Structured annual negotiations
French retail negotiations follow strict legal calendars and EGalim rules. Suppliers who arrive without a prepared commercial file lose margin in the first round.
Local expertise
Žito Consulting brings hands-on FMCG and strategic expertise to France, delivered in French and English by a native-French senior consultant.
France is Europe's second-largest consumer market — and one of its most structured. E.Leclerc, Carrefour, Intermarché, Auchan, Système U and Monoprix negotiate through powerful centrales d'achat, under a legal framework (EGalim, annual negotiations) that punishes unprepared suppliers.
We help international brands enter and scale in France by preparing the category story, the pricing architecture and the trade terms that French buying desks expect — then leading or supporting the annual negotiation itself. Selective distribution, pharmacies, parapharmacies and e-commerce each require their own approach.
Philippe Seigle is a native-French commercial leader with decades of P&L responsibility across French retail and consumer goods. Whether you need a market-entry strategy, a negotiation partner or an interim country manager in France, we deliver in French and English.
Three local realities that shape how international brands win — or lose — in France.
French retail negotiations follow strict legal calendars and EGalim rules. Suppliers who arrive without a prepared commercial file lose margin in the first round.
Leclerc, Carrefour, Intermarché, Auchan and Système U concentrate buying power. Listing terms, promotions and penalties are demanding even for established brands.
French labelling, Nutri-Score, packaging and environmental rules (AGEC, EPR) are strictly enforced. Compliance must be built into the go-to-market plan.
A focused set of engagements tailored to France — delivered in French and English.
Vision, growth strategy, channel architecture and commercial frameworks.
Pricing, mix, trade investment and account-level revenue acceleration.
Hands-on country, sales or commercial leadership for 6–18 months.
Post-acquisition integration, restructuring and large commercial transformations.
Recent engagements with direct relevance to France.
Founder · Žito Consulting
20+ years leading FMCG growth and post-acquisition integration across Western and Central Europe.
Book a free 30-minute discovery call. No commitment — just a focused conversation about your expansion into France.
Book a free discovery call