade deficit in volume terms that is up 1%.
Source: Agreste
