Interfel (Interprofession de la filière des fruits et légumes frais) is the official interprofessional organization representing all sectors of the fresh fruit and vegetable supply chain in France. Founded in 1976 and recognized by the French and European authorities since 1996, Interfel operates as a non-profit association, playing a strategic role in the coordination, promotion, and defense of the French fresh produce industry.
Core Purpose and Organizational Role
Interfel acts as the unifying structure for all stakeholders in the French fresh fruit and vegetable sector, including:
- Producers and producer organizations
- Importers and exporters
- Wholesalers
- Retailers
- Institutional food service providers
Its core responsibilities include managing public-private partnerships, overseeing industry standards and negotiations, executing marketing campaigns, guiding research and development, and coordinating export strategies.
Financial and Structural Overview
- Legal status: Association under French law (Loi de 1901)
- Headquarters: 97 Boulevard Pereire, Paris 17ᵉ, France
- President: Daniel Sauvaitre (elected 2024)
- Annual budget: €19.74 million (reported for 2020–2022)
- Funding mechanism: Mandatory professional contributions (CVO - cotisation volontaire obligatoire)
- Member organizations: Over 15 national federations and unions including CNIPT, UNCGFL, CSIF, Felcoop, UNFD
Core Activities and Programs
1. Promotion and Marketing
Interfel is responsible for national and international campaigns aimed at promoting the consumption of fresh fruits and vegetables. These campaigns are based on:
- Nutritional education
- Consumer engagement initiatives
- Multi-country European Union promotional programs
- Event sponsorships and chef collaborations
One of its flagship campaigns is the “Les fruits et légumes frais” program, complemented by the international brand identity “Fruit & Veg from France.”
2. Export Development
Interfel supports the French produce industry in expanding export footprints through:
- Trade show participation (e.g., Fruit Logistica, Asia Fruit Logistica, SIAL, Gulfood)
- B2B matchmaking and export readiness training
- Export market intelligence on regulatory standards and phytosanitary requirements
- Coordination with Business France and the Ministry of Agriculture
3. Technical and Regulatory Affairs
The organization monitors and advises on:
- EU and French agricultural regulations
- Pesticide residue compliance
- Sustainability benchmarks and certifications
- Sanitary and phytosanitary standards
4. Education and Training
Interfel funds and develops:
- Educational programs for schools and youth
- Training sessions for professionals in foodservice and retail
- Research in agricultural sustainability and post-harvest technologies
Market Impact
France is the 3rd largest fruit and vegetable producer in the EU, with Interfel coordinating an industry responsible for:
- Over €10 billion in annual turnover
- Over 75,000 farms and cooperatives
- 1.7 million tonnes of produce exported annually
- Top export products: apples, carrots, tomatoes, salad greens, shallots, and apricots
Key international markets include:
- European Union (Germany, Belgium, Netherlands, Spain, Italy)
- Middle East and Gulf countries
- Asia-Pacific (notably China and Southeast Asia)
- North America (niche volumes)
Certifications and Quality Frameworks
Interfel works closely with regulatory bodies and certifiers to maintain sector-wide standards, including:
- GlobalG.A.P.
- Label Rouge
- AB (Agriculture Biologique - Organic certification)
- GRASP and ISO frameworks for traceability and social compliance
- IGP and AOP protected origin status for regional products
Strategic Alliances
Interfel collaborates with:
- CTIFL (Technical Centre for Fruits and Vegetables)
- Business France
- European Commission (DG AGRI)
- Ministère de l'Agriculture et de la Souveraineté Alimentaire
- Interprofessional organizations in other EU countries
Customer and Stakeholder Testimonials
“Interfel’s campaigns have elevated the visibility of French produce abroad. Their unified approach gives our sector a voice in Brussels and beyond.”
— Board Member, French Exporting Cooperative
“From school programs to global fairs, Interfel builds credibility for French growers. Their work is essential to our competitiveness.”
— Marketing Director, Fresh Produce Retailer
Major Achievements
- Executed EU co-funded campaigns in 10+ countries, reaching millions of consumers through television, print, and digital media.
- Launched the Fruit & Veg from France international label, uniting exports under a single trusted identity.
- Successfully negotiated industry-wide frameworks on pesticide residue limits and sustainability targets.
- Coordinated COVID-19 sector recovery plans, helping maintain trade flow and farmer support.
Interfel continues to act as the backbone of France’s fruit and vegetable industry, ensuring that the country remains a global leader in safe, sustainable, and high-quality fresh produce. Through collaboration, innovation, and advocacy, Interfel drives forward the future of the French horticultural economy.
