France: Best Vegan Retail

According to a recent study published by the French research institute Xerfi, the vegetarian and vegan market in France grew by 24% last year. The study showed that retail and supermarket chains had a total turnover of 380 million euros in this segment.

Although there are cultural obstacles to veganism in France, flexitarianism is becoming increasingly popular. According to Xerfi, vegetarians and vegans together make up only 2% of the French population, whereas flexitarians make up about a third of the population, almost 23 million people.

Large retailers and food producers are increasingly focusing on vegetarian and vegan products and are constantly expanding their ranges in this area. For the period 2019-2021, the report forecasts annual growth rates of 17% for the vegetarian and vegan market in France, corresponding to a market volume of over 600 million euros by the end of 2021.

France is one of the best countries in the world for fashion.  So it is no surprise that retail is also making its way onto the shopping streets of this vibrant city. 

Aujourd’hui Demain

Aujourd’hui Demain is the first entirely vegan concept store in Paris – a one-stop-shop for everything you need for your cruelty-free shopping experience. In the lofty lifestyle boutique, there is an eco-friendly make-up bar stocked with cruelty-free products, a clothes and accessories section where all items are vegan and ethically produced, a juice bar pressing fresh juices from organic and locally sourced ingredients, and a grocery department with lots of vegan-friendly produce.

To learn more about the offer at Aujourd’hui Demain, read our feature including an interview with co-founders Cheyma and Raphael.

Manifeste011

Manifeste011 specializes entirely on environmentally and ethically conscious fashion. Co-founders Maud and Judith Pouzin vet every brand available in their shop and select items by hand to fit a variety of styles and budgets. All apparel available at Manifeste011 is vegan – and it’s all très chic.

The boutique has already been awarded “Best Vegan Fashion Project 2017” by PETA – and with good reason. Brands on the shelves at Manifeste011 include Veja, April 77 and Martine Jarglaard, Rombaut and Colorful Standard, and work not only with innovative materials, like pineapple leather, but are also spearheading the upcycling revolution in high fashion.

Centre Commercial

Founded by Sébastian Kopp and Ghislain Morillion – also the masterminds behind sustainable sneaker brand Veja – Centre Commercial is a concept store for ethically manufactured and sustainably sourced premium apparel brands.

The focus of this ethical boutique lies mostly on brands who produce locally in France or Europe; often also organic and certified sustainable. Available brands include Veja, Suzie Winkle, Patagonia, and Baserange.

Minuit Sur Terre

It is chic and very feminine trendy shoes that highlight the ankle, like those of Carel, Repetto and Robert Clergerie. The label showcases the cruelty-free shoe. Preppy derbies, high-heel booties, glam’ pumps, glitter sneakers or babies with sequin heels, shoe addicts will not be able to resist. All the more since these ethical and highly desirable nuggets are offered at mini prices, between €95 and €150.

Big boss Marie Viard-Klein is herself a vegan - shattered by images of violence in the leather industry - could not find shoes that suited her. The revelation to create her own company came while watching Cinderella, whose famous glass slipper changed her life – hence the name, Minuit sur Terre.

Its vegan pieces are conceived without leather and without any product of animal origin, using only synthetic fibers without any solvents, natural and sustainable fibers comprising cereals. All assembled in small factories near Porto respectful of human rights.