Pomegranates, a promising diversification for French growers

Diversification triggered by the wine crisis

This talk, presented at SIVAL 2025 by SIVAL, highlighted the value of pomegranate cultivation in France as a viable alternative for growers. Faced with a wine crisis in 2010, a grower in the south of France sought to diversify by planting pomegranate trees on his farm. At the time, French consumption was limited to pomegranate juice, imported mainly from Turkey and Iran.

The grower then undertook research into the processing and optimized production of pomegranates, developing his own machines to separate the skin from the aria, making it easier to obtain a quality juice. After several years of testing, the juice was an immediate success, prompting further development of local pomegranate cultivation.

Development of the pomegranate sector in France

With no planting material available in France, plants had to be produced locally. After much experimentation, nurseries were set up to supply French farmers with pomegranate trees adapted to southern conditions. Today, the largest pomegranate nursery in France is in operation, exporting plants to international markets.

The pomegranate tree, once found in the gardens of southern France, is now attracting renewed interest. This fruit, once little consumed in its natural form, is becoming more accessible with the development of processed products such as pre-cut arils. What's more, the pomegranate's high antioxidant content is stimulating demand, particularly for health reasons.

Growing conditions and agronomic potential

Pomegranate has many agronomic advantages. Resistant to disease, it requires no phytosanitary treatment and adapts well to organic farming practices. Thanks to optimized cultivation architecture, notably favoring low trees to avoid the use of ladders, harvesting is quicker and more efficient.

In terms of yield, a non-irrigated orchard can produce up to 12 tonnes per hectare, while irrigation can achieve 15 tonnes. Experiments are continuing on planting density, offering different approaches depending on water availability and soil type.

A booming market

The pomegranate market is structured around two axes: fresh sales and juice processing. Strict grading ensures that the best pomegranates are sold fresh, while those with aesthetic defects are reserved for juice production. The latter segment is particularly profitable, with bottles sold at an average price of 7 euros per liter.

Other opportunities are emerging, such as the transformation of co-products into oils for the cosmetics industry or food supplements. In France, this sector is still in its infancy, and is becoming increasingly attractive, not least because of the possibility of ensuring winter production to complement the fruit usually available.

Outlook and climate adaptation

While little is known about the climatic limits of pomegranate cultivation in France, trials are being carried out in various regions, including Brittany and Savoie. Certain varieties originating from Tajikistan, better adapted to cold temperatures, offer prospects for extending the cultivation area.

Pomegranate thus seems to represent a relevant production diversification option for the future of French agriculture, combining resistance to climatic hazards, low input consumption and high economic potential.

Speakers

THOMAS SALEILLES - Co-Manager - Grenattitude