The latest INSEE study on Reunion agrifood industries, on the 2022 data, shows that this sector which transforms agriculture and fishing products into food or drinks for humans and animals represents 4,640 employees in full -time equivalent, Or 24 % of regional industrial employment.
This part is twice as high as at the national level (13 %) Due to the slightest industrialization of the island. Employer establishments in agrifood industries are smaller than their counterparts in France (15 jobs per establishment on average against 27 in mainland France). Logically, The sugar industry occupies proportionally ten times more agrifood jobs in Reunion than at the national level, Rum Double. Jobs are on average more stable and better paid than in the private sector as a whole, but less than in mainland France. The decision-making centers of establishments are mainly local : only 21% of jobs belong to outside groups. Reunion companies in these industries generate 1,5 billion euros in turnover on an essentially local market, except for sugar and rum. Their margins depend heavily on aid and subsidies, especially in the processing of meat products and sugar manufacturing. As in France, margins are higher in the alcoholic beverage manufacturing industry, one of the most exporting. In contrast, margin rates are the lowest in the manufacture of dairy products. The study also shows that agrifood industries occupy a preponderant place in the South : 50 % of Reunion's food employment is located there.
