Pubs, Bars & Coffee shops in France - Market Size, Industry Analysis, Trends and Forecasts (2025-2029)

Pubs, Bars & Coffee shops in France industry analysis

Consumer preferences and wider economic conditions affecting consumer finances impact spending on pubs, bars, nightclubs and coffee shops. A marked drop in alcohol consumption among the French population has challenged pubs, bars and nightclubs. Meanwhile, the country’s strong café culture has driven sales. Industry revenue is expected to climb at a compound annual rate of 5.2% to €7.3 billion over the five years through 2025, including a 0.6% rise in 2025.
Ever-growing health consciousness and the surge of low-alcohol or alcohol-free beverages have influenced consumers’ preferences away from alcohol. Many consumers are gravitating towards coffee, teas and low-sugar juices, which have buoyed revenue. Coffee, a popular drink to have alongside a croissant or tartine , enjoys robust demand, with coffee shops leveraging this by offering speciality and artisanal brews. Drinking establishments have faced significant competitive pressures from supermarkets and bakeries, which entice consumers to buy from lower prices and diverse options. In response, pubs and bars have innovated their offerings, rolling out unique beverages like craft beer and cocktails to retain clientele. Similarly, coffee shops have focused on high-quality, ethically sourced coffee. Lockdown restrictions amid the COVID-19 pandemic, including travel bans and the temporary closures of drinking establishments, decimated revenue in 2020. The gradual lifting of restrictions and strong consumer demand for socialising fuelled revenue growth over the two years through 2022. However, drinking establishments’ recovery was restricted by soaring inflation which weakened consumer spending on out-of-home beverage consumption and elevated costs, notably utilities and purchase costs. Easing inflation is encouraging consumers to loosen their purse strings and spend on drinking establishments in 2025.

Trends and Insights

• Rising health consciousness decreases alcohol consumption in Europe. Lower alcohol consumption hinders spending at drinking establishments and encourages industry players to expand their non-alcoholic beverage offerings, offering new growth opportunities amid changing consumer preferences.
• Health awareness among consumers hinders alcoholic beverage sales. A growing number of European consumers are reducing or cutting out completely alcohol consumption, turning to healthier beverages instead.
• The industry is highly fragmented. Most players are small, independent drinking establishments, with no large players having significant control in the market.