A majority of French people favor the origin of products over their price, according to our survey

Romain Rouillard / Photo credit: NICOLAS GUYONNET / HANS LUCAS / HANS LUCAS VIA AFP 06:00, January 31, 2024

While the anger of farmers has put the question of the origin of the products we consume back on the table, a CSA survey for Europe 1, CNews and

reveals that it is indeed an essential criterion for the French when filling the shopping basket. Thus, 51% of those questioned consider it even more important than the price, even though food inflation has reached nearly 12% in 2023, compared to the previous year. Only 41% of respondents favor the original cost. 

Among their multiple demands, farmers denounce in particular unfair competition from certain European countries in which farmers do not have to respect the battery of standards imposed on French farmers. They point the finger, among other things, at this imported meat, which is cheaper for the consumer, but which penalizes the French sector. A subject which visibly resonates with the population who also mainly support the protest movement.

Few differences, depending on political proximity

However, there are some disparities depending on the age group. Thus, those under 35% favor one iota (46%, against 45) the price, to the detriment of the origin of the products. The difference is more marked among 25-34 year olds for whom price is the most important criterion (53%) ahead of the origin of the products, only cited by 38% of respondents. On the other hand, those over 50 largely argue in favor of the origin of the products. A criterion considered to be the most fundamental by 61% of those over 65. 

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The political proximity of the respondents has little impact on the result of the survey. Thus, whether they are right-wing or left-wing, the French people surveyed look more at the origin than the price of products. Supporters of the left, however, appear a little more categorical with 57% of respondents saying they favor the origin of the goods, compared to 51% of those on the right. In detail, on the left, it is the supporters of Europe Écologie Les Verts who are the most demanding regarding the origin of products. A criterion that 70% of them consider to be the most essential. 

On the right, it is the voters of Reconquête!, the party founded by Éric Zemmour, who look at the said criterion with the most interest (77%). Republican supporters appear to be the most divided with 48% of respondents saying they favor the origin of the goods, compared to 47% who consider, first and foremost, the price.