France

France is well known for regional pepper specialties such as Piment d'Espelette (AOP), grown in the Basque Pyrenees, and other heirloom cultivars found throughout the south. French production of green chilies and peppers is substantial, with a fairly stable yield per hectare and a harvested area that has increased in recent years.

France also imports significant volumes of chili and pepper, valued at over $317 million in 2022, primarily for processing and cuisine. Gourmet demand and regulations around terroir labeling, especially for Piment d'Espelette, drive small-scale high-value production, supported by agri-tech investments and quality branding.