The export potential of French wheat has been undermined by low volume and quality of the crop in 2016. France, the largest wheat exporter in the European Union, is struggling to regain market share.

"The door to the countries of Africa South of the Sahara is now open. The share of French wheat accounted for 80-90% Cameroon, Senegal and côte d'ivoire, now we are losing 20-30% market share in these areas," said Yann Lebeau.

Like North Africa, the customers are attracted by price and quality of Russian wheat. "There are no more concerns about the use of Russian wheat. Millers satisfied with the ratio of price and quality and bakers too happy," he said.

West Africa is one of the main export markets for French wheat, along with Algeria and Morocco.

France has already lost its previous positions in North Africa. Black sea wheat is widely used in Morocco. Wheat from other European countries recaptures market share of Algeria.

The popularity of French wheat from Moroccan millers and the actual exception of the Russian wheat from the Algerian tenders were the main advantages for France.

French exporters will have to aggressively sell the wheat since the beginning of the new season to regain their market share and resist the cheaper black sea wheat, which usually dominates early in the season.

In Egypt, France also faces tough competition from black sea wheat. However, mitigation requirements on the moisture content of imported wheat allowed the French providers to win in recent Egyptian tenders.