France: The World Champion of Luxury
In its latest report Global Power of Luxury Goods 2020, Deloitte ranks the world’s top 100 luxury companies and confirms a trend that continues to shape the global market: France remains the leading luxury nation worldwide. From haute couture and jewellery to cosmetics—and increasingly the broader lifestyle ecosystem that includes high-end real estate in Paris and internationally—French luxury brands play a central role in global demand. According to the report, France alone accounts for 28.3% of global luxury goods sales, a striking показатель of influence and scale.
Luxury is not only a cultural marker for France; it is also a strategic economic engine with a powerful international footprint. The success of French groups illustrates how heritage, craftsmanship and brand storytelling can translate into market leadership, even in a fast-changing world where consumer expectations keep evolving.
Luxury: A Sector Dominated by France
Across industries—luxury real estate, fashion, leather goods, beauty and jewellery—the luxury sector remains remarkably resilient. Deloitte’s Global Power of Luxury Goods 2020 highlights this strength: the 100 largest luxury companies generated nearly $281 billion in revenue in 2019, up from $266 billion in 2018.
Within this highly competitive landscape, France stands out as the undisputed leader. No fewer than 11 French groups appear in the Top 100 ranking, occupying the very top positions. LVMH ranks first with $37.5 billion in revenue, followed by Kering with $17.8 billion. Together, these champions embody the global appeal of French luxury, built on long-term brand equity, product excellence and an ability to attract international clients.
France’s dominance is not limited to two groups. Other major French names—L’Oréal, Hermès, SMCP and Claudie Pierlot—also feature in the ranking, confirming the breadth of France’s luxury ecosystem. This global influence extends well beyond products: it shapes trends, retail experiences, lifestyle choices and even investment strategies—especially among international buyers drawn to prestige assets such as luxury apartments and prime property in Paris.
China: The World’s Leading Luxury Client
Luxury has long been a French signature. In January 2019, during the signing of the strategic agreement for the fashion and luxury industry, French Minister of the Economy Bruno Le Maire underlined that while France may not have digital giants comparable to the GAFAM, it does have “the world’s luxury giants.”
Today, perfumes and cosmetics remain the segment where France is strongest internationally, followed by leather goods and footwear. These categories are particularly appealing to the growing wealthy classes in emerging markets, whose purchasing power continues to shape global luxury dynamics.
Since the 1990s, luxury leaders have increasingly focused on these markets to drive growth. For LVMH, Asia (excluding Japan) represents 28% of total revenue, just behind Europe (29%). Kering reports a similar pattern, with 27% of revenue generated in Asia.
Among Asian markets, China has become the number one consumer of luxury goods. According to Bain & Company, 46% of luxury purchases could take place in China by 2025. This projection has encouraged French luxury groups to invest heavily in the region—expanding retail networks, tailoring client experiences, and strengthening brand desirability.
At the same time, this international demand is closely connected to other prestige markets, including high-end real estate in Paris and internationally. Luxury buyers often look for coherence between lifestyle and investment: iconic brands, exclusive experiences, and prime locations. In that sense, France’s leadership in luxury also reinforces the global attractiveness of the French “art de vivre”—and the prestige associated with Parisian luxury property.
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