French sea buckthorn market in 2025

The rapidly evolving French sea buckthorn market is characterized by a duality between conventional and organic sectors, each offering specific opportunities in terms of yield, economic value, and outlets. Concentrated in the south-east of France, this promising crop is attracting the attention of market gardeners thanks to a growing demand for natural and local products, despite challenges related to production costs, international competition, and regulatory constraints.

Evolution of the French market

The French sea buckthorn market has seen mixed developments over the past three years. Conventionally, there has been relative stability in cultivated areas with a slight increase in volumes, mainly driven by demand from the food and cosmetics industries . The organic sector, for its part, is showing more sustained growth, driven by consumer enthusiasm for natural and local products . This trend is reflected in the economic valuation of organic products, with attractive sales prices such as organic sea buckthorn juice sold for between €40 and €55/litre .

  • Conventional: Stable yields between 3,500 and 10,000 kg/ha
  • Organic: Increase in cultivated areas, particularly in the Southern Alps
  • General trend: Growing interest in high value-added derivative products (food supplements, cosmetics)
  • Outlook: The market is expected to continue to grow, driven by demand for natural products and initiatives to structure the sector.

Current market status

The French sea buckthorn market currently presents an interesting duality between the conventional and organic sectors. In conventional terms, the market is relatively stable with cultivated areas that are changing little, mainly oriented towards supplying the agri-food and cosmetics industries . The organic sector, for its part, is experiencing marked dynamism, driven by growing consumer interest in natural products and their health benefits .

  • Conventional: Potential yields of 3,500 to 10,000 kg/ha, consolidated outlets with industrial processors
  • Organic: High economic value (juice sold between €40 and €55/L, oil up to €300/L), growing demand for derived products
  • General trend: Despite a slight decline in sales in supermarkets, offset by growth in specialist organic channels and direct sales, the sea buckthorn market remains promising, with initiatives to structure the sector, particularly in the Southern Alps.

French production areas


Sea buckthorn is mainly grown in the South-East of France, particularly in the Southern Alps and the Rhône Valley . These regions offer ideal conditions for its cultivation, with a sunny climate and well-drained soils. The Hautes-Alpes region stands out in particular, with several producers developing local specialties based on sea buckthorn .

Key technical elements for growing sea buckthorn:

  • Main varieties: 'Leikora', 'Novostj Altaja', 'Rockorange', 'Indian Summer' (females), 'Pollmix' (male)
  • Agronomic conditions: well-drained soil, pH 6-7, sunny exposure
  • Average yield: 3,500 to 10,000 kg/ha conventionally
  • Production cycle: entry into production from 4-5 years

Trade and international opportunities


France occupies a relatively small position in global sea buckthorn production, but the market has interesting growth potential. The main producing and exporting countries are China, Russia and the Baltic countries . France mainly imports processed sea buckthorn products, including food supplements and cosmetic ingredients.

Opportunities for French producers:

  • Conventional: Development of high value-added processed products (juices, syrups, jams) for the national market and export
  • Organic: Strong growth potential in short supply chains and direct sales, with significant economic value (organic juice sold between €40 and €55/L)
  • Diversification: Possibility of exploiting the different parts of the plant (fruits, leaves, oil) for the food, cosmetic and nutraceutical sectors
  • Export: Opportunities in European markets, particularly Germany, the Netherlands and the United Kingdom, which are major consumers of sea buckthorn products

Profitability and financial aid

Production costs for organic sea buckthorn are generally 20 to 30% higher than for conventional production, mainly due to specific cultivation practices and a larger workforce . However, this difference is offset by higher selling prices, with organic juice sold for between €40 and €55/L . Profitability in conventional farming is stable, with potential yields of 3,500 to 10,000 kg/ha, while in organic farming it can reach 1.5 tonnes/ha . Financial aid is available for market gardeners, including combined aid of €1,588/ha for small farms producing vegetables and small fruits, as well as regional schemes such as in Bourgogne-Franche-Comté, offering up to €30,000 excluding tax in subsidies per year for investments in market gardening and small fruit crops.

Challenges and future prospects


Sea buckthorn production in France faces several challenges. In conventional production, international competition, particularly from China and the Baltic countries, is exerting downward pressure on prices . Phytosanitary risks, such as the decline of lavender which could affect sea buckthorn, require increased vigilance . In organic farming, stricter regulatory constraints and high production costs (15 to 20% higher than conventional) weigh on profitability .

Despite these obstacles, the outlook remains promising. Varietal innovation and agroecological practices offer opportunities to improve yields and quality. The market is expected to continue to grow, particularly in organic and short supply chains, with growing demand for natural and local products . Sea buckthorn, thanks to its versatility (food, cosmetic, nutraceutical), benefits from the consumer trend towards healthy and multifunctional products .

Recommendations for market gardeners


The integration of sea buckthorn into French market gardening operations represents a promising opportunity for diversification, offering interesting prospects for both organic and conventional farming. To succeed, market gardeners must adopt a strategic approach:

  • Carefully assess the local market and potential opportunities before launching
  • Choosing between organic and conventional based on available resources and farm objectives
  • Invest in technical training to master the specificities of sea buckthorn cultivation
  • Explore on-farm processing opportunities to maximize added value
  • Develop partnerships with local processors or specialized distribution channels
  • Stay abreast of varietal innovations and new cultivation practices

By adopting these recommendations, French market gardeners can take advantage of the potential of sea buckthorn while minimizing risks, thus ensuring profitable and sustainable diversification of their activity.

Partners for your project

To successfully start your sea buckthorn cultivation, trust the expertise of Bairiverse and Econome à Légumes. These specialized suppliers offer a rigorous selection of quality sea buckthorn plants, adapted to French conditions . Benefit from personalized advice on the choice of varieties, planting techniques and maintenance . With fast delivery throughout France and competitive prices, Bairiverse and Econome à Légumes support you from ordering to harvesting . Contact them now to obtain a personalized quote and start your sea buckthorn project with peace of mind.

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