Agri-food sector
Alsace, known for its rich agricultural heritage and commitment to well-being, has adeptly harnessed its historical expertise to cultivate a modern agri-food industry. The region encompasses the entire agri-food supply chain, spanning from raw material production to distribution, as well as transformation, packaging, and equipment manufacturing.
As the second largest economic sector in Alsace, the agri-food industry boasts over 250 companies and provides more than 15,000 direct jobs. It collaborates closely with local producers, with around 40% of Alsace’s land dedicated to agriculture, primarily featuring vineyards, cereal crops, and livestock farming. This synergy among various elements showcases the region’s expertise and culinary tradition, resulting in an agri-food industry celebrated well beyond the borders of Alsace and France.
2
largest economic sector in Alsace
15 000
direct jobs
3
product brands
SUMMARY
Areas of expertise
The agri-food ecosystem in Alsace is remarkably diverse. The region produces everything from milk, fruits, and vegetables to sauerkraut, juices, vinegars, foie gras, charcuterie, mustard, horseradish, pasta, jams, gingerbread, chocolate, confectionery, and plant-based alternatives. Fun fact, Alsace is the only French region to produce a range of products covering everything from aperitifs to digestifs!
Special attention is paid to the quality of raw materials and their processing, encouraging local purchasing and short supply chains, which are cornerstones of healthy food practices. Alsatians are strong advocates of this local food sovereignty, consuming four times more local products than the national average!
Structures and infrastructures
Given its significance to the local economy, the agri-food sector in Alsace is highly organized, supported by several representative bodies that promote its various areas of excellence and facilitate cross-sector communication among stakeholders.
Business groups
Alsace Qualité
Alsace Qualité is an association that unites producers, processors, distributors, restaurant owners, and consumers. Through communication and education, it fosters the growth and sustainability of sectors committed to product recognition initiatives. It also co-manages the label “Savourez l’Alsace – Produit du Terroir”.
ARIA Alsace
ARIA Alsace serves as the voice of Alsace’s agri-food industries. It represents these industries at local, regional, and national levels, while collectively promoting Alsatian food products, gastronomy, and business expertise. ARIA Alsace operates a network of over 100 companies and oversees the “Savourez l’Alsace” initiative.
Since its establishment in 1994, ARIA Alsace has focused on representing, defending, and uniting Alsace’s agri-food industries. It also promotes brands and products through collective actions such as exports, trade shows, and CSR initiatives, while supporting the vitality of the sector and driving economic growth.
ARIA also undertakes strategic actions to address key issues in the industry, including:
- Commercial negociations
- HR challenges: recruiting skilled and unskilled workers
- CSR: energy management, water use, inclusive employment
- Strengthening connections between sectors through brands tied to agriculture
CIVA
The Comité Interprofessionnel des Vins d’Alsace (CIVA) represents all Alsatian AOP wines.
- It brings together more than 950 stakeholders: private cellars, cooperatives, wine traders ;
- It provides services to the viticulture sector, including economic analysis, technical information, and support with regulatory and reporting requirements ;
- It promotes Alsace wines and vineyards both in France and internationally, through marketing, communication, public relations, training, and export assistance.
Innovation and technology transfer
Based in Strasbourg, Aerial is an internationally recognized Technological Resource Center (CRT) and Agro-Industrial Technical Institute (ITAI). It brings together a multidisciplinary team of project managers, researchers, engineers, and senior technicians, all equipped with state-of-the-art tools for research, expertise, and training—all within a single facility.
Aerial supports your research, innovation, and industrial development projects in food processing, freeze-drying, and the broad application of irradiation technologies using electron beams or X-rays.
Further south, in the heart of Alsace, Colmar hosts a Biopole, which connects a network of companies and university departments. The Alsace Vitae association fosters collaboration and synergy among agronomy, viticulture, and plant sciences professionals working in this hub, whose expertise is renowned on a global scale.
R&D hubs
With over 30 years of expertise in microbiology, the Eurofins Microbiologie Est laboratory supports food industries and culinary artisans in improving hygiene and food safety control through:
- Microbiological testing of raw materials, food products, and environments (safety criteria, release testing, hygiene standards, shelf-life validation, etc.)
- Implementation of health or control plans
- Audits
A collection and sampling service is available throughout Alsace, ensuring same-day delivery and analysis of samples.
The Eurofins group also provides water testing (potability, Legionella) and chemical analysis services (nutritional analysis, allergen detection, contaminant screening, etc.).
Main agri-food companies in Alsace
Alsace is home to numerous prominent companies in the agri-food sector, fueled by a dynamic ecosystem. This vibrant economic landscape not only attracts external investments but also provides an efficient environment for growth, ultimately contributing to the region’s vitality.
Education and training in agri-food professions
Young Alsatians have the opportunity to enroll in various training programs starting in high school, designed to meet the current and future demands of the agri-food industry in Alsace. These programs deepen their understanding of food, nutrition, health, food safety, and quality, making graduates highly sought after by numerous companies.
Agricultural high schools
The region is home to four agricultural high schools offering a range of curricula related to agriculture and the agri-food sector: the agricultural high school in Obernai (67), the agricultural high school in Erstein (67), Pflixbourg high school in Wintzenheim (68), and the agricultural high school in Rouffach (68).
IUT of Colmar
- Bachelor’s degree in biological engineering with a specialization in agronomy
- Professional license in bio-industries and biotechnologies – cellular and molecular biology curriculum
- Professional license in technical sales
- Professional license in marketing and sales of food products, focusing on wine marketing and sales
Discover the complete training catalog of the IUT of Colmar.
University of Strasbourg
Master’s degree in cellular and physiological biology
- Master’s degree in molecular and cellular biochemistry
- DESS in microbiology
- DESS in biological and chemical analyses
- DEA in cellular and molecular biology
Active valorization of local products
The brands “Savourez l’Alsace ®” and “Savourez l’Alsace – Produit du Terroir ®” promote the quality, origin, and local expertise of Alsatian products, respectively in the agri-food and agricultural sectors.
These brands allow a recognizable logo to be placed directly on products, assuring consumers that they are choosing local goods and supporting Alsatian businesses and farmers!
These brands contribute to:
- Enhancing the visibility of Alsatian food products among the public and adding value to them
- Promoting solidarity-based purchasing that fosters an appreciation for Alsace, associating the region with quality
- Uniting stakeholders around two brands that reflect shared values
- Increasing the revenue of Alsatian production companies and farmers
Generating wealth and jobs within the region
Savourez l’Alsace
The brand “Savourez l’Alsace ®” is associated with processed food products made in Alsace by companies that create jobs and invest in the region.
Territorial food brands displayed on product packaging significantly influence consumer purchasing decisions. In France, the conversion rate for territorial brands exceeds 2.2%, while in Alsace, it surpasses 8%!
Alsatians take pride in and enjoy consuming local products, and visitors recognize and appreciate Alsatian products, known for their high-quality ingredients and processing. This brand also supports local employment and currently promotes approximately 3,600 product references.
Savourez l’Alsace – Produit du Terroir
The brand “Savourez l’Alsace – Produit du Terroir ®” was established to enhance the value of Alsatian agricultural products for local consumers and to highlight local supply chains. It includes Alsatian agricultural and food companies that produce 100% Alsace raw products or processed products made in Alsace containing at least 80% Alsatian raw materials.
Traceability is ensured by an independent organization. To become a member, companies must comply with brand specifications and undergo regular inspections by an independent body.
This label currently represents around 1,150 product references.
Les Escales Alsaciennes
This network of Alsatian agri-food companies specializes in showcasing their expertise to the public year-round. It opens its doors to transparently present their professions and offer curious visitors and food lovers the opportunity to taste and purchase their products while enjoying short supply chains.
From factory tours to tasting experiences, visitors can meet the men and women who contribute to the gastronomic reputation of the region.
ARIA Alsace, in collaboration with the Destination Tourism Agency, the Regional Tourism Agency, and local tourist offices, invites you to discover key products to savor and regional expertise, regardless of the season!
More information: Les Escales Alsaciennes.