In 2022, the French beverage establishment market was estimated at over 8.15 billion euros (compared to 5.29 billion euros in 2021), according to INSEE. A beverage establishment is defined as the business of selling (or offering for free) beverages intended for on-site consumption or take-out. This sector thus includes the revenue generated by the sale of drinks in bars and cafes, as well as in tobacco shops. In 2021, nearly half of the sector's revenue was generated by establishments registered under NAF code 47.26Z – Retail sale of tobacco products in specialized stores. It should be noted, however, that 2021 was a difficult year for the bar and cafe sector, making 2021 unrepresentative of this activity. These establishments (bars and cafes) are generally registered under NAF code 56.30Z – Beverage serving activities.
The diversity of concepts observed in the bar market is partly due to the sector's competitive pressure, which encourages professionals to differentiate themselves. In 2022, INSEE identified more than 35,000 businesses in the beverage service sector (activity branch 563 – Beverage service). In 2025, EPSIMAS identified more than 44,000 active establishments in the bar and café sector (NAF code 56.30Z). These establishments are present throughout mainland France, although a higher concentration is observed in urban areas.
For several years now, the beverage service market has been experiencing strong growth in France. In 2021, companies in the sector (NAF code 56.30Z – Beverage Service Establishments) reported revenue of 2.32 billion euros. That same year, the overall beverage service market (including beverages sold in establishments other than cafés and bars) was estimated at 5.29 billion euros (and at 8.15 billion euros in 2022). In 2024, beverage service establishments (NAF code 56.30Z) are projected to generate revenue of approximately 4.48 billion euros (initial estimates by EPSIMAS). This represents an average annual growth rate of 9.2% between 2015 and 2024.
The bar and café market has thus experienced strong growth over the past decade. After a significant decline in revenue in 2020 and 2021, the sector quickly rebounded and returned to its pre-COVID growth trajectory. EPSIMAS projections indicate that this upward trend will continue over the next few years, albeit at a slower pace. Between 2024 and 2027, the expected average annual growth for this sector is approximately 4.14% (trend trajectory).
Sources: INSEE ;
The most frequent bar-goers are generally under 34 years old (42% of consumers). They live in city centers or urban areas and have a higher income than the national average. Visiting a bar remains a treat for consumers, who are more likely to drink during vacation periods. It is estimated that 37% of the population drinks more alcoholic beverages during vacations than usual. The average frequency of visits for French people is one to three times per week, a trend more commonly observed in urban areas and among the 18–35 age group. In the minds of French consumers, going to bars is associated with the concepts of enjoyment and relaxation.
Beer and cocktails are the beverages whose consumption increases the most during the holidays. Aperitifs and soft drinks/hot beverages also see an increase in consumption during the holidays. French people frequent bars mainly on Fridays (47% of consumers) and Saturdays (58% of consumers). On weekdays, the day with the highest foot traffic is Wednesday (27%), and the day with the lowest foot traffic is Monday (15%).
In addition, French consumers' interest in the subject of bars experiences significant peaks during the summer period (June to August). Despite this occasional surge in interest, it remains fairly stable throughout the year.
Sources: EPSIMAS ; Propulse by CA ; National Federation of Beverages ; NielsenIQ
The consumer habits of the French have evolved significantly over the past several years. Individual alcohol consumption tends to be on the decline, particularly among the younger generations. The consumption of non-alcoholic or low-alcohol beverages is thus driven by a growing demand for alternatives to alcoholic drinks. Paradoxically, the alcoholic beverage sector also continues to grow, driven by a demand increasingly oriented toward high-end products (local products, sophisticated cocktails, craft beers, etc.). The notion of customer experience is also more than ever at the heart of consumer expectations. Theme bars, special parties, and events are particularly popular.
The trend of concept bars thus continues to grow rapidly. Indeed, consumption habits have changed in recent years. Customers now look for unique experiences beyond simply drinking beverages. This translates into a strong demand for innovative cocktails, original atmospheres (themed bars, special events) and happenings such as concerts or games. The social and friendly dimension of bars remains a major asset, especially for younger generations, who see these places as spaces for relaxation, meeting people, and entertainment.
Sources: EPSIMAS
In metropolitan France, 44,844 establishments are recorded in 2025 under NAF code 56.30Z, which relates to the activity of beverage serving. In 2022, INSEE identified more than 35,000 businesses in the beverage serving market as a whole.* Despite a higher concentration of beverage serving establishments in cities, they are present throughout the entire French territory.
Thus, to stand out, many bars rely on the originality of their concepts. Some specialize in specific products (beer bars, cocktail bars, shooter bars, etc.), while others focus on a diverse menu. Some offer a festive atmosphere (particularly dancing bars), while others opt for a warm and quiet vibe (notably bar-restaurants). Finally, some rely on very attractive prices to draw a broader clientele, while others target their customers more specifically and aim for a higher average check. It should be noted that many concepts have been emerging and/or gaining popularity in France for a few years now, notably the concepts of speakeasies and mobile bars.
In France, in 2023, the average ticket in bars is estimated at €17.33. The French would thus allocate an average of €55 per month for their outings to bars and cafes. This budget tends to be higher among those under 35.
Sources: Benchmark EPSIMAS ; Numbeo ; SIREN BASE ; Propulse by CA ; SIRHA
*Interpretation note: A company may have multiple establishments; therefore, the number of establishments in 2025 and the number of companies in 2022 cannot be compared with one another. Furthermore, not all companies in the beverage service sector recorded by INSEE are necessarily registered under NAF code 56.30Z.
The bar industry faces numerous challenges in 2025. On the one hand, industry professionals must navigate a highly competitive environment. This competitive pressure is compounded by pressure on consumer purchasing power due to high inflation in recent years, making it more difficult to raise prices in the sector. Furthermore, the cost of raw materials has risen sharply in recent years (an estimated increase of 65% between 2021 and 2023 in the restaurant industry). This rise in operating expenses makes cost control a major challenge. Another major challenge facing the bar and café sector, much like the restaurant industry, is recruitment. The market is facing a shortage of skilled labor and a very high turnover rate.
Sources: Rydge Conseil ; Turn
Companies in the sector must register under the NAF code 56.30Z – Beverage serving activities
This subclass includes bars, cafes, nightclubs, and dance floors where drink service is predominant, itinerant beverage vendors
This subclass does not include, however the resale of packaged/prepared drinks (cf. 47), the retail sale of beverages through vending machines (cf. 47.99B), night clubs and dance floors where beverage service is not predominant (cf. 93.29Z)
Other NAF codes that may relate to the beverage service sector in France are:
– 47.26Z – Retail sale of tobacco products in specialized stores
This subclass includes retail sale of tobacco, retail sale of tobacco products
– 92.00Z – Operation of gambling and betting activities
This subclass includes the sale of lottery tickets, the operation of automatic slot machines, the operation of virtual gambling websites, the taking of bets and other betting operations, off-track pari-mutuel betting, the operation of casinos, including «floating casinos»
This subclass does not include, however the operation of coin-operated games (cf. 93.29Z)
Source : INSEE
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