The horse meat supply chain in France is a niche chain, characterised by limited volumes and a strong dependence on international trade. It relies on a small national herd, historically oriented towards non-food uses, and on imports which account for a large share of the supply of meat intended for human consumption. The chain stands out through a specific organisation, combining slaughtering and cutting, marketing mostly as fresh meat, and the recovery of a set of co-products. It operates within a demanding regulatory and sanitary framework and serves targeted outlets, in particular specialised butchers and mass retail.
