In 2023, the direct selling market in France continued to grow rapidly, with 800+ thousand independent distributors and a total value of $5.2 billion. In this article, we explore economic trends, the business environment and the direct selling industry in France, and highlight the leading MLM companies in the country.

Dynamics of the French economy

France is a Western European country with a highly developed and open economy and a favorable business climate. Its economy ranks 3rd in Europe and 7th in the world in terms of nominal GDP.

The leading sectors of the French economy are tourism, pharmaceuticals and manufacturing. Wholesale and retail trade, scientific and technical activities also make a significant contribution to the economy.

According to the International Monetary Fund, France's GDP reached a value of $3.049 trillion in October 2023, with a GDP per capita of $46,315. The country's GDP is expected to grow by 0.7% by the end of 2023 and by 1.4% in 2024.

France's high quality of life, stable business climate, modern infrastructure and favorable legal environment attract a large number of foreign entrepreneurs and investors. It is not surprising that France has been recognized for several years in a row as the most attractive and promising place to build a business in Europe.

In 2022, 1,725 deals were concluded by foreign investors in France. According to Statista, total investment amounted to $42.23 billion, up 56.5% from the previous year.

In order to keep the business environment in the state thriving sustainably, the French government has introduced a host of grant programs, a simplified business registration system and tax incentives. Foreigners who seek to develop and register their business in the country get access to the same funding programs, tax credits and other government support as local entrepreneurs.

Features of the direct selling industry in France

The MLM industry in France began its formation in the 1960s, dynamically growing and bringing a significant contribution to the economy of the state. Today the network market of the country ranks 2nd in Europe and 9th in the world in terms of sales volume.

According to a study by WFDSA (World Federation of Direct Selling Associations), the French MLM market will reach over 4.6 billion dollars by the end of 2022.

The growth of MLM business in France is due to the digitalization of sales processes and greater trust of the population, which allows them to find customers and partners faster. More than 55% of French people regularly make purchases through MLM companies and 83% of distributors are very satisfied with their activities in network sales.

The most effective tools for engaging customers and partners were social media, used by 74% of distributors in France and video conferencing by 54%.

Among the product categories that now enjoy the highest demand in the MLM market in France, the leading positions are:

  • food and beverages - the category has sales of $1.5 billion, covering 33% of the market.

  • home goods - sales revenue in 2022 has grown to $1.2 billion and market share to 27%;

  • wellness - the sector's volume in direct sales in France is $552 million or 12%;

  • cosmetics and grooming/apparel and accessories - two categories with equal market shares of 9% with revenues of $414 million.

The network marketing industry in France is controlled by the FVD direct selling association and legislative regulations aimed at protecting consumer rights and ensuring transparent business practices. MLM projects in the country are required to comply with all legal requirements, ensure the transparency of their compensation plans, provide accurate product labeling and truthful information about potential earnings.

Network companies in France also register their distributors under certain commercial statuses. Among the most used statuses are: commercial agent, independent home seller, employee with specialized technical or legal skills. This status depends on the specifics of the company's products and the length of the distributor's working hours.

 

Leading MLM companies in France

The favorable business environment and prospects of the French direct selling market attract more and more MLM companies every year. Out of more than 6000 network projects developing their activities in the country, we have singled out 5 most popular corporations:

  • Amway

Website of the organization - amwayglobal.com

Products: nutritional supplements, cosmetics, household products

Amway Corporation first entered the market in the United States in 1959 and is now known in more than 100 countries around the world. The company is positioned as a manufacturer of environmentally safe products that improve people's lives and health. In France, Amway products are in great demand, and the total number of its distributors in the country is about 60 thousand.

  • Usana

Website of the organization - usana.com

Products: dietary supplements, care cosmetics

Founded in 1992, the American company Usana is widely popular in the network market in France. Usana sells unique vitamin complexes, nutrition products and cosmetics based on natural ingredients. Attracting 480+ thousand independent partners and more than 1.4 million customers, the company is recognized as a global MLM leader in the field of health.

  • Captain Tortue Group

Organization's website - fr.captaintortue.com

Products: clothing and accessories

Captain Tortue was founded in France in 1991. The company produces stylish women's clothing and promotes it through a network of fashion advisors. According to Captain Tortue, their main mission is to enable every woman to feel confident and independent. Attracting 600,000 customers across Europe, the company has reached annual revenues of $81 million.

  • Boisset Collection

Website of the organization - boissetcollection.com

Products: wine and other beverages

French corporation Boisset Collection, founded in 1961 is a family business that has grown into one of the most prestigious wine corporations in the world. Producing exquisite wines, the company is committed to sharing its innovative vision of winemaking and business. Boisset products are sold in 80 countries through independent distributor structures.

  • Victoria Benelux

Organization's website - victoria-benelux.com

Products: jewelry

Victoria Benelux entered the networking market in 1991 in Belgium. The main goal of the company is to help women in self-actualization by providing them with a flexible income. By creating a collection of high quality jewelry made of gold, silver and precious stones, Victoria Benelux has become a leader in the jewelry market not only in France, but throughout Europe.

Highly developed economy and open market with the highest possible trust of the population provides favorable conditions for the successful development of MLM in France. If you want to launch your networking company in France, follow the link https://flawlessmlm.com/en/mlm_consulting and leave your application. The FlawlessMLM team will help you to develop a fast-growing project according to the peculiarities of the chosen region.