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eferred to as a French sovereign wealth fund, highlighted French sensitivity abouthostile foreign takeovers.In the case of labor market regulation, the impact of the 35-hour legal workweek oncompanies is mixed. Many companies used the transition to the 35-hour workweek asan opportunity to negotiate annualized work-hour programs with their employees thatallow for greater labor flexibility.Market OpportunitiesReturn to topLeading non-agricultural sectors considered to offer "best prospects" for U.S. business inFrance are (in order of market size): Travel and Tourism (TRA), Aircraft and Parts (AIR),Safety and Security Equipment (SEC), Computers and software (CSF, CSV), Computersand Peripherals (CPT), Telecommunications Equipment (TEL), Water Resourcesequipment and Services (WRE), Medical Equipment (MED), Automotive Parts andEquipment (APS), Plastics (PMR), Cosmetics (COS), Educational Services (EDS),Textile (TXT), Direct Marketing and E-Commerce Business to Consumer (ECC).The French market for food products is mature, sophisticated and well served bysuppliers from around the world. Additionally, an increasing interest in American culture,younger consumers and changing lifestyles are contributing to France’s import demandfor food products from the United States. Generally, high quality food products with anAmerican image can find a niche in the French market, particularly if they can gaindistribution through stores and supermarkets that specialize in U.S. or foreign foods.Significant market opportunities for consumer food/edible fishery products exist in anumber of areas: fruit juices and soft drinks (including flavored spring waters), driedfruits and nuts, fresh fruits and vegetables (particularly tropical and exotic), frozen foods(both ready-to-eat meals and specialty products), snack foods, tree nuts, "ethnic"products, seafood (especially salmon and surimi), innovative dietetic and healthproducts, organic products, soups, breakfast cereals, and pet foods and treats. Inaddition, niche markets that have shown rising demand exist in France for candies,chocolate bars, wild rice and kosher foods. Market opportunities for U.S. exporters alsoexist for oilseeds, protein meals and other feeds, as well as for wood products andgrains.Market Entry StrategyReturn to topIn general, the commercial environment in France is favorable for sales of U.S. goodsand services. Marketing products and services in France is similar to the approach inthe U.S., notwithstanding some significant differences in cultural factors and certain legaland regulatory restrictions. Competition can be fierce, but local partners are readilyavailable in most sectors and product lines.In support of U.S. commercial interests in France, the U.S. Embassy in Paris uses thecombined resources of various U.S. Government agencies to promote the export of U.S.goods and services. It also supplies information on trade and investment opportunities,and serves as an advocate for U.S. firms.Return to table of contents2/18/2010 Country Commercial Guide for France 4INTERNATIONAL COPYRIGHT, U.S. & FOREIGN COMMERCIAL SERVICEAND U.S. DEPARTMENT OF STATE, © 2010. ALL RIGHTS RESERVED OUTSIDE OF THE UNITED STATES.