In France cider is appreciated during different event such as for the King cake or Candlemas. However, it is not mandatory to wait for a particular occasion to enjoy it, it is common to degust some at the restaurant or at the bar.  

On average, each citizen consumes around 1,6 liters of cider per year, but the Bretons stand out by consuming up to 11 liters of cider annually. France is ranked at the 7th position global cider consumption, behind the United Kingdom, the United States and Spain (According to the French Chambers of Agriculture). 

In comparison to cider, annual beer consumption in France is about 33 liters per capita. France ranks at the 41st globally in beer consumption per person. The leading countries in this consumption are the Czech Republic with 147 liters, Austria with 108 liters, and Germany with 106 liters.  

However, France makes up for it when it comes to wine consumption. 

France ranks second in the world for wine consumption, trailing only the United States and surpassing Italy. In 2019 over 3,5 billion of bottles were consumed in France. Yet, the French consumption has experienced a decline in recent years, dropping from 100 liters per inhabitants and per year in 1975 to 44 liters today. 

This year, France ranks as the world’s leading cider producer, contributing up to 15% to 20% of its total output from its orchards, particularly in renowned regions such as Britanny, Normandy or Basque Country.  

France remains at the heart of a competition alongside other major producer. 

Spain also a major player in cider production, standing at the same level as France with a similar share of 15% to 20% of the global output.  

Next, the United Kingdom comes up as a significant cider producer, even though its production share is estimated at around 10% to 15% of the world’s total. 

Finally, the United States has seen significant growth in its cider production these last years and now represents 10% of global output. 

These countries, with market shares that fluctuate from year to year, collectively contribute to a major portion of the world’s cider production, each having its own emblematic regions and diverse cidermaking traditions. 

To produce a single one-liter bottle of cider, between 1.5 and 2 kilograms of apples are required, although this figure can vary depending on the specific apple varieties and production techniques used. 

When it comes to calorie content, a standard 150 ml bowl (bolée) of cider typically contains fewer than 50 calories.  

By comparison, a 150 ml glass of red or white wine can reach 130 calories or even more for sweeter or higher-alcohol wines which is more than double that of cider. As for beer, a 250 ml serving can easily reach 200 calories, depending on the brand, style (lager, stout, wheat beer), and alcohol content.