The end-user index report conducted by Alliance France Cuir Economic presented the results of French people’s leather preferences.
Leather is a natural material that is durable, repairable and more sustainable in terms of comfort than its alternatives. This is why leather is the second favorite material of the French.
The French express a preference for natural materials, with cotton coming first at 83%. Leather, and wool feature as almost 40% of the expressed preferences. Almost all French people (92%) clearly identify leather as a material of animal origin and 86% perceive it as natural. 47% of French citizens still believe that animals are raised specifically to produce leather. It is essential to remember that leather is no more and no less than a by-product of the food industry. Sustainability is an important asset for leather. The French consider leather to be the most durable material over time.
Although 79% of them consider leather to be long-lasting, 90% actually describe it as durable. In contrast, one in two French people consider textile materials (linen or cotton) to be long-lasting, compared to 23% for chemical fibers (synthetic and man-made), and materials made from pineapple, corn or cactus fibers, it turns out, only 14% of the votes.
Other results show that artificial leather is considered by the French to be the least durable material, with 42% saying it provides a low life expectancy. When asked why they buy leather goods, 52% of the French gave the preference for repairability, while 49% gave the preference for comfort.
French prioritize maintenance and repair when buying Leather
8 out of 10 French people, or 86%, know that leather can be repaired. Yet, when asked about their practical experience, 48% of the French have never had their shoes repaired by a cobbler – 67% for leather goods. Despite their interest in the subject, 50% ask for advice on how to take care of their shoes.
To meet this expectation, Alliance France Cuir launched a digital communication campaign ( www.reparersoncuir.fr ), offering information on the care and repair of leather goods.
French demand for leather goods continues to grow, with 82% claiming to have bought them. The interest in leather is felt across all age groups in preferences for second-hand, with 25% emphasizing that they buy second-hand items and 13% still use them as if they were new, even though they are second-hand.
The average price of a shoe is 85 euros, while 7 out of 10 spend less than 100 euros. The average French price for a handbag is €153, while 85% spend less than €250. At the same time, a product made elsewhere tops the list of criteria defining leather goods. In fact, 50% say they are prepared to spend more for a product made in France.
*The main findings of this study have been compiled in an infographic and published at www.alliancefrancecuir.org
2023 KEY FIGURES FOR THE FRENCH LEATHER INDUSTRY
- 12 800 companies
- €25 billion in sales, €19 billion in exports
- 133,000 jobs in the sector
- World’s 4th largest exporter
- World’s 3rd largest exporter of raw hides and skins
- World’s 3rd largest exporter of leather products
Alliance France Cuir is the voice of 21 professional federations united by a passion for leather and is the only structure that produces and publishes studies and statistics on our Economic Observatory, the activities of the entire French Leather Industry with its know-how of excellence since 1948.
