Food industry in Lyon

The food industry is a strategic pillar of the economy in Lyon and its metropolitan area. Building on the city’s gastronomic heritage and varied agricultural land, the sector has become renowned for its high quality, dynamism and variety. The sector also plays a strategic role in local policies, such as the PATLY (Plan Projet Alimentaire du Territoire Lyonnais – Lyon’s Territory Food Project Plan), which involves ambitious objectives such as food governance, promoting local agriculture, and combatting food insecurity.

Lyon’s initiatives aim to support companies in the sector with their ecological transformation, encouraging the adoption of organic and local sources to promote local distribution channels. The city is also encouraging innovation and cooperation within the industry.

The food industry offers many opportunities for professionals, with activities such as processing fresh produce, manufacturing ingredients and even designing innovative packaging.

The city also hosts professional events dedicated to the food industry and related sectors, such as Sirha (food service and hospitality), BtoBiz meetings that bring together specialist companies and investors, and the Salon Bio Local, which focuses on locally sourced organic produce.

The strength of Lyon’s food industry is largely due to the richness and exceptional diversity of the nearby agricultural land. The area is home to 230 farmers and 19 % of the land is dedicated to organic farming.

Lyon’s region is characterised by varied land that yields different produce. The west is known for its vast pastures in the Massif Central mountains, where meat and dairy are produced. To the north lies Beaujolais, which is particularly renowned for its wines. The Rhône Valley and the Alps in the south and east yield fruit, vegetables and cheese. The variety of local produce, much of which is protected by PDOs and PGIs, means that food companies in Lyon have easy access to high-quality ingredients.

The proximity of diverse agricultural lands enables the creation of optimised local distribution networks and unique supply chains, and facilitates quality and traceability processes.

Recognising its strategic importance, the city is set to invest 10 million euros in agricultural policy between 2021 and 2026.

The strength of Lyon’s food industry is the variety and balance of its entrepreneurial fabric. This wide range of companies set the stage for unique synergies.

Large international groups such as Danone have chosen Lyon as a location for some of their activities. Their presence brings recognised expertise and significant investments that favour innovation.

There are also many medium-sized companies that often specialise in high-value markets such as functional food creation, dairy product transformation and specialised distribution. Lyon is home to companies such as Blédina, Nutrisens and Ninkasi, for example.

Specialised foodtech start-ups also play an important role in innovation, disrupting the sector and changing the rules to enhance the competitiveness of Lyon’s food industry.

Innovation is a driving force in the Lyon food industry. It enables the sector to evolve in response to the actions of food tech companies. Academic research, competitive clusters and companies collaborate to develop innovative products and processes.

The local ecosystem is based on competitive clusters such as Vitagora, which is present in the metropolitan area and helps innovative projects in the food sector. These structures facilitate collaboration by bridging the gap between large companies and small start-ups. Lyon Biopole, specialising in biotechnology and health, also offers support to companies with innovative nutrition projects. The ICI Agrifood network also offers support to companies in the food industry.

Lyon is also renowned for its research facilities, including INRAE (Institut National de Recherche pour l’Agriculture, l’Alimentation et l’Environnement - National Research Institute for Agriculture, Food and Environment) and the facilities located in engineering schools, such as ISARA. The presence of such institutions acts as an innovation catalyst, giving companies access to the high-level skills needed to work on their projects.

Thanks to its fertile farmland and famous chefs, Lyon is often considered the capital of gastronomy. Renowned figures such as the Mères Lyonnaises and Paul Bocuse are great examples of the high standards of quality and expertise that characterise Lyon’s cuisine.

Its food is famous for its iconic dishes, which are traditionally served in the typical restaurants known as bouchons. In these welcoming establishments, with their classic red-and-white-checkered tablecloth, patrons may taste classic specialties such as andouillette, quenelles, tablier de sapeur, cervelle de canut and a wide variety of regional cheeses.

Lyon’s reputation as a gastronomic capital plays a significant role in the food industry, showcasing the quality of local produce and promoting its export.

If you have an entrepreneurial project in the food industry, the Lyon metropolitan area and ONLYLYON’s team will support you in implementing your project and adapting to French laws and customs.

• We can help you settle there in many ways, providing personalised support.
• We can provide you with data on the local market.
• We can help you understand French legislation and adapt your practices to local laws.
• We can help you find premises that are suitable for your business activity.
• We can help you source candidates and comply with French labour law.
• We connect you with local networks to facilitate your integration into the local entrepreneurial community.

To find out more about how we can help you, visit ONLYLYON Business website!

ONLYLYON is your ideal partner for setting up your project in Lyon. If you’re not sure where to start, our consultants will guide you with their expertise.

Are you looking to start a food company in Lyon? The local dynamism of the sector will boost your chances of success. Our consultants are at your disposal to help you with your project and maximise your chances. Fill in the form below and we’ll get back to you as soon as possible.