Product Offerings
Products:
Charcuterie Products: Cooked Hams, Dry Sausages, Boudins, Rillettes, Pâtés, Andouillettes, Salamis, Terrines, Regional Meat Specialties
The Fédération des Entreprises Françaises de Charcuterie Traiteur (FICT) is the official representative body of France’s charcuterie and deli industry, comprising approximately 300 companies. Founded in 1924 and headquartered in Paris, FICT plays a central role in promoting, supporting, and defending the interests of the French cured meat and prepared meat products sector. As a key pillar of France’s agri-food industry, FICT works closely with national authorities, European institutions, and international stakeholders to ensure the competitiveness, heritage preservation, and innovation of French charcuterie enterprises.
Brief History
FICT was established nearly a century ago to unify the fragmented charcuterie sector and provide a common platform for advocacy and industry support. Since then, it has evolved into a strategic organization representing not only traditional charcuterie producers but also modern food processing companies involved in creating cured, cooked, salted, and dried meat products. Its role has grown significantly in the context of evolving food regulations, international trade, and sustainability goals.
Core Mission and Activities
FICT's mission encompasses five core areas:
- Representation: Acts as the official spokesperson for the French charcuterie and deli industry before national and EU public authorities.
- Support & Advisory Services: Provides legal, technical, social, and economic advisory to its members.
- Promotion: Develops campaigns to elevate the profile and export potential of French charcuterie products.
- Health & Nutrition: Engages in scientific and public discussions regarding the health profile of charcuterie products.
- Sustainability: Guides member companies through environmental, ethical, and circular economy transitions.
Industry Representation
- Member Companies: Approx. 300 companies across France
- SMEs: Over 90% are small and medium-sized enterprises
- Employment: ~32,100 direct employees
- Broader Industry Reach: The industry indirectly supports around 135,000 jobs in France
Economic Impact
FICT represents a sector with strong economic weight in the French food industry:
- Annual Turnover: €6.7 billion (2022)
- Domestic Market: Over 99.7% of French households purchase charcuterie products
- Retail Distribution: 90% of sales occur through large retailers and supermarkets
- Export Share: 6.6% of total production is exported
- Annual Production Volume: Approx. 1.13 million metric tons of charcuterie products
Product Diversity
France's charcuterie tradition includes over 450 unique products, protected and documented in the “Code des Usages de la Charcuterie”, maintained by FICT. These include:
- Cured Meats: Jambon sec, saucisson sec
- Cooked Products: Pâté, rillettes, jambon blanc
- Regional Specialties: Andouillette, boudin noir, saucisse de Morteau
FICT works to preserve these traditional recipes while fostering innovation and adaptation to new consumer preferences.
Sustainability and Innovation
FICT promotes the ecological transition of its member companies through initiatives such as:
- Waste Reduction: Guidance on sustainable packaging and reduction of food loss
- Energy Efficiency: Support for cleaner and more efficient production methods
- Circular Economy: Integration of co-product reuse and recycling
- Health Optimization: Reformulation strategies to reduce salt, fat, and additives while maintaining authenticity
Capabilities
- Public Policy Advocacy: Represents industry at the EU level through CLITRAVI and national policy circles via ANIA and INAPORC
- Technical Committees: Offers scientific and technical support for regulatory and health-related topics
- Export Development: Provides resources and partnerships to promote French charcuterie in international markets
- Training and Events: Organizes professional workshops and forums for knowledge sharing
Certifications and Compliance
FICT collaborates with its members to ensure compliance with:
- EU Food Safety and Labeling Regulations
- French Agri-Food Laws
- Protected Geographical Indications (PGIs)
- HACCP and ISO Standards where applicable
It also works closely with the Ministère de l’Agriculture et de la Souveraineté Alimentaire on industry regulation.
Major Achievements
- Documentation of Over 450 Charcuterie Products in the Code des Usages
- Official Recognition as sector representative in legislative and regulatory consultations
- Export Campaigns promoting “Saveurs de France” in strategic global markets
- Sustainability Charter Implementation guiding SMEs on climate, energy, and waste
- Public Engagement through educational campaigns on the role of charcuterie in balanced diets
The Fédération des Entreprises Françaises de Charcuterie Traiteur (FICT) remains a cornerstone of France’s culinary and agri-industrial identity, leading the way in preserving gastronomic heritage while ensuring the future resilience and competitiveness of its member companies.